Priscilla Richardson

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Tomorrow in Fincastle you're invited to the huge 400th birthday party for the entire state of Virginia, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. So don't blink as you read this or you might miss some detail. There's so much, it does not even all fit into this one column.

The organizers of this free bash call it Fincastle Heritage Day, to celebrate the life led by earlier Virginians. And all four towns in the county are taking part: Buchanan, Eagle Rock and Troutville, as well as Fincastle. Things will get crowded. So as you drive to Fincastle tomorrow morning, remember that the free parking will be at Breckinridge Elementary School, where you will take a shuttle bus. The public lots in town are reserved for the handicapped. Churches with parking areas will charge fees. But for the Gather to Gavel auction, starting at 6 p.m., you can use free on-street parking near the Kyle House.

Now, the reasons for going.

You already know about the adult art and crafts show that will spread out around the courthouse. Those artists will be joined by the entries in the children's art contest, with work interpreting history and freedom. Then, scattered around town you'll see heritage crafters demonstrating their skills. Don't miss Bryan Fritts, the blacksmith, forging iron at the Wysong Blacksmith Shop across from the courthouse. You can also watch a weaver, a group of potters, Fincastle's Porter Caldwell making copper pots and his wife, Faye Caldwell, doing tatting. A lacemaker, quilter and maker of soap will also display their skills.

Then, to see the work of many different quiltmakers, go to the lower level of the United Methodist Church's Family Center. There you'll see a display of between 50 and 60 quilts, and you may vote for the best one. Stan and Carolyn Nelson, proprietors of the Trinity Quilt Shop, are offering cash prizes for the winners you pick.

Quiltmakers will be competing in the Jamestown 400 Charm category. These are quilts in which a maker uses 400 different fabrics but only one shape. "It could be a triangle, hexagon, apple core, circle or so forth," Carolyn Nelson said, "but every piece of the quilt has to be the same shape and size. Women used to gather small pieces of fabric and then share them around until they had the number they wanted to make a quilt."

The show also will feature antique quilts, along with a general Jamestown commemorative category for newly made ones. You can try your own hand at quilting and watch demonstrations.

The courthouse, Botetourt Historical Society History Museum and Fincastle Museum will all be open with different exhibits. In its community room, the Fincastle Public Library will show oral history movies continuously during the day. These showcase local people talking about life in Botetourt during the 1930s and '40s.

For those who prefer to visit their history, there will be two alternatives. Go to the Fincastle town tent near the courthouse to join guided walking tours. Edgar Mayse will introduce you to the town's old buildings and their significance. Tours start at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and cost $8 for an adult, $15 for a couple, and children 12 and under go free.

You can go over a different route with the guides on the horse-drawn carriage tours. These start at 10 a.m., leaving the Early cabin every half-hour until 4 p.m. The cost is $5 a seat, so if you can put your child on your lap, there's no extra charge.

Back at the Early cabin, Gret Kidd will give herb talks during the day inside. And outside, there will be an encampment of Revolutionary War re-enactors. Near the Kyle House, from noon until 5 p.m. there will be a wine tasting tent featuring Botetourt wines, $5 a person. You get a commemorative glass as long as the supply lasts, too.

On the porch of the courthouse and near the wine tent, you can see and hear three different bands playing heritage music. Food vendors will circulate around town, and the Fat Cat and Latte Cafe will be open.

So if you're as confused as I am, there will be maps, signs and people to help direct you all around the town.

Happy birthday, Virginia!

For more information, call 473-3077, or go to hisfin.org. No admission charge; event goes on rain or shine.