THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 29, 1995 TAG: 9511280128
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ALLISON T. WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
This weekend, more than 3,000 people are expected to descend upon the town for a dose of old-fashioned holiday shopping and traditional fun at the 7th Annual Christmas in Smithfield.
The antiques show and sale, tour of historic buildings and candlelight tours of two restored homes in Smithfield's historic downtown highlight the activities sponsored by the Spirit of Smithfield, says Brad Face, spokesman for the organization.
The weekend's events kick off more than a week of holiday festivities sponsored by other organizations in town: a Christmas arts and crafts show, breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the Christmas parade and a Virginia Symphony concert.
The surge of people from across Hampton Roads into Smithfield is just what the founders of the Spirit of Smithfield had in mind when they created Christmas in Smithfield.
``We wanted people to come in and see what Smithfield has to offer,'' Face says. ``That's what the Spirit of Smithfield intended for this event to do.''
In fact, that's the whole reason the organization exists.
The Spirit of Smithfield was formed in 1987 by a small group of citizens who believe tourism is the key to this tiny historic town's future.
``We all felt Smithfield could be shown to others as a charming, unusual town, and that downtown's future depended on the success or failure of bringing tourists into town,'' Face says.
The Spirit of Smithfield also started Olden Days, a two-day street festival held in downtown Smithfield each spring. Last year, an estimated 10,000 people turned out for the event, which is now sponsored by the Isle of Wight Tourism Bureau, Face says.
The organization's first antique show in December 1987 drew 600 people, he says, and about half that many people toured the historic building decorated for the holidays that year.
Last year, Face says, about 2,000 people attended the antique show and 1,000 went on the home tour.
This year's antique show has grown to include more than 40 dealers from as far away as Maine and Florida, Face says. The show, at Smithfield High School, will feature a variety of antiques, including furniture, coins, toys and books. ILLUSTRATION: File photo
A tour of historic buildings on Saturday will include St. Luke's
Church, above, the Boykin House, Henning Nelms House and the
Goodrich House.
AT A GLANCE
[For a list of activities scheduled over the holidays, see microfilm
for this date.]
by CNB