The 2002 Heart of Virginia festival was hit with some of the most unfortunate weather it has seen in many years. Thankfully there was no repeat of the severe weather that ripped through Farmville on the Thursday night before the festival but by the end of the festival day it had been well and truly rained out.

Things started off fairly nice if a little chilly but by early afternoon the first wave of rain had chased off some of the vendors and a few of the attendees. It let off for a short while and many had stayed to enjoy what remained. Unfortunately as the downtown portion of the festival drew to a close a second wave of rain came over and this rain didn't back off all night. The two bands at the airport made gallant efforts but there was hardly anyone there to watch and the fireworks had to be canceled.

For more miscellaneous photographs from throughout the day Select this link ...

Prince Edward County Middle School Chorus

Old School Freight Train

At 10.00 a.m. on Saturday morning, the opening ceremony was held at the Downtown Stage. Throughout the day visitors to the stage were treated to performances from the Prince Edward County Middle School Chorus, country music singer Glen Shelton, and Old School Freight Train.

For more details on the downtown stage including more pictures Select this link ...

Earlier in the morning at Hampden-Sydney college the Heart of Virginia 10K Run.

For more details on the 10K Run including pictures and full list of the winners Select this link ...

The Art Show

Silent Scorn

The Art Show saw a very successful addition to its cultural section with a showcase for young local acts on the bicentennial stage. Promising young artists from the local area got a chance to perform, mostly to an audience of their peers as this aspect of the festival proved very popular with young adults. The craft show just continues to grow with every year. There were 74 crafters at the 2002 festival. All kinds of crafts were available and several of the artists offered demonstrations.

For more details on the Art Show and Cultural Events including pictures and full list of the winners Select this link ...

For more details on the Craft Show including more pictures Select this link ...

Children's Art Workshop

Ocean Encounters

The Children's festival saw the welcome return of Cody and BJ and magician Walter Glod as well as a fantastic new addition in Ocean Encounters. As per usual there was a wonderful Art Workshop for children.

For more details on the Children's Festival including pictures Select this link ...

Unfortunately there is not much to say about Saturday Night except pretty much everyone who made it out to the airport got well and truly drenched. A plucky few stuck it out as the second band U.S. took to the stage and did a great job of rocking in adverse conditions. They deserve kudos for getting in the spirit and getting the handful of people watching jumping up and down to some rock classics.

For some photos from Saturday Night Concert Select this link ...

Please come and join us again in 2003 which will be the 25th anniversary of the Heart of Virginia Festival. We are already planning some very exciting things and will be working hard over the next year to make it the best and biggest ever. Check back here on the website for news on the developments.

List of all the links to pages covering the 2002 Heart of Virginia Festival

• 10-K Run
• Art Show and Cultural Events
• Crafts Show
• Children's Festival

• Downtown Stage
• Miscellaneous
• Saturday Night