High Bridge 10k & Riverside Festival

The heat and humidity could not hold back the runners last Saturday. The second annual High Bridge half-marathon and 5k races were held Saturday morning in Farmville along portions of the High Bridge Trail State Park. Two hundred twenty-one runners participated in the half-marathon that started in downtown Farmville, where the High Bridge Trail crosses Route 45 amid the historic Green Front tobacco warehouses. Another 167 entrants took on the tamer 5k that was run Saturday as well. Runners, ages 17 to 71, toughed it out through the sweltering humidity to run both races, which were part of the Lynchburg Riverside Runners Event Series. A complete list of runners and placing can be found at:  http://www.riversiderunners.com/raceresults.htm

Saturday was also the celebration of the 2nd annual Riverside Festival in Farmville. Situated in the low ground between the Green Front and the Appomattox River, it had tents full of plenty of local crafts, and jewelry either on exhibit or for sale. High Bridge Trails State Park had a tent set up full of information about the Park and the wonderful, old historic bridge that has been an icon of the Farmville area. There was face painting and a bounce castle with a slide for the children as well as local foods. Isaac and Katie Hancock, of Amherst, Virginia, were there with their unique line of locally grown, home canned foods, “Stupid Good Foods.” Music filled the air; it was a good time for all. There was even a beer tent set up for visitors, to help beat the heat. Saturday was a busy day in Farmville. For those of us that did not make it to either the race or the festival, there was plenty to do just exploring the variety of shops that line both sides of Main Street, not to mention the softball tournament on the other end of town. Farmville has changed its face these days. There is always something going on to suit the likes of just about anyone. It is no longer that “sleepy little town in the middle of Virginia.”