There are plenty of free and fun events at Riverside Mill to celebrate its Grand Opening this weekend. Country, blue grass and gospel music, a classic car show, free antique appraisals, food vendors, artist’s demonstrations and an artist’s reception featuring a local vineyard are all good reasons to find your way over to Riverside Mill.

The day begins with a classic car show featuring over 50 cars from local clubs, as well as dirt track cars from Clary’s Speedway. It’s the First Annual River Run Cruise In, show organizer and owner of EveryThing Auto in Weldon, Shawn Garner thinks it will just keep growing. “The scenic location by the river is unusual for a car show. We have lots of grass and shade instead of an open parking lot or a field. I’ve talked to all of the area car clubs about the show. We are expecting a really big turnout. They are excited to have such a nice quiet area by the river to show their cars.” The show starts at 10am Saturday. Local dealers are also showing this year’s sports models and area clubs will “cruise in” with classic cars and race cars.

The outdoor “Front Porch Stage” is the scene for the morning’s line up of country and bluegrass performers. Kim Terpening of WEZU hosts a Country Jamboree starting at 10am. The line up includes George Campbell, Walter Watts, Alan Stalins, Howard Conner & McArthur Smith and Meredith Collins & Sparta Bound. Terpening decribed Collins as a young player with a lot of heart. “She’s someone you want to watch. Meredith’s got a lot of talent.” The outdoor setting with the mill in the background and musicians elevated by the old loading dock turned “porch-stage” provides a fun, informal environment for musicians to strut their stuff. It looks like an exciting new music venue.

Saturday afternoon the music switches to gospel. Pull up a chair and make a joyful noise as Rev John Green host of “The Morning Train” on WSMY presents Betty Bennett, Ben Soloman, The Daniel Sisters, Pastor Quientrell Burrell, Jr and The Praise the Lord Team of the First Baptist Church Weldon in a gospel concert from 1-4pm.

Headliner Sourwood Mountain Band closes out the day starting at 4pm with, “ Pure, hard-driving Bluegrass and Bluegrass Gospel,” says Terpening “this is a band you don’t want to miss.”

Kicking things off Friday night, Roanoke Valley Auction Company conducts a live auction. “We expect furniture, collectables, glass, and household goods,” says Auctioneer Tim Blackburn, “the sale starts at 6pm, previews at 4pm.” Have you always wondered what that heirloom vase you got from your aunt is worth? Blackburn wants to help solve the mystery. “Saturday we are trying something new. We are inviting folks to bring in their antiques for appraisal. Experienced members of the antiques community will offer a free opinion of the antique’s value. We want everyone to come over, have some fun, and see if they have treasure hidden in their attic.” Riverside Mill hosts free antique appraisals from 10am-Noon this Saturday only. “There’s already been a tremendous amount of interest in this fueled by the Road Show Antiques Show,” said Blackburn. “We expect a big turnout.”

“It’s not everyday you get to thank the artist’s in our community for developing the skill required to produce beautiful things,” says Steve Swan, Riverside Mill Gallery Director and VP of Development, but he clearly relishes the opportunity, “This Friday is one. Our artists, the Halifax Arts Council, and our community are invited to taste a little wine and say hello to artists in our beautiful gallery overlooking the river. Everyone is welcome to come out, see the art and meet the artists.” Halifax County’s own Ventosa Plantation Vineyard & Winery, from Scotland Neck, is offering a winetasting.

Artists are on hand Saturday to demonstrate their craft. Carl Peoples demonstrates blacksmithing making all kinds of traditional and contemporary iron work. His wife Norma is a woodcarver. She specializes in song birds. Wayne Herman, another carver, hand carves spoons out of hardwood, and his wife Peggy Herman turns gourds into works of art. Jenna Fromal demonstrates her approach to portrait painting. Several other painters and craft artists also plan on doing public demonstrations. They are demonstrating techniques and answering questions in the main gallery.

For kids there is face painting, balloon animals and children’s movies. Food Vendors making everything from brunswick stew and barbecue under a tent, to hotdogs and hamburgers, offer things to please all tastes.

All events are free and open to the public.

Riverside Mill is housed in the historic Weldon Cotton Mill, now a combined antique mall and artisans gallery. The initial phase of renovations opened 40,000 sq. ft. of sales area to the public, featuring a 10,000 sq. ft. raised gallery with its original plank floor, massive timbers and views overlooking the Roanoke River. The gallery houses a collection of pottery, blown glass, jewelry, metal, wood, and leather representing the best in local, regional, and national American Craft Art. Two-dimensional art from area artists is also featured.

Visit the website: http://www.riversidemill.net