MATHEWS–Mathews May Faire is set for May 2 and 3 on and around the Mathews Court House Green. The theme is “A Rural Life: Country Stores, Post Offices and Wharfs.”

The celebration began in 2017 and is sponsored by the Mathews Museum. It focuses on county history with the atmosphere of a county fair, where vendors and food trucks mingle with historical presentations in the museum, located at 200 Main Street, and on the court green. It has missed just two years, 2020 and 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hours are 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily.
Friday will bring, in addition to the vendors, an archaeological dig by the Fairfield Foundation at Tompkins Cottage, a silent auction at the museum, and an emphasis in the museum on the coming exhibit of Dr. J.W.D. Haynes, who practiced in the county in the early 1900s, and the establishment of the Hunley Country Store.
Saturday’s events include the annual pound cake contest, opening ceremony, children’s games, a mini-post office for children at the museum set up by volunteer Dana Brown, lectures about postmasters, wharf workers and country stores. The annual May Pole dance, which like the pound cake contest began with May Faire, will be part of the festivities.
- Food and vendor booth spaces are available.
- For information call 703-201-6888.
- To volunteer call 695-4664.
The committee is looking for entries in its annual pound cake contest. Registration is open until May 1 and may be made by calling 725-7215.