GrahamFest 2008: Feel the SpiritArticle published in The Big Blue written by Dana H. Sapp
 Every Labor Day weekend the sound of music rings through a beautiful valley in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia as music and history lovers celebrate GrahamFest. This festival offers a unique view of the South’s historic past, its present beauty, and offers its participants a “rockin’ and rollin’” good time!
Getting to the festival can be half the fun. Even though it is close to Interstates I-81 and I-77 in Wythe County, Virginia, GrahamFest is still found off the beaten path. Hardtop road turns into dirt and real time seems to fade away as you pull up to the massive iron gates of a historic Civil War homestead.
Serving as the festival’s backdrop is GrahamFest’s namesake, the Major Graham Mansion. Major David Graham, a Civil War hero, is the original owner of this majestic home and surrounding hills and forests. Legend has it that Confederate officers actually held secret meetings in a third floor attic room to plot battle strategies against the Yankees. More than one person has come away experiencing strange phenomenon while being inside the mansion. If you choose to take one of the GHOST WALK tours don’t be surprised if you meet Clara, a seven-year-old girl who died of tuberculosis in the classroom. Or see the image of a nervous bride scratching a message into the windowpane with her diamond ring in the Bridal Room. This year’s GHOST WALK tour will feature a collection of local lore, family stories, and data collected by the Virginia Paranormal Society and the West Virginia Ghost Hunters.
But wait, the music…….what about the music?!? GrahamFest’s festival roots date back to the late 1990s when property owner, singer, and songwriter Josiah Weaver began an annual 4th of July BBQ event for his friends and family. This gathering quickly grew into what is now known as Josiah’s GrahamFest.
From Josiah’s humble beginnings in Southern Virginia to his successful business enterprises in Clearwater, Florida, the music of the mountains has always been with him. With a life that at times reads like a movie script, Josiah says his love of music has been in existence for as long as he can remember. For almost 60 years he has been creating songs to entertain just about anyone who would listen. A self taught guitarist and pianist he used his music to tell stories about life. Maybe this is why he is so adamant about wanting to share his love of beautiful historic places and its mountain music with the world.
From country and bluegrass to rock’n roll and the blues, GrahamFest offers something for everyone. Primitive and RV camping is available and comes complete with a midnight jam on August 31. An antique car display, bluegrass bus museum, beer and wine garden, and vendors galore only add to the appeal of this two-day event. Who knows, you might even learn a little American history in the beautiful hills of southwestern Virginia!
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