May Events

May 1 - May 31 - Education through the Arts at Bower Center for the Arts - 11:00am to 4:00pm - Bedford County High School and Middle School Art exhibit. Reception and award presentation on Bedford’s Second Friday May 10th - Bower Center for the Arts, 305 North Bridge Street, Bedford - Admission free - 540-586-4235 - www.bowercenter.org

May 1 - May 29 - Wildlife Wednesday Cruises with Smith Mountain Lake State Park - We’ve teamed up with Virginia Dare Cruises to offer this fun-filled & informative lunch cruise. Noon to 2:00 pm – Boat boards @ 11:30 am. May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29th. - Virginia Dare Cruises, 3619 Airport Road, Moneta - 540-297-7100 - www.vadarecruises.com

May 3 - Oct 30 - Farmers Market - 7:00am to 2:00pm - Open Fridays - Bedford Farmers Market, Center and Washington Streets, Bedford - 540-586-2148 - www.centertownbedford.com

May 3 - The Stray Birds Concert - 7:30pm - Contemporary Folk - Bedford Central Library, 321 North Bridge Street, Bedford - $10.00 suggested donation p.p. - 540-586-8911 - www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org

May 4 - Architectural Restoration Talk & Tour at Poplar Forest - Rediscover Jefferson's true architectural masterpiece. Get the latest update, guided tour and slide lecture with Poplar Forest, Director of Architectural Restoration, Travis McDonald. Free with regular admission. Tours at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. To make reservations for either tour please call the Museum Shop at (434) 534-8120. - Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest, 1542 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest - 434-525-1806 - www.poplarforest.org

May 4 - May 5 - Big Otter Mill Yard Sale Fundraiser - 8:00am to ? - Help raise money by buying items at the annual yard sale. All proceeds go toward the restoration of the mill. - Big Otter Mill, Route 122 North, Bedford - 540-586-6686

May 4 - Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Bower Center for the Arts - 6:30pm - The Lynchburg Salsa Group will bring a DJ and music to teach the salsa dance. Food will be provided by the Culinary Arts School at CVCC. Admission $10 .This event is partially sponsored by the Bedford City Challenge Grant and VA Commission for the Arts. - Bower Center for the Arts, 305 North Bridge Street, Bedford - 540-586-4235 - www.bowercenter.org

May 4 - Derby Day at Avenel - 4:00pm to 7:00pm - Tickets are $40.00 ($25.00 of that can be counted as a charitable donation). Tickets can be purchased at the Bedford Welcome Center. Enjoy Mint Juleps, Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres at Historic Avenel in Bedford! Ladies and Men’s Hat Contest and Prizes! - Historic Avenel, 413 Avenel Avenue, Bedford - 540-586-1814 - www.historicavenel.com

May 4 - Oct 26 - Forest Farmers Market - 8:00am to 12:00pm - Virginia Grown Produce, meats, honey, flowers, breads and much much more. - Forest Farmers Market, Route 221, Behind the Forest Public Library, Forest - 434-665-5475

May 4 - Take Pride Smith Mountain Lake Clean-up Day - 10:00am to 2:00pm - We invite you to participate in the 26th Annual “Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake” spring clean-up. Our beautiful lake needs more than a simple “spring cleaning”. This year we need everyone to help. Do your part-join us in the annual clean-up of Smith Mountain Lake and the shoreline. This is a Stewardship Virginia event. Certificates will be awarded to those who pre-register. Stewardship Virginia is a statewide initiative held twice annually to help citizens with projects that enhance and conserve Virginia's natural and cultural resources. Registration forms are available at: Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center * Smith Mountain Lake Association * Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission For additional information, call 540-721-4400 or 540-721-1203 www.visitsmithmountainlake.com

May 5 - Mourning & Remembrance: Symbolism & Iconography - 3:00pm - Symbolism & Iconography used in 19th century cemeteries. The creation of Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1831 as America’s first “garden” or “rural” cemetery transformed the way that Americans buried their dead. This program will briefly examine the development of the rural cemetery movement, and with the manner in which the departed family members were remembered through the use of symbolism and Iconography in the design of tombstones and other monuments. The program will be presented by Sergei Troubetzkoy, Director of Tourism for Bedford. - Bower Center for the Arts, 305 North Bridge Street, Bedford - 540-586-4235 - www.bowercenter.org

May 7 - Tasty Tuesdays at Farmers Market - 3:00pm to 7:00pm - Fresh local produce, baked goodies and jams, jellies and pickles will be for sale with samples that you can taste. - Farmers Market, Center and Washington Streets, Bedford - 540-586-2148 - www.centertownbedford.com

