Happy Birthday, Botetourt!

Saturday, Botetourt County held the opening event for its 250th birthday. The event was charming and totally Botetourt County in its tone. It was inclusive, patriotic, and it spoke to both our past and our present. The 250th anniversary committee, comprised of Donna Vaughn of Eagle Rock, Lois Switzer and Angela Coon, both from Fincastle, and Wendy Wingo of Blue Ridge, did an outstanding job in coordinating not only this effort but also in helping me put the county's 250th celebratory magazine together.

The program for the event.

Inside of the program.

 

 

The event was held at the Lord Botetourt High School auditorium.



It was a full house. By the time the event started, it was standing room only.

Brent Watts was master of ceremonies. He is the Chief Meteorologist at WDBJ7.

 

The Sheriff's Department and Botetourt County Fire and EMS Departments presented the flag, and Boy Scout Troop
211 of Daleville led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Teresa Hamm, right, sang the National Anthem

Students from Cloverdale and Troutville Elementary Schools sang patriotic songs.

Virginia House of Delegate Terry Austin gave a speech. He used to be a member of the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors.

The combined choirs of Rising Mount Zion Baptist Church and Lapsley Run Baptist Church rocked the house.

The Anniversary Address by the Honorable Malfourd "Bo" Trumbo, retired Circuit Court judge and former Virginia State Senator, addressed the county's history and explained how we really are, as Robert Douthat Stoner named his book, "The Seedbed of the Republic."



David Austin & Friends sang the 250th Anniversary Song, which they wrote. The song is called "Where My Home and My Heart Meet."

 

This is the cover of the official 250th anniversary magazine.

There were additional displays in the cafeteria, along with punch and birthday cake. The magazine wasn't given out until the end, because the Sestercentennial Committee didn't want people leafing through the magazine during the event ceremonies. I gave out the magazine and many folks asked me to sign a copy. Because I was busy I didn't get to see the other displays in the cafeteria.

I thought this was a very good event and a great start to our year-long celebration.

Happy birthday, Botetourt!