By Ryan Lytle
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The Fourth of July weekend may have come and gone, but there are still plenty of events that will make this weekend a memorable one in Loudoun.
Poetry Slam
A bookstore is the place to be this Friday evening.
Books and Crannies, an independent bookstore in Middleburg, is hosting a poetry slam from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A poetry slam is defined as "the competitive art of performance poetry," and contestants will be judged on the quality of their work, as well as the performance that goes along with it.
Everyone has an opportunity to read in the first round, but the following rounds will be determined by the judge's scores.
Poets are asked to have at least three poems ready to perform.
Those wanting to perform will be arranged into categories, ages 8 to 12, 13 to 18 and 19 and older.
Books and Crannies is located at 19 E. Washington St., in Middleburg.
Call 540-687-6677 for more information and a registration form, or send an e-mail to genie@booksandcrannies.com.
DC's Wine Country Food and Wine Festival
If looking for a more relaxed and laid-back event, the Virginia Food and Wine Foundation is hosting their first annual DC's Wine Country Food and Wine Festival Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Whitehall Manor in Bluemont.
Included in the festival are tastings from 20 different Loudoun wineries.
In addition to great wines, the food options include a buffet dinner in the Manor house as well as picnic cuisine options.
There will also be demonstrations in the art of chocolate making and glass blowing, as well as live music to enjoy with your wine.
Mini wine seminars from Sommelier Mary Watson will be held every 30 minutes to enhance the wine tasting experience throughout the evening.
The Wine Tasting Pavilion will be open from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission costs $30, which includes wine tasting and a souvenir wine glass. Costs for other perks vary.
Whitehall Manor is located at 18301 Whitehall Estate Lane in Bluemont.
For festival details, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.VAFoodandWine.org.
Lucketts Rodeo
The modern-day cowboys are coming to town this Saturday at the Chapel View Farm in Leesburg for the second annual Lucketts Rodeo.
Sponsored by the Lucketts Community Center Advisory Board and hosted by Twisted K Rodeo Productions, the event includes bull riding, barrel races, calf roping, "mutton-bustin'," pony rides and a petting zoo.
"Last year we had about 35 or 40 cowboys (for bull riding), so we are expecting at least that many this year," said Chapel View Farms Owner Lisa Snooks.
There will also be a competition for the best dressed cowboy and cowgirl at the event.
The rodeo will take place rain or shine, and begins at 7:30 p.m. Gates will be open at 5 p.m., though.
Admission is $10, but free for children eight years of age or younger.
Chapel View Farm is located at 14290 Chapel Fane in Leesburg.
For more information on the rodeo, call 703-431-9578.
Bluemont Summer Concerts
Finish the weekend off with the bluegrass sounds of Gold Heart, this Sunday at Dodona Manor.
Gold Heart, from Northern Virginia, is a creative young bluegrass band that features the distinctive talents of the Gold family.
"They're really interested in the old, pure form of bluegrass," said Bluemont President Peter Dunning. "They do a very nice job."
This will be the third Bluemont Summer Concert performance since moving the venue to Dodona Manor, from the Leesburg courthouse.
"Dodona has had a fairly low profile in the community and they really wanting more outreach," Dunning said. "It's been a really nice place to do a concert."
The concert begins at 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 for general admission, $4 for Bluemont Friends and seniors and $2 for children ages 11 and younger.
Dodona Manor is located at 217 Edwards Ferry Rd., in Leesburg.
In case of rain, the event will be moved to Smart’s Mill Middle School at 850 N. King St., in Leesburg.
For more information, call (540) 338-4640 or go to www.bluemont.org.
Copyright 2009 The Washington Post Company