Kicking off the 25th anniversary festival this year, the walkway to the Burke Centre Conservancy is being dedicated to former residents of Burke that were victims of the Sept. 11 attack. They were Col. Dennis Johnson and Chuck Sabia, both victims from the Pentagon.
"We'll have a flag raising ceremony," to start the festival, which is Sep. 14-15 at the Burke Centre Conservancy, according to festival organizer Brian Engler. The Burke Veterans of Foreign Wars and a U.S. Army color guard will be at the dedication along with local politicians and the Kings Park band, according to Engler.
In addition, the ceremony will include a Volksmarch — a walk around the trails of Burke. There are two 10-KM routes and a shorter 3.1 mile route as well. All routes will go through festival grounds so walkers will be able to stop and enjoy the festival as well.
"It shows off the Burke Centre area," Engler said.
This year, Virginia wines will be showcased from the Barboursville Vineyard and local wine critique, Michael Franz will provide expertise as well.
On the two stages, local bands that will be playing include Home, Stedfast, The Messengers and Great Expectations. The Robinson Secondary School drill team will also be performing. Last year was the first year a shuttle service operated along Burke Centre Parkway and that will be operating again this year until 6 p.m. on each day.
"That worked very well," Engler added.