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Abingdon, Virginia Kiwanis to Host Plumb Alley Day on May 23 to Support Children’s Programs

Plumb Alley Crowd
Plumb Alley Day

Some 8,000-10,000 residents and visitors are expected on Abingdon’s Plumb Alley on Saturday, May 23, when the Kiwanis Club of Abingdon holds its 33rd annual Plumb Alley Day. The festival, rated one of the largest one-day events in the Southeast runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In the heart of Abingdon’s historic district, Plumb Alley is the shaded picturesque alley that runs between Main and Valley Streets. The Day features food and drinks, entertainment and more than 175 vendors selling art, crafts, clothing, jewelry, antique, and one-of-a-kind gifts — a “treasure hunter’s” paradise! Come early to get the best deals!

Children’s activities include Zappo the Clown, magic by Dave Vaught, a swing ride, a large inflatable and free games like golf putting and cornhole with prizes. Kids can also compete in the traditional Sidewalk Chalk Drawing contest which offers cash prizes in three age groups.

Plumb Alley Day is kicked off by the Appalachian Highlanders Pipes and Drums band marching down the Alley at 9:30 a.m. The moaning, wailing sounds of the bagpipes are always a crowd favorite, so get there early so you don’t miss this Plumb Alley Day tradition.

“The purpose of Plumb Alley Day is to raise money to support children’s organizations in our area,” said event chairperson J.W. Hornsby. “All of the proceeds from booth rentals and sticker contributions are donated to kids’ programs in Abingdon and Washington County.”

Organizations and programs supported by the Kiwanis Club of Abingdon include:

1) Washington County Public Library summer reading program

2) Children’s Advocacy Center

3) Imagination Library

4) Feeding America Southwest Virginia

5) Technology Students Association (TSA)

6) Girl Scouts Appalachian Council

7) Boy Scouts Sequoyah Council

8) Local high school bands and Key clubs

Kiwanis International is a civic service organization of volunteers with 600,000 members in more than 90 countries. The theme of Kiwanis is “serving the children of the world”. 2015 represents the 100th Anniversary of Kiwanis, an impressive milestone!