Celebrating all things Goochland

Back in the world

As the world slowly emerges from the isolation of the Covid lockdown, any glimpse of normality is welcome.

Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of an intrepid group of citizens, the threads of community, badly frayed by the pandemic, came back together with the rebirth of Goochland Day on September 25. (Go to https://www.goochlandday.com/ for details.) It was a glorious event as people gathered to celebrate all things Goochland. The perfect weather seemed like a sign from on high that it’s time to get back to normal.

Goochland Day is believed to have begun in the early 1950’s as a fund raiser to enable the fledgling Goochland Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association—celebrating 70 years of vital community service this year— to buy a fire truck.

Officers of the Goochland Day Foundation, President Carey Stagg, Treasurer Elizabeth Nelson-Lyda, and Parade Chair Annette Butler Jones presented a recap of the event to the Goochland Board of Supervisors on October 5. They represented the 16 member Goochland Day Board of Directors.

Transforming Goochland Day from idea to reality was no small task, especially in the midst of the Covid pandemic. These exceptional folks wrangled many moving parts including porta potties, vendors, great entertainment, shuttle buses, mask mandates where appropriate, food trucks, and recruiting volunteers to make it all happen seamlessly. When a complicated task looks easy, you know a lot of hard work and attention to detail were involved.

Approximately 3,000 people attended the parade. Though only about .6 miles, 45 units participated. The Grand Marshal was Sheriff Steven Creasey accompanied by Fire-Rescue Chief Eddie Ferguson.

More than 8,000 people took part in the festival that followed at the Goochland Sports Complex. Local organizations, candidates, for profit vendors, and even a newlywed game were part of the day. Thanks to robust attendance, some of the food trucks sold out.

No sooner did Goochland Day 2021—which Nelson-Lyda characterized as a rough draft— end, than plans for Goochland Day 2022 began. Next year’s event is scheduled for May 7, keeping with tradition of holding Goochland Day on the day before Mother’s Day. The group is also thinking ahead to a celebration of the county’s tricentennial in 2028.

Goochland Day organizers worked hard to keep the event family friendly and free to attendees. However, expenses—about $20,000—were incurred and covered by the generosity of sponsors. Actual expenses came in a tad under budget thanks to generosity of citizens and careful negotiations. Please see the list of sponsors who made Goochland Day 2021 possible, thank them, and patronize their businesses as you are able.

A more expansive event is in the works for next year, to include additional rides, and attractions. This will cost more money. Nelson-Lyda shared a budget for next year, which will include a larger and longer parade. The preliminary estimated budget for 2022 is $35,000.

Sponsors, vendors, and volunteers are needed to continue the success of the new and improved Goochland Day. The website will be updated in the near future with forms and other information about participation next year. Follow the event on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GoochlandDay for photos and information.

Our community is blessed to have people like the Goochland Day board who persevered to make this festival happen. On to 2022!