DAYTON VA: (Rocktown Now) – Downtown Dayton will come alive this Saturday as the town hosts its 17th annual Redbud Festival, a springtime celebration timed to coincide with the blooming of the area’s iconic redbud trees.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will take place throughout downtown Dayton, including Main Street and College Street. Organizers are expecting a strong turnout, with approximately 150 vendors participating this year.

“This year’s timing looks perfect,” said Christine Wade with the Town of Dayton. “The redbud trees are already starting to bloom, and it should be a beautiful day.”

Festivalgoers can expect a wide variety of arts, crafts, food, and entertainment. Several new food vendors are joining the lineup, including Valley Pretzels, Try Fabulous Foods—a food truck from Orange offering brick-oven pizza and fresh seafood—and Cecilia’s Kitchen, featuring Mexican cuisine.

Returning craft vendors include The Petal and Wheel, known for handmade pottery, and Gourmet Amish Baked Goods, a festival favorite offering items such as whoopie pies and apple fritters. New vendors include Dapper Dogs, which specializes in handmade pet accessories, and D&J Photography with framed photos and keepsakes.

A popular vintage car cruise will also return this year, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Rocktown History parking lot. Live entertainment will take place throughout the day at the Dove Park Pavilion and will feature Civil War-era dancers, Mountain Heritage Cloggers, bluegrass music by Back Porch Revival, and a performance by Jesse Pugh beginning at 2 p.m.

Another longtime tradition, the Redbud Festival Duck Race, will take place at 1 p.m. along Cook’s Creek. Participants can purchase rubber ducks in advance or on the day of the event, then watch as they race downstream toward the mayor, who will select the winners. Proceeds from this year’s race will benefit the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA. Prizes include Amazon gift cards and a gift card to a local business.

Festival attendees will also have the opportunity to pick up free redbud saplings, available at select downtown locations and at the town booth in Dove Park.

New this year, activities will extend onto the Greenway that connects Dayton to the Virginia Quilt Museum at Silver Lake. Family-friendly attractions include barrel rides for children along the Greenway, as well as opportunities to walk and enjoy the scenery between venues.

Downtown businesses along the festival route, including Sweet Molly Cakes, Rustic Oracle Boutique, and Fab Refurbs, will be open during the event.

More information about the Redbud Festival is available at the town’s website, DaytonVA.us.