One of Waynesboro, Virginia’s most anticipated annual events is soon to occur on July 13, 2013—the Summer Extravaganza at Ridgeview Park. It is a day full of “good music, great food, an arts & craft show, family entertainment and a fantastic fireworks display to close out the evening.”
So, you may be wondering about the origins of this celebrated Extravaganza. (Even if you’re not wondering this, I plan to tell you anyway.) The Extravaganza began solely as an arts and crafts fair with a few vendors offering refreshments. In the 1980s, organizers partnered with the Kiwanis Club to create a larger event. “The event grew to attract even more visitors in the 1990’s, when they added children’s carnival rides. Today, it has become one of the Shenandoah Valley’s biggest summer events” (Cabin Creek Wood).
Current Extravaganza activities commence at 8 a.m. with a 10k race and a 5k race/walk, and if you’re interested in participating, registration is still open.
At 10 a.m., the Arts & Crafts Show begins, and you will find everything from handmade jewelry to clothing to wood crafts to toys for the kids. Other activities throughout the day include a variety of live bands at the amphitheater, dancers at the Woodland Shelter, a children’s art table, and face painting.
The day concludes with everyone’s favorite activity, a lively show of fireworks that flash and echo across the entire city. The fireworks begin approximately 9:45 p.m., and they’re visible from most areas of Ridgeview Park, so you should have a good view no matter where you choose to camp out.
Note: Because of the Extravaganza’s family-friendly atmosphere, alcoholic beverages aren’t permitted in the park. You’ll just have to return to the Iris Inn to partake in your libations. 
Photo by Waynesboro.va.us