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

DATE: SUNDAY, October 1, 1995                   TAG: 9510020139
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

AROUND NEW RIVER

FORT CHISWELL - Collectors, crafts people and American history buffs will be part of the annual Blue Ridge Heritage Festival at the Factory Merchants Mall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.

Virginia's Southwest Blue Ridge Highlands Association, a regional tourism group, is joining the mall in co-sponsoring the event. It will focus this year on the Revolutionary War and Civil War, with antiques and authentic memorabilia from both periods and some items available for sale.

There is no charge to collectors or dealers who want to display or sell their wares. They are asked to bring their own tables.

Scheduled events during the day include a Revolutionary War living history encampment created by the Wilderness Road Muzzleloaders of Wytheville, and guided tours of the historic McGavock Cemetery. The mall parking lot will be the festival site.

The mall can be reached by taking Exit 80 from Interstate 81 and turning onto Factory Merchants Drive. Further information is available by calling Janet Blair, mall manager, at 637-6214 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Crusade for Christ

WYTHEVILLE - A four-day Crusade for Christ sponsored by the Methodist Churches of Wythe County will start at 7 p.m. tonight in the George Wythe High School auditorium.

Guest preacher is H. Eddie Fox, author and evangelist. There is also a 100-voice choir, the Junaluska Singers, under the direction of Glenn Draper, with Bryan Underwood and Dorothy Repass of Wythe County at the keyboard. Child care is provided for children ages 2-6.

The crusade continues through Wednesday, each night at 7 p.m.