May 9 - Homeschool Event Day - 9:30am to 12:30pm - Experience World War II history through interactive stations and living history. Activities are geared for homeschool students nine years old and up, but all ages are welcome. Registration is required before April 30. Fees are $4.00 per person. Children under 6 are free. Space is limited. For more information or to register, please contact the National D-Day Memorial’s Education Department at 540-587-3617. - National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford - www.dday.org

May 9 - May 12 - Strawberry Festival at Scott's Strawberry Farm - Cole Rides Amusement here can see the rides at www.colerides.com and print a FREE ride ticket while you're there.. Thurs May 9 ** 5-10 pm will be wrist band night, May 10 ** 5-10 pm and will have live music, May 11 ** 10 am -10 pm, May 12 ** Noon - 6 pm tickets sold at the gate May 10, 11 & 12 will have crafters, food vendors, train rides, carriage rides, pony rides, petting zoo homemade strawberry ice cream, fresh strawberry shortcake, live music and more. - Scott's Strawberry Farm, 5234 Joppa Mill Road, Moneta - 540-297-7917 - www.facebook.com/pages/Scotts-Strawberry-Farm/112678182087810

May 10 - Dec 13 - 2nd Fridays in Centertown Bedford - Come out and spend the evening in Bedford every 2nd Friday of the month. Over 30 local merchants and eateries staying open until 8pm or later for your shopping, dining, and exploring pleasure. - Centertown Bedford - 540-586-2148 - www.centertownbedford.com

May 10 - May 12 - Peaks of Otter Winery invites you to Mother's Day Weekend - Noon to 5:00pm - Follow the back roads along the picturesque Blue Ridge for a taste of grandma’s fruit wine. Mom gets a gift. - Peaks of Otter Winery, 2122 Sheep Creek Road, Bedford - Free - 540-586-3707 - www.peaksofotterwinery.com

May 10 - Reflections Art Exhibit at The Electric Company Artists’ Co-op - Mason, a Bedford native, is no stranger in The Electric Company. She has had studio space in the building since its opening in 2007. She is an original member of Artists on Depot and a member of the steering committee which created TECAC, the artists’ cooperative. Currently she is manager of both the Co-op’s gallery and The Artisan Shoppe. Many know Mason for her commissioned portrait work of animals and children as well as a familiar face at The Well, health store in Bedford. - The Electric Company Artists' Co-op, 207 East Depot Street, Bedford - 540-491-2585 - www.facebook.com/TECAC207

May 11 - Mother's Day Tea Party at Smith Mountain Lake State Park - 11:30am to 12:30pm - Stop by the Picnic Pavilion at our Discovery Center and spoil Mom with a delightful cup of tea. We’ll harken back to the days of olde and enjoy an American version of an English Afternoon Tea. In England at that time there were two main meals daily, breakfast and dinner. Dinner was served very late in the evening, so it was a very long time between meals. Anna Maria Stanhope the Duchess of Bedford (1788-1861) complained about a "sinking feeling" in the late afternoon. Afternoon tea was her invention to keep her going until dinner. Be sure to don your most audacious chapeau! 1st, 2nd & 3rd place prizes will be awarded to the wearer of the most fanciful hat. - Smith Mountain Lake State Park Discovery Center Picnic Pavillion, 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston - 540-297-6066 - www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/smi.shtml

May 11 - Mother's Day Wildflower Walk at Smith Mountain Lake State Park - 10:00am to 11:00am - Discover Mother Nature’s hidden treasures while on a short, guided walk on our trails. Bring Mom out to the Discovery Center for a Wild Flower Walk to uncover some of Virginia’s prettiest, yet often overlooked treasures. We’ll start at the DC and head out on an easy amble to spy the colorful native wildflowers of our area. Free - Smith Mountain Lake State Park Discovery Center, 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston - 540-297-6066 - www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/smi.shtml

May 11 - Uncork the Cure Wine Festival - Uncork the Cure Wine Festival brings together seven unique wineries from Bedford and Botetourt County to celebrate good wine, delicious food, music, local crafters, family and friends. On May 11, 2013 "Uncork the Cure" will honor the people in our lives as we partner with Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The event will be 11am-6pm and will include multiple music performances, great food vendors, wine tastings from local wineries, and a family friendly environment to enjoy each other's company as you relax on the lawn in front of the Daleville Town Center Music Pavilion. Just in time for Mother's Day, bring the special women in your life and experience the bold and elegant wines of Bedford and Botetourt Counties. - Daleville Town Center, 90 Town Center Street, Route 220 North, Daleville - 540-774-4415 - www.botetourtwinetrail.com/concert.html

May 12 - Mother's Day at Poplar Forest - 10:00am to 4:00pm - Give mom a special treat this Mother's Day with a FREE tour of Poplar Forest! Admission is free for mothers all day. - Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest, 1542 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest - 434-525-1806 - www.poplarforest.org

