Event/Site: Annual Fundraiser for the Walnut Cove Colored School/Walnut Cove Senior Center in Walnut Cove

Date: Second Saturday April, Noon - 6:00pm.

Type: Festival featuring local bluegrass, gospel, and old-time musicians, as well as food, children's activities, and craft demonstrations for the purpose of raising funds for  a restored historic schoolhouse currently serving as the Walnut Cove Senior Center.

Location:  Fowler Park on Main St. in downtown Walnut Cove, just down the street from the fire station. ( 521 N. Main St.) From I-40 Business take US Hwy 311 North about 17 miles to Walnut Cove. US Hwy 311 becomes Main Street. Go through town to Sixth Street. The fire station will be on your left at Sixth and Main. Click here for a map.

Cost: No admission, but donations accepted.

Parking: Free. Parking is adequate for bus tours.

Special Needs Access: Venue is fully accessible.

Signage: Signs at location, but not en route.

Sponsor: Walnut Cove Colored School/Walnut Cove Senior Center

Website:  http://www.co.stokes.nc.us/wcsenior

Contact:
Vicki East
Walnut Cove Colored School/Walnut Cove Senior Center
PO Box 646
308 Brooke Street
Walnut Cove, NC 27052
(336) 591-5442; (336) 591-5680
wcseniorcenter@triadbiz.rr.com

Description of Event: The stage comes alive with bluegrass and gospel-- African American gospel, southern gospel, and bluegrass gospel. Abundant talent from the local community is featured, with groups such as the Redd Family, the Gospel Mellowtones, and the King Hillbillies. Volunteers cook and sell regional food specialties. Homemade cakes are auctioned throughout the afternoon and a quilt raffle is held at 6:00pm. There are also activities for kids and craft demonstrations.

History of Site/Event: Walnut Cove Colored School/Walnut Cove Senior Center initiated its annual fundraiser in 2002 to help support its work and to provide a festive occasion to bring the community together. Proceeds are divided between the two organizations. The school/senior center is located blocks away from Fowler Park, to where the annual fundraiser was moved in 2005 to expand its offerings and accommodate more people. The school/senior center has a history of passionate community involvement. Originally constructed as a Rosenwald school for African American youth, the school closed in 1952. When the building fell into disrepair and was scheduled for demolition, a community effort led by school alumna Dorothy Dalton secured funds to save it. The transformation of the once-abandoned school into a "thriving epicenter of community activity" was recognized by the National Trust with a 2000 National Preservation Honor Award. The Walnut Cove Colored School, in addition to housing the Walnut Cove Senior Center, also hosts town meetings, wedding receptions, educational programs, family reunions, and the county meals-on-wheels and hot lunch program.

Description of Site/Facility: Fowler Park sits on Main St. in Walnut Cove, just down the block from the fire station. Walnut Cove is a picturesque North Carolina country with authentic charm.

Significance of Site/Event to the Community: The Walnut