. . . now just a memory!

After five (5) solid months of planning, visualizing, forecasting, and coordinating, Louisa's 125th finally happened. Despite the rain that threatened --and followed through in buckets at 4pm Friday-- a good number of people turned out for the exhibits, crafters, merchants, and entertainment. Many more attended Saturday's Opening Ceremonies and the Parade, and were seen around the Town and fairgrounds throughout the day. By all accounts the Anniversary Ball was a perfectly lovely event with music, food, and decorations that struck just the right note.

The 125th Anniversary committee finally saw the results of five months of planning. They, and many others contributed their valuable time and talents, and Greg Ferguson, our Town Manager, above all should be highly and publicly commended for able and diplomatic service far above and beyond any call of duty! Pattie Cooke was a charming and good-spirited committee chair and we look forward to her very talented participation next time. Tom Whitlock smoothly coordinated the Fairgrounds activities.

Many, many thanks to the committee members:

Under very gray skies, our Mayor Gallihugh welcomed nearly all Louisa's elected officials, including Delegate Dickinson, Sen. Houck, Town Council members and mayors past and present, and the County Supervisors. They offered proclamations, remarks, and reminiscences, and Arthur Greene (as a particularly delightful and articulate Patrick Henry) recounted Porter Wright's interesting and amusing History of the Town.

The Parade by many accounts was one of the most interesting we have had for years. Entries that observed the vintage theme were highlights of the parade-- the Central Virginian's 1912 news office, and the KS Club's General Store of the late 19th century. Both won first prizes in their categories.

At the Fairgrounds, many familiar faces among the crafters and merchants were to be seen, and some new additions.

If you were there you'll recognize some of the people and places in these photos, and if you weren't you'll get an idea of what you missed.

Souvenirs such as key chains, pendants , tee shirts, tote bags, and yo-yos were for sale at the main information booth and proved to be quite popular. All we had left by Saturday afternoon were yo-yos and small tee shirts! (Still available at the Town Office.)

What made this celebration so remarkable was the number and quality of the crafts that were demonstrated--it was possible to learn a lot from the many very talented exhibitors.

Particularly interesting hands-on experiences of a variety of early methods of food preservation, spinning, woodworking, and weaving were offered by the Mahones Forge.

In addition, ironwork, spinning and weaving techniques were demonstrated by some of Louisa's own people, Joan Bowman, Carolyn Page, and Tom Trimmer.

The intriguing arts of basket- and fiddle-making were shown to attentive watchers.

The Historical Society put up a wonderful display of documents and artifacts of the early years of Louisa. This was one of the most-visited exhibits at the fairgrounds.

The Friends of the Library offered paperbacks at extraordinary bargains. . .

. . . and the High School Jugglers entertained us throughout the afternoon.

Members of the 23rd Virginia Infantry presented a Living History in front of the Goodwin House, showing us all what life was like on the front lines-- which, not incidentally, ran right through Louisa a fairly short time ago.

The Harkrader Colonial Dancers provided a gracious element to the celebration. The Fort Monroe Country Band offered more contemporary entertainment.

Businesses were there. Our neighbors from Twin Oaks put up their customary highly professional exhibit of hammocks, chairs, and walking sticks.

A wide variety of other products drew many appreciative shoppers.

The High School brought some nice-looking picnic tables for sale at reasonable prices. (There may be some left.)

Louisa's civic groups were well represented. Food was a popular offering-- the Ruritan's burger booth was a big hit as always, and the KS Club bake sale sold out early.

Horse and wagon rides were so busy that the horses must have been glad to have five o'clock come!

More of Louisa's people were there, too.

All in all, it was quite a wonderful celebration. I apologize for all those missed photo ops and attractions and images not presented -- but they'll all be here for the coverage of Louisa's 126th!

Jill Probst
06/98