May 17 - May 26 - Little Town Players presents 9 to 5 The Musical - Showdates are: May 17-19 & 24-26 - Little Town Players, 931 Ashland Avenue, Bedford - 540-586-5881 - www.littletownplayers.com

May 17 - May 18 - Relay For Life of Bedford - 7:00pm to 7:00am - All are welcome to attend, registrations are ongoing at www.RelayForLife.org/BedfordVA For questions or more information visit the website or email Julie Satterwhite at Julie.Satterwhite@cancer.org - Liberty High School, 100 Liberty Minutemen Drive, Bedford

May 18 - Annual Barbeque at Sedalia - Noon to 5:00pm - Competition and Tasting - Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Road., Big Island - 434-299-5080 - www.sedaliacenter.org

May 18 - Armed Forces Day & National Maritime Recognition - The Memorial will let veterans in at no charge throughout the day to honor the contributions of men and women in uniform and to bring awareness to the achievements of the United States Merchant Marine in recognition of National Maritime Day which is officially May 22. - National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford - 540-586-3329 - www.dday.org

May 18 - Stargazing at Poplar Forest - 8:00pm - Experience the night sky Jefferson-style, at his secluded retreat. Talk and stargaze with Dr. Neal Sumerlin, Retired Founding Director of the Belk Observatory at Lynchburg College. Admission is $5.00. Ages 18 and under are free. Reservations required. Please call the Museum Shop at (434) 534-8120 to reserve a space. - Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest, 1542 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest - 434-525-1806 - www.poplarforest.org

May 24 - May 27 - Memorial Day Weekend at Peaks of Otter Winery - Noon to 5:00pm - Start your summer at Peaks of Otter Winery with a glass of wine while gazing at the mountains and enjoying the valleys. - Peaks of Otter Winery, 2122 Sheep Creek Road, Bedford - Free - 540-586-3707 - www.peaksofotterwinery.com

May 25 - Annual Louisiana Crawfish Boil - 5:00pm - Mark your calendar for Wharton Memorial’s Fifth Annual Crawfish Boil generously sponsored on by Dr. John Bower and Edna Curry. Join us for live Zydeco music and the party of the year in Bedford! Just as last year the band, Zydeco Crazy, not only gives us great sound, but instructs in Cajun dancing as well. Once again we will have tons of crawfish to be steamed, mounds of mouthwatering gumbo, delicious red beans and rice and my "all-time favorite" -- crawfish etouffee for our delight. Beer and wine can be purchased as well as sodas and water. Folks are coming from as far away as Tennessee just to join Bedford in this celebration. - Bower Center for the Arts, 305 North Bridge Street, Bedford - 540-586-4235 - www.bowercenter.org

May 25 - Music in the Park at Smith Mountain Lake State Park - 8:00pm to 10:00pm - Bring the whole family to Smith Mountain Lake's Beach Pavilion for an evening of great music with the Friday Nite Band. The Old Dominion Cloggers from Martinsville, Va., will also entertain. Hot dogs, sausages, ice cream, drinks and other refreshments are for sale. $5 per person and kids 12 and under get in free. Don't forget lawn chairs. Sponsored by Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park. - Smith Mountain Lake State Park Beach Pavillion, 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston - 540-297-6066 - www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/smi.shtml

May 25 - Stars and Stripes Forever: Patriotic Concert - 7:00pm - Jefferson Choral Society performs a stirring patriotic concert that will have guests on their feet celebrating the freedoms so many have fought and died to protect. The Jefferson Choral Society concert will include performances by the Jefferson Youth Chorale and Cantate and the Chorus of the Blue Ridge. Prior to the show, from 7pm to 8pm, visitors can enjoy a moonlight serenade with music by ensemble Let’s Dance who will perform musical selections from the 1940s. The Memorial will remain open until 10:00pm. Tickets go on sale in April. Adults: $7.00 in advance or $10.00 at the door. Students ages 6-18: $5.00 in advance or $8.00 at the door. Children under 6 are free. Bring your own chair. - National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford - 540-586-3329 - www.dday.org

May 27 - Remembering Their Sacrifice - 11:00am - The Memorial commemorates Memorial Day with a special ceremony to officially recognize the men and women who have sacrificed for our freedoms. A number of plaques will be dedicated to commemorate various elements of D-Day. The program begins at 11am. Admission is free until noon. Guests are asked to bring their own chair. - National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford - 540-586-3329 - www.dday.org

May 27 - Jun 8 - Restoration/Preservation Field School - Visit http://www.poplarforest.org/programs/restoration-field-school for more information. The Field School will run from May 27- June 8, 2013. - Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest, 1542 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest - 434-525-1806 - www.poplarforest.org