Holly Point Art and Seafood Festival

It is hard to imagine that, from its humble beginnings five years ago, the Holly Point Art & Seafood Festival in Deltaville is set to blossom into a major Middle Peninsula event on Saturday, October 11, from 10 to 4. Last year saw crowds estimated at 4,000; this year, expect another block-busting attendance record.

And the reason is simple: more festivities, more activities, and more attractions highlighting our vibrant local community. There will be so much to do that you almost need a guide to help you navigate your way through the events of the day. Here's what you need to see and do:

The Main Event

Over 60 artists and craftsmen will be exhibiting their creations and marketing their wares. Most every type of medium for artistic expression will be represented, from paintings to pottery, from glass to wood, from steel to copper.

Entertainment for the Kids

Blackbeard's Crew, pirate re-enactors, a living history group based out of Hampton, Virginia, will fascinate kids of all ages with portrayals of the life and times of pirates along the East Coast and Chesapeake Bay in the early 18th Century.

And down in the Children's Garden, kids will construct their own model boats and delight in the display of miniature trains courtesy of a group from the Deltaville Train Club.

Food, Food, and More Food

Few will be able to resist the tantalizing smell of food freshly prepared, wafting through the crisp October air. Bill Powell, practiced event Chef, will spearhead the preparation of a variety of delicacies from the sea, as well as our popular Eastern Carolina Bar-B-Q plate at the new Museum Kitchen Pavilion. Our "Galley" Court includes the exotic coffee blends of Coffee Creations of Deltaville as well as their famous Seafood Gumbo. Get it early! It goes quick!

We round out our food offerings with the Duke and Moore Families of Deltaville with hot dogs for kids of all ages, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and funnel cakes for those of you with a sweet tooth. Bottled soft drinks, water, and sweetened and unsweetened iced tea, are also available.

Food is served from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On the Waterfront

Stroll the pier and scope the restoration in progress of the historic 9-log buyboat, F.D. Crockett. There you will also view the Maritime Museum's John Smith shallop, Explorer, the roving Deltaville ambassador that has made multiple appearances at Jamestown 400 events around Virginia throughout this anniversary year. Adventurous souls may accept an invitation to take a turn at her massive sweeps to propel the shallop upon the waters of Jackson Creek. Others will simply enjoy the ride, viewing the spectacular autumn bayscape while appreciating the labored efforts of the oarsmen.

Explore the Gardens

Holly Point Nature Park is famous for its gardens, the Children's Garden, the Nature Walk Azalea & Sculpture Garden, and Bubba, the Wildflower Garden. And new this year is the Lindsey Memorial Camellia Garden and Living Shoreline Project, a buffer zone created by Middlesex Master Gardeners to demonstrate environmentally and aesthetically sensitive methods of coastline preservation.

Don't Forget the Museum

Each year, the Museum and its collections expand and improve. Dedicated to the glory days of boatbuilding in this Middlesex community, check out all the new old stuff in the halls of the museum as well as the impressive collection of vintage watercraft on the surrounding grounds.

And Vintage Cars, Too!

A special feature this year will be an antique car show sponsored by Deltaville Auto & Marine, the local NAPA store in Deltaville. So come and reminisce about the good old days on our highways, byways, and meandering country roads.