Bedford News

Bedford Plans Contest For National Tourism Week

Download Contest Entry Form

The Bedford Office of Tourism is sponsoring a contest in recognition of National Tourism Week (May 10-18, 2008) to draw attention to the importance of tourism on the national, state and local economy. The “National Tourism Week Contest in Bedford, Virginia” encourages individuals to visit at least five sites in the Bedford area for clues which can be collected for a chance to win a gift basket of items that represent a range of items produced in Bedford or representative of area sites. The contest runs from May 10 through May 18 and contest forms are available at the Bedford Area Welcome Center located at Routes 460 and 122 (816 Burks Hill Road). The Welcome Center is open seven days a week from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

Contest participants are being encouraged to collect clues at such sites as The National D-Day Memorial, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, The Bedford City/County Museum, The Bedford Academy for the Arts, Art on Depot, and all five wineries that comprise The Bedford Wine Trail: Hickory Hill Winery, Peaks of Otter Winery, Savoy-Lee Winery, LeoGrande Vineyards and Winery and White Rock Vineyards and Winery.

“Tourism is important to the area’s economy,” according to Sergei Troubetzkoy, Director of Tourism for Bedford City and County, adding that Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) figures indicate that the tourism industry “generates expenditures in Bedford County and in the City of Bedford of approximately $74 million annually.” Troubetzkoy added that the VTC figures also show that Bedford had a tourism payroll of $17,369,832 in 2006 with 1,080 people employed by the travel industry and local tax receipts that are generated by tourism amount to $ 2,377,043 and state taxes collected as the result of tourism in the Bedford City and County area amount to $ 3,680, 897 for 2006

Download Contest Entry Form

Upcoming Events

  • Aug 2 - The Tams in Concert - What can be said about one of the most beloved groups in recent history? Recently voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this group has had many number one hits. Opening for The Tams will be the Part-Time Party-Time band. Gates open at 4:30 and music starts at 6pm. Festival held rain or shine, and no coolers or pets, please. - The Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Road, Big Island - 434-299-5080 - www.sedaliacenter.org

  • Aug 15 - Aug 16 - Rockin' 08 - New to the Sedalia line-up, this festival offers local area bands a venue to perform. This two day festival will offer rock music for all ages, by all ages. Whether you enjoy progressive, metal or classic rock, this festival is sure to have something for you. No coolers or pets, please. Festival held rain or shine. - The Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Road, Big Island - $ - 434-299-5080 - www.sedaliacenter.org

  • Aug 16 - Bedford County Family Farm Tour - 10:00am - 3:00pm - In celebration of agriculture past and present, this year's tour will highlight Johnson's Orchard and Peaks of Otter Winery, a 5th generation family farm established in 1918 and celebrating 90 years at this site. Anticipated activities on Tour Day include orchard and winery tours, viewing the major soil and water conservation practices the farm has established to protect our environment, a demonstration of an antique cider press, farm equipment and livestock; a demonstration hive of honeybees; and Bedford Area Master Gardeners on hand to answer lawn and landscape questions. Additionally, groups scheduled to be with us with information and displays include the Peaks of Otter Soil and Water Conservation District, the Society of St. Andrew, Hunters for the Hungry, The Lynchburg Bird Club, and Bedford 4-H. You will enjoy food samples and informative demonstrations. You are invited to bring a picnic lunch and camera, but please leave your pets at home. Lunch and locally produced foods will be available for purchase. - Johnson's Orchard and Peaks of Otter Winery. From Bedford, take Rt. 460 West for about 1/2 mile. Turn right on Rt. 680 (Patterson Mill Rd.). Follow road for about 4-1/2 miles, Rt. 680 bears right and becomes Sheep Creek Rd., continue on Rt. 680 for about 1 mile, farm on left. - Free - 540-586-7675 - offices.ext.vt.edu/bedford

These events and more can be found in our event calendar.

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