Culpeper Day brings the community together

George Herndon of Fun-N-Beyond weaved his colorful train around the downtown crowd Saturday.

Across the street, laughter resonated from the rainbow colored moon bounce as kids flipped up and down on the inflatable party favorite.

The sweet smell of funnel cake, gourmet spices and scented candles filled the air as nearly 140 vendors lined Davis Street for the annual Culpeper Day street festival.

Despite the overcast skies and intermittent rain, thousands of people packed the streets to purchase ice cream, food, crafts and jewelry.

“Even though the weather isn’t the greatest, we still have a good turnout,” said Scott Fisher, president of the Culpeper Ruritan Club, the organization that sponsors the annual outdoor event.

Fisher said the proceeds will fund educational scholarships and a list of community charities.

In the farmer’s market area, vendors sold fresh strawberries, eggs, flowers, broccoli, onions, crafts and pottery.

“It’s a wonderful way to bring the community together and allows craftspeople and farmers an opportunity to come together,” said local artist Fran Curtis of Lake of the Woods who sold oil and acrylic paintings Saturday.

Sitting in a lawn chair, John Croft, chairman of the Culpeper Day Committee, said setting up this year’s event went smoothly.

“I think everybody’s having a good time,” he said as he scanned the crowd.