County residents donate to celebration

The town of Culpeper’s 250th anniversary celebration this year just got a triple shot of charity from county residents.

First, Reva-based sign-makers Walter and Kelly Burton donated their time, expertise and materials to design the colorful, historical anniversary logo.

“I thought it was a good opportunity to contribute to an important community event,” said Mr. Burton. He said it took about 20 hours all told in design time, meetings and research for he and his wife to create the logo.

Colorful and circular, the brand incorporates familiar downtown images with an illustration of a Revolutionary War Minuteman.

Second, web designer Jannette Voorneveld of Web Weaver Designs developed the culpeper250th.org Web site and also donated her services.

Her decision to give was prompted by a longstanding positive business relationship with the town’s Tourism Department and specifically, director Beth Burns, who is helping the 250th Anniversary Committee organize the event.

“I thought it would be nice to give something back,” said Voorneveld, a former town resident who recently moved just outside town. “We love to be downtown, shop downtown and dine downtown. This town has a warm place in our hearts.”

She said it took her a couple days to design the site.

Finally, John Gwynn of the Country Troubadours singing group gave $200 for the anniversary event. He could not be reached at his home near Rixeyville Wednesday, but Burns said Gwynn, a big supporter also of the Culpeper museum, wrote her a check on the spot for the 250th event.

The Town Council Finance Committee accepted all three donations at its recent meeting.

Burns said the town sure does appreciate it.

“They have given these gifts with their hearts and love for the town and have put their very best efforts into it.”

Though the official party weekend isn’t until Sept. 18-20, the town kicks off its 250th birthday April 24 at 5 p.m. with a ceremony on the courthouse lawn. Both state representatives are expected to attend to present the town with a 250th anniversary resolution recently passed by the General Assembly.

An act of the Virginia General Assembly established the town of Culpeper Feb. 22, 1759.