
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, September 15, 1993                   TAG: 9309150016
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY  
SOURCE: JOANNE ANDERSON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PEMBROKE                                LENGTH: Medium

PEMBROKE'S ON A CELTIC KICK AT ITS HERITAGE FESTIVAL

With the roll of drums, blare of bagpipes and a color guard processional carrying the American flag and flags for Wales, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Pembroke Heritage Festival officially begins. In this small Giles County town of 1,000, the people celebrate both regional and international legacies.

Resident Lee Allen said the festival is presented to "teach our young people what life was like for their ancestors, instill a sense of pride in their heritage, awaken old memories in the adults and foster community spirit."

Appalachian history is displayed in performances by the Appalkids and the cast of "The Long Way Home" outdoor drama. Skill games of strength, accuracy and speed offer challenges for teams competing in wood chopping, apple peeling, pie eating, cross-cut sawing, wood splitting and horseshoes.

Mountain crafts of Southwest Virginia are demonstrated by potters, wood carvers, weavers, quilters, basketmakers and needleworkers throughout the day.

Several of Pembroke's citizens have Scottish and Irish roots - thus the bagpipes and drum band. This year has been designated as "Welsh Year" to honor families of Welsh descent. Several residents have traced ancestors to Wales, and an article about the town's heritage festival has appeared in the newspaper in Cardiff, Wales. Pictures, books, maps and literature from Wales will be on display.

For early risers, an old-time country breakfast replete with biscuits and gravy, buckwheat cakes, grits, country ham and eggs will be served from 7 to 10 a.m. by the Giles High School Athletic Booster Club in the Fire Department's community activities building.

Genealogical information is available at no charge, along with blood-pressure screening, new voter registration and fingerprinting of children. Craft booths are set up at no cost because craftspeople are looked upon as guests.

One artist will produce portraits. A country store will sell jams, jellies and preserves, and slow rides through town can be taken by horse and wagon. Russ Gwaltney, former national marbles champion, will give pointers for playing tournament marbles.

A countywide hymn sing is planned for Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on U.S. 460.

The festival is not a money-maker. Sponsored by the Heritage Civic Association Ltd., it costs about $2,000. But there is no admission charge or fee to participate. Allen said: "We think it's worth the effort."

Memo: ***CORRECTION***

by CNB