The 68th Annual Vinton Dogwood Festival. In 1956, the Vinton Band Boosters saw the need for new uniforms for the William Byrd High School band. To finance the project, the band boosters sold small dogwood trees. The idea caught on and fun-loving Vintonites parlayed the sale of the dogwoods into a community project that culminated in a festival. The following year, Vinton Town Council and the town citizens decided to make it an annual event, and the Vinton Dogwood Festival was born.

Invitations were sent to out-of-town bands, while businesses and organizations around Vinton made plans for floats they would enter in the parade. By 1959, the public clamor for "bigger and better" festivals compelled organizers to search for additional funds and contributions. Town Council came up with $500 and the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce kicked in $750.

The Vinton Woman's Club donated $100, and individuals pledged various amounts to the festival, which became a huge success, drawing more than 10,000 people to the parade. By the time the 1960 festival rolled around, it took more than 800 people to put on the show, and 600 of them were school children.

And so it has grown. As a nonprofit, community-focused organization, Vinton Dogwood Festival, Inc., provides family entertainment for the community while promoting the Town of Vinton and businesses in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

The Vinton Dogwood Festival Committee puts in countless hours to stage the event, and collaborates with local organizations and area nonprofits. The festival is funded entirely by donations, sponsorships, and fundraising events, along with fees from concessions, vendors, and carnival.

The 68th Annual Vinton Dogwood Festival springs into action in Downtown Vinton. Festivities from 10 am to 4 pm will include over 90 craft and business showcase vendors, free Kids' Zone, a free Teen Space with a variety of activities, an antique car show, street entertainment, virtual reality area, oversize games, and festival foods.  Festival entertainment includes jazz, bluegrass, country, dance and more.  Also, the Vinton Dogwood Festival Queen will be crowned and ride with her court in the annual parade taking place at 2:30 pm.  The Friday night concert beginning at 6:30 pm will feature a modern country and rock band and beverage garden at the Vinton Farmers' Market.

Schedule of Events:

Parade: 2:30pm

Vinton Town Stage:
12:00pm: Crowning of the Dogwood Queen - Floyd Boone

Farmers Market Stage:
10:00am- William Byrd High School Jazz Band
10:30am- Mish Moves Dance Co.
11:00am- Lets Dance Band
11:30am- Hoppie Vaughn
12:15pm- Lets Dance Band
1:00pm- Defy Gravity Cheer
1:15pm- Terry and Raymond Duo

Vinton Baptist Stage:
Jimmy Wilson and Friends

Thrasher UMC Parking Lot:
10:00am-2:00pm- AACA Antique Car Show

Street Performers:
Christian Yeah Yeah Thompson

Date: April 29, 2023

Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm

Cost: Free

Location: Vinton Farmers Market, 204 West Lee Avenue, Vinton, VA 24179

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