Some 6,000 - 8,000 residents and visitors are expected on Abingdon’s Plumb Alley on Saturday, May 27, 2017 when the Kiwanis Club holds its 35th Annual Plumb Alley Day.  The festival, rated one of the largest one-day events in this Southeast, runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

            In the heart of the town’s historic district, Plumb Alley is the shaded picturesque alley that runs between Main and Valley Streets.  The Day features yard sales, food, music, a dance performance, children’s activities, and a massive yard sale sponsored by the Kiwanis Club.  In addition, more than 175 vendors will sell pottery, art, photographs, crafts, jewelry, antiques, and innumerable other items. 

 A completed application form with payment must be received prior to May 15,2017 before a space can be assigned. Returning vendors will be given first priority on the spaces they had last year until April 25, 2017. After that spaces will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis. Vendors are strongly encouraged to set up their booths on Friday night after 5 p.m., and then enjoy one of Abingdon’s many fine restaurants. 

            The Day begins with a salute to veterans and the raising of the American flag at 9:00 a.m.  During the Day, entertainment includes a strolling magician and a variety of other entertainment throughout the alley. 

At 10 a.m., a sidewalk art contest for children begins in the parking lot of the Washington County Courthouse.  Children will compete in three different age categories. Also at 10 a.m. the Appalachian Highlanders Pipes and Drums will pipe their way down the Alley.  

            The festival is confined to Plumb Alley between Cummings Street and Court Street.  People should park on Main or Valley Streets, or in one of the Town’s several parking lots. 

The Alley’s three cross streets, Pecan, Church and College Streets, will be closed to public vehicle traffic at 8:00 a.m., with barricades at the Valley and Main Street ends.  Vendors with identification will be able to use those streets to unload their vehicles, but only until 8:30 a.m.  The purpose of the change is to make the four-block Alley a pedestrian-only mall where people can wander safely and comfortably.

            “The purpose of the Day is to generate funds to support numerous organizations that promote the health, education and welfare of children,” said Plumb Alley chairperson J.W. Hornsby.  “All of the proceeds from booth rents and the $1 or $2 donation we ask of those who attend, are donated back to programs in Abingdon and Washington County to benefit children."

                       Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time, with 600,000 members in more than 90 countries.