Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 22, 1994 TAG: 9411030004
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: W14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS
DATELINE: NEW CASTLE LENGTH: Medium
Bob Kibler, a member of the Craig County Historical Society, said at least $1,000 is needed to paint the hotel on the outside, including the roof. He said the group has some money in hand but not nearly enough to complete the job.
Kibler said donations can be given to him or any member of the Historical Society or sent to Farmers & Merchants Bank, P.O. Box 399, New Castle, for deposit in the society's special account 4049 and designated for "paint and labor."
Restoration of the Brick Hotel is a special project of the Historical Society. The fall festival was begun in 1983 by the society to raise money for that purpose.
Jane Johnston, a member of the society's board, said the society raises between $5,000 and $6,000 each year at the festival. The society has renovated much of the interior and has opened a craft shop, a museum room and a display bedroom in the period of the 1840s, when the hotel was built.
The hotel's kitchen and dining room were renovated some years ago and now serve meals on special occasions - the Fall Festival being one. As is customary, the hotel's dining room will serve breakfast and lunch during the festival.
The festival, which usually attracts about 5,000 people, will be held in downtown New Castle from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Johnston said there will be craft booths and entertainment all day - rock, top 40, gospel and bluegrass music along with dance-class performances by children and teenagers. There will be tours of the hotel, a display of antique cars and a living-history group.
Several items will be raffled, including a quilt and gun by the Historical Society and a pickup truck by the Rocket Booster Club to benefit the athletic program at Craig County High School.
by CNB