The 40th annual Abingdon Kiwanis Plumb Alley Day is back — after the COVID pandemic caused its cancellation two straight years. More than 6,000 attendees are expected on Abingdon’s Plumb Alley on Saturday, May 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In Abingdon’s historic district, Plumb Alley is the shaded picturesque alley that runs between Main and Valley streets, right behind the Barter Theatre. The “strolling festival” features more than 50 vendors selling art, clothing, jewelry, plants, antiques, books, crafts, and one-of-a-kind gifts.
In addition to the wide variety of products available, there’s an entertainment stage and a children’s area, as well as food and drinks.
Kids of all ages can enjoy many free activities in the Fun Zone, which is normally in the Washington County Courthouse parking lot. Because of construction however, the Fun Zone will be in two other locations this year:
1. On Court Street (closed to traffic) – Huge inflatable obstacle course with slide, and
2. In the Abingdon United Methodist Church parking lot between Pecan and Church streets.
The Plumb Alley Day festivities will be kicked off by the Appalachian Highlanders Pipes and Drums band marching down the Alley at 9:30 a.m.
Also in the Abingdon United Methodist Church parking lot will be the Entertainment Stage. This year will feature the high-energy Simplicity Dancers, who will perform multiple shows throughout the day.
Food City is the entertainment sponsor of Plumb Alley Day 2022, and they will donate a number of Food City gift cards. Drawings will be held throughout the day.
Also, don’t miss the Revolutionary War activities at the Yeary Cabin, right next to the courthouse parking lot. Men from the Overmountain Victory Trail Association will be dressed in period costumes, and tell the story of the Battle of Kings Mountain, which mustered in Abingdon on the way. These re-enactors will also fire muskets into the air. Women in period costumes will demonstrate how they made clothing and household items, and games from the 1700s will also be available to play. Finally, cabin owner Emmett Yeary will give a blacksmith demonstration during the festival.
“The purpose of Plumb Alley Day is to have a fun community festival that raises money for children’s organizations in our area,” said Kiwanis event chairman J.W. Hornsby. “Every nickel we raise is donated to kids’ programs in Abingdon and Washington County, so it’s all for a wonderful cause.”
“In the last 18 months – between October 2020 and March of 2022 – Kiwanis distributed nearly $28,000 to support Abingdon and Washington County youth programs,” said Club President, Lee Saunders.
