What began more than a decade ago as a reunion for former Garden High School classmates has blossomed into one of Buchanan County’s signature community celebrations.
Hundreds of people gathered Saturday at the former Garden High School, now home to the Appalachian College of Pharmacy, for the 13th annual Garden Day celebration. Although a brief afternoon rain shower forced organizers to move activities indoors, it did little to dampen the enthusiasm as visitors filled the historic campus to enjoy local food, music, crafts and fellowship.
The event has grown far beyond its roots as a school reunion. Former students still return each year to reminisce about their days as Garden Green Dragons, but they are now joined by families, tourists and residents from across Southwest Virginia who have made Garden Day an annual tradition.
Visitors spent the day browsing vendor booths featuring handcrafted items by local craftsmen and artists. Displays included woodwork, quilts, handcrafted jewelry, sculptures, handmade jams and jellies, custom knives and locally produced artwork. Bakers also offered homemade cookies, pastries and other sweets, while collectors found nostalgia in tables filled with vintage Garden Green Dragons memorabilia.
Outside, food vendors served a variety of meals and snacks throughout the day, including offerings from Zimos Food Truck Catering, Just Poppin’ Snacks, Chillers and Dave’s Dawgs. Live music from The Darlin Chorus and Thomas Taylor added to the atmosphere, while Dr. Joey Trivette and The Jazz Favorites were among the featured entertainment.
Featured authors Patty Lester Street, Schools of Buchanan County, Linda Hudson Hoagland, the Appalachian Authors Guild, Victoria Fletcher and Tracie Wallace also met with readers, signed books and shared stories about the history and culture of Buchanan County and the Appalachian region.
The Buchanan County Historical Society displayed and sold items, including renderings of Old Buchanan County and coal figures honoring the county’s mining heritage.
Garden Day was co-sponsored by the Appalachian College of Pharmacy, the Buchanan County Chamber of Commerce and the Garden Alumni Association.
