The words “Town of Grundy” light up the night sky during the Firefly Drone Shows finale at the Buchanan County Chamber of Commerce’s Family Fun Day on June 7 at Poplar Gap Park. The event celebrated the Town of Grundy’s 150th anniversary and America’s 250th anniversary.
By CHAD COOPER, [email protected]
Families from across Buchanan County and the surrounding areas gathered at Poplar Gap Park on June 7 for the Buchanan County Chamber of Commerce’s Family Fun Day & Drone Show.
The free event featured food trucks, local vendors, inflatables, carnival-style games, face painting, live entertainment, karaoke and activities designed for families of all ages. Throughout the afternoon and evening, attendees filled the park to enjoy the festivities and celebrate both the Town of Grundy’s 150th anniversary and America’s 250th anniversary.
According to the Chamber, hundreds of families attended throughout the day, while many estimated that the combined crowds at Poplar Gap Park and nearby viewing areas for the evening drone show reached into the thousands.
The day’s activities included performances by local entertainers, community organizations, businesses and vendors, creating an atmosphere of fellowship and community pride.
The celebration concluded with a drone show presented by Firefly Drone Shows. As darkness fell, hundreds of spectators gathered across the park to watch the illuminated aerial display, which served as the grand finale to the event.
“The Buchanan County Chamber of Commerce’s Family Fun Day was a tremendous success, bringing together families from across the region for a day of fun, entertainment, and community fellowship as part of the celebration of the Town of Grundy’s 150th Anniversary and America’s 250th Anniversary,” said Amanda Shafer, executive director of the Buchanan County Chamber of Commerce.
“We were thrilled with the turnout and the excitement throughout the day,” Shafer said. “Family Fun Day was exactly what we hoped it would be—a chance for families to come together, make memories, enjoy time with one another, and celebrate our community. Seeing hundreds of people stay for the drone show finale was the perfect way to end a wonderful day.”
Shafer said the event provided families with an opportunity to spend quality time together while enjoying entertainment, food, games and activities in a welcoming community setting.
The Chamber expressed appreciation to the many sponsors and supporters who helped make the event possible. Diamond sponsors included the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors, the Town of Grundy and Firefly Drone Shows. Appalachian Power served as a Gold Sponsor, while Noah Horn Well Drilling was recognized as a Silver Sponsor. Community supporters included Mutter Insurance, New Peoples Bank and Virginia Eyecare.
Additional thanks were extended to The Beat Music Services, the Town of Grundy Police Department, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, Poplar Gap Park staff, Soirée, volunteers, food truck operators, vendors, nonprofits, exhibitors and community organizations that participated in the event.
“The Buchanan County Chamber of Commerce is grateful to everyone who attended and helped make Family Fun Day a memorable celebration for families throughout Buchanan County and the surrounding region,” Shafer said.
Chamber officials said the strong turnout, community spirit and enthusiastic support demonstrated what makes Buchanan County special and helped make Family Fun Day & Drone Show 2026 one of the organization’s most memorable community celebrations to date.
A young participant tests his skills on the mechanical bull during the Buchanan County Chamber of Commerce’s Family Fun Day at Poplar Gap Park. The attraction was one of many activities that kept families entertained throughout the day-long community celebration.
