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Saturday, June 30

Ghost Fleet: The Isle of Wight County Museum in Smithfield will host a lecture at 11 a.m. on the history of the James River Reserve Fleet, also referred to as the Ghost Fleet. This is the story of the anchorage of the National Defense Reserve Fleet located on the James River at Fort Eustis. It is the oldest of the original eight fleet sites and currently one of three still in operation. The museum is located at 103 Main St., Smithfield. For details, call 356-1223 or visit www.historicisleofwight.com

Treasures & Trades Show: The Carrsville Ruritan Club will host this in the community center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents are wanted to share their homemade crafts and goodies, or who are wanting to clean out their attics and share/sell their treasures. Vendors will include Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Lula Roe, Thirty-One, Paparazzi and Scentsy. Estate and antique items also for sale. There will also be food hot from the kitchen, drinks and baked goods. To reserve a table for indoor ($25, but nearly sold out) or outdoor ($15,) contact Paula Apperson at admiralappy@msn.com. Leave your name, phone number and what you would like to set up. We will contact you to get your table reserved. Or send us a message on Facebook. Bring your own table and tens.

Olden Days Festival: Make plans to visit Smithfield for this annual festival on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Includes a car show, live music, entertainment, children’s activities, a food court, vendors and a raft race. For more information, call 357-5182 or visit https://www.genuinesmithfieldva.com/smithfield-olden-days-festival.html.

Religion and the American Revolution: Historic St. Luke’s Church will host this lecture by John Ericson at 1 p.m. The lecture will focus on the relationship between religion and the American Revolution, and how clergy entered the political sphere, causing both patriots and loyalists to interpret the conflict through the lens of their faith. Tickets are $15. Seating is limited, so advance ticket purchase is encouraged. Light refreshments will be provided. Tickets may be purchased at: http://historicstlukes.org/event/religion-american-revolution-lecture/. The church is located at 14477 Benn’s Church Blvd., Smithfield.

 

Tuesday, July 3/Wednesday, July 4

Fireworks: Isle of Wight County will host two fireworks shows in celebration of the Fourth of July. The first will be on Tuesday, July 3 at Clontz Park in Smithfield. The second will be on Wednesday, July 4 at Windsor High School. The American Fireworks Company will be displaying both fireworks shows and all shows will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. or dark. For more information, contact Jenilee Hallman at 376-0316.

Member recognition: American Legion Post 49 retiring commander Pat Connolly and incoming commander Bob Hannon encourage all current members of the Post and the Auxiliary and their guests to attend. There will be a cookout at the Legion Post, 818 S. Church St., Smithfield, from 3 to 7 p.m. There will be a ceremony and a presentation of certificates recognizing those who have over 35 years of membership in the American Legion. All qualified veterans (for eligibility see https://www.members.legion.org/) are also invited to join us for this event, and learn how your American Legion is supporting the community and helping veterans.

 

Friday, July 6

IW Arts League Members Show: The opening reception for the Isle of Wight Arts League Open Members’ Show will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Come out and meet the artists. Peoples’ choice award voting will take place by paper ballot in the gallery throughout the month of July. The exhibit will be on display daily July 1 through Aug. 25. For more information, call the Arts Center at 357-7707 or visit smithfieldarts.org. The Arts Center is located at 319 Main St., downtown Smithfield.

 

Saturday, July 7

First Saturdays Artisan Market: Local artisans with unique specialties in scented candles, wearable art, stained glass, oil paintings, herbal soaps, jewelry, quilts, metal art, handcrafted pens, turned wood, pottery, Native American art, photography, folk art, repurposed furniture, Native American tacos, craft demonstrations. This month, the Foster Spain Band will perform folk, fusion and jazz. The Nottoway Tribe of Virginia History Interpretive Exhibit is also available for view. This takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gallery 1606, corner of Highway 58 and Main Street, 18001 Southampton Parkway. Reservations are required for free vendor space. Free admission. Free parking. For further information, email gallery1606@gmail.com or call 434 658-4454.

 

Monday, July 9

JuliARTte Summer Youth Art Camp: Youth ages 10-17 will enjoy a different project each day. Supplies are included in the fee of $35 per day or $150 for the week. The camp will be in The Arts Center, 319 Main St., downtown Smithfield, from 9 a.m. to noon and continuing through Friday, July 13. For more information or to pre-register, call 357-7707.

 

Friday, July 13

Bethlehem Jam: Dianne Gwaltney and The Smithfield Edition Band will perform from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Bethlehem Ruritan Club House, 140 Manning Road, Suffolk. No admission charge, but donations to the tip jar go to the band so please give generously. Soft drinks, BBQ, hot dogs, snacks and desserts will be available for purchase. For more information, call 617-5955.

 

Saturday, July 14

Downtown Smithfield Pickers Market: Held the second Saturday of each month from April through October from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Joyner Field net to the Visitor’s Center at 319 Main St., this is a great place to treasure hunt. For more information, call 375-3031.

 

Wednesday, July 18

BBQ, fried chicken fundraiser: The Ivor Volunteer Rescue Squad will have a BBQ and Fried Chicken Dinner Fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Ivor Rescue Squad building, 35476 General Mahone Blvd. The dinners, which cost $10 per plate and are take-out only, will include BBQ, fried chicken, slaw, buttered potatoes and hush puppies, catered by Leon Nixon Catering. Tickets available at The Hair Station, Ivor Furniture Company, Carquest in Wakefield and from any rescue squad member or board member.

 

Friday, July 27

Bethlehem Jam: Randy Grigg and the Flatland Bluegrass Country Band will perform from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Bethlehem Ruritan Club House, 140 Manning Road, Suffolk. No admission charge, but donations to the tip jar go to the band so please give generously. Soft drinks, BBQ, hot dogs, snacks and desserts will be available for purchase. For more information, call 617-5955.