365 Things to Do in Charlottesville: Dogwood Festival

Last night, as my kids slept, I sat working in my den. I heard that distant roar of thunder… again and again and again. And after just a few thunderclaps I remembered what time of year it is. It’s time for the annual Dogwood Festival. I’m sorry that I didn’t write this post two days ago so folks who didn’t remember – like me – could have set aside the time for the fireworks display over McIntire Park.

But, just because the fireworks are over, doesn’t mean you missed the Festival. Not by a long shot. When you have 61 years of history of throwing a festival like the Dogwood Festival, you do much more than set off a few bottle rockets.201004150116.jpg

Top on the list for the kids is of course the Carnival – which of course means oh-so-healthy funnel cakes and endlessly spinning tea cups. The key here is to go on an “arm band day” which are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Arm bands equate to unlimited rides for $20 per child which is far better than buying the tickets and running out early in the evening.

Yesterday, before the fireworks was a BBQ competition, and while you may have missed that round of Pork, you haven’t missed the Chicken Cook Off. On Thursday, April 22 the pit masters will return for grilled chicken. Food starts serving around 5:30 and IT WILL RUN OUT. When you does, so does your luck.

Lots of other events from a Pro-Am golf tournament to a fashion show to the Queens Ball on the 24th. But, other than the fireworks, the highlight takes place all around downtown on the 24th, when the Dogwood Festival Parade travels down Market and High Streets with school bands and much much more. The parade starts a tad before 11:00, but you will want to be in place before that.

Enjoy the Festival, and check back with the Nest Report frequently for more of 365 Things to Do in Charlottesville.

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Keith Davis is an Associate Broker and a Founding Partner with Nest Realty. He writes at DirtAroundGrounds.

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