Coming Events: The Shenandoah Autumnfest

Mark your calendar for this one: October 2.

Autumn is a big time for festivals. I’m excited about the Saint Leonard Volunteer Fire Department Seafood, Beer, and Bourbon Festival on September 11 this year. But this one is special. It’s in the Shenandoah Valley, so there will, of course, be the grilled chicken for which the Valley is famous — similar to the Volunteer Fire Department chicken you pick up on the Delmarva peninsula on the way to and from the beach. That’s some outstanding chicken, especially at Autumnfest where there’ll be a chicken competition.

But that’s not the big headline. The Autumnfest this year will include whole hog cooked over wood coals!

That’s right. For one day, at least, you won’t have to drive all the way to Eastern North Carolina for a taste of one of the world’s greatest foods. And you can watch them cooking and pulling the meat, and chat with the pitmasters about it all.

The addition of whole hog barbecue is a product of a resurgence of traditional Virginia barbecue led by Southern Grit magazine (see this article) which is based in Hampton Roads. You may have read Deb Freeman’s recent Southern Foodways Alliance, here, and you’ll remember “Fitz” Fitzwater from my post on The Original Ronnie’s.

There will be other attractions, including over 35 craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries offering tastings, along with food trucks, arts and crafts, and classic cars — and a log splitting contest.

The Autumnfest will take place at the Shenandoah Fairgrounds in Woodstock on October 2. That’s Exit 283 off I-81, 300 Fairgrounds Road, right by Shenandoah Downs, so you’ll be able to saunter over and watch some harness racing. Full details are here.

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