by Claudia A. Whitworth
“Heroes Today/History Tomorrow” was the theme of the 18th Annual Warren Street Festival held Friday and Saturday, Aug. 17-18 under the Big Tent at the Farmer’s Market on Franklin Street in Rocky Mount, VA.
The historic event kicked off with a letter of congratulations to Festival originator Darlene Swain from Rocky Mount Town Council Mayor Steven C. Angle and Vice Mayor Billie W. Stockton.
The first Festival was held the third weekend in August 2000 on the Market and up Warren Street. This year’s 18th Annual Warren Street Festival paid homage to Eleanor Woods, “The Little Engine” that pushed the train–(who sadly passed away in March of 2000, five months before the first Festival was held); and especially to Darlene Swain, the primary motivator still keeping its journey on track while celebrating the unique cultural and racial diversity of the commuity.
This year’s Festival began at 5pm on Friday and featured the Warren Street Dancers, a Gospel Show featuring the Disciplaires of Danville, VA and a Back-to-School Party with DJ Bernie Mac (AKA David Mattox).
Saturday began with breakfast at 8am featuring guest speakers James H. Swain of Atlanta, GA and Festival Grand Marshall, Capt. Norman E. Gray, Sr. of Richmond, VA.
Swain is the son of James Swain of Franklin County and Alice Blake Swain of Bedford. His grandparents were John Jasper and Ethel Dickerson Swain of Hardy, VA and Henry B. and Hattie Blake of Bedford. Capt. Gray is a 29-year veteran of the Virginia State Police (VSP, joining in 1989 with his first trooper assignment in Division 1 Richmond, VA, moving through the ranks to Captain in 2018, taking command of the newly formed Bureau of Criminal Investigation, BCI-Support Services Division.
The honoree was 90-year-old Dorothy Cundiff of the Retail Merchants Assn. who was instrumental in helping with festival logistics in its first year–and has been with the town since 1953. Saturday also included best antique car and numerous other competitions including Hansomest Man (won by Freeman Muse) and Prettiest Legs (won by Queen Martin.
Several gospel, hip hop and rhythm & blues groups also performed culminating later that evening with a “Prom Night” competition for ladies and gentlemen from Lee Waid Training School-–wearing prom dresses and suits (or photos thereof).
Saturday’s agenda also included entertainment by Kerisene Willy of Rocky Mount; the Smokestack Lightnin’ Blues Band of Snow Creek, VA , “Kemistry” and “M-Pact Your Life Ministries” from Roanoke. The evening ended with “Prom Night for Lee Waid Training School alumni between 9-10:30pm.
Congratulations to winners of the numerous contests held that included, Best antique car; Prettiest Woman; Prettiest Legs; Most Handsome Man– and the list goes on and on…
A variety of foods representative of different nationalities was also available for purchase-–with the damp, intermittent showers having little, if any effect upon the fabulous 18th Annual Warren Street Festival!
You can be sure that all will be awaiting–the 19th Annual Warren Street Festival Next Year!
