CulpeperFest draws about 1,800

In the warm, sticky air at CulpeperFest Thursday evening, there was equal opportunity for business and pleasure.

Even a brief downpour only dampened the event temporarily, sending people underneath large tents to wait out the rain.

Under the tents, representatives from about 100 local businesses were on hand to meet and greet each other and members of the community.

An estimated 1,800 people attended the Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event, said chamber president Jim Charapich.

“It’s a great community event,” he said. “It’s a business expo, but its fun.”

Thursday’s was the 26th annual CulpeperFest and the second year the event was held at the Daniel Technology Center at Germanna Community College.

“We’re refilling,” said Joanne Burke, placing miniature cupcakes on a platter. “That’s good.”

Burke began her business, Taster’s Delight, in her home and moved into new digs about two months ago on Lovers Lane.

Another newer business, Anytime Fitness, also was on hand. Manger Veronica McBride said business has been booming since the fitness center opened April 14 on the north end of town.

At another display, passersby paused in front of an Allstate display piled high with blue and white beach balls.

“This is really the biggest event we do,” financial adviser Chris Williams said. “We really try to put our best foot forward. Getting to meet all the people who come out—it’s a great event.”

The big event also had a couple big displays including a VDOT bridge inspection truck and an orange Peterbilt big rig to draw people to the Rogers Fleet Service booth near the festival entrance.

Many of the business representatives, including Matt Frazer, who was representing Virginia Staffing Solutions, were returning for their fifth year or more in a row.

“What a great opportunity to see people,” Frazer said. And for many, fun — not business — was the order of the evening.

Chris Heflin, who said he’s attended the festival for about 15 years, said while the opportunity to learn about local businesses is great, he enjoys the chance to catch up with friends just as much.

“And I think the drinks certainly help,” Heflin added.

Dozens of community leaders were also on hand. They included Sheriff Jim Branch, Commonwealth’s Attorney Gary Close, Supervisor Tom Underwood and Mayor Pranas Rimeikis.

“I’ve come since the fourth grade,” said Culpeper native Emily Holter, who said she returned to Culpeper from the University of Virginia just to attend CulpeperFest.

Besides the beer, admission to CulpeperFest included ice cream soft drinks. Barbequed pork and chicken, sausages and cole slaw were among the items served in the Daniel Center’s main auditorium.

Nate Delesline III can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 110 or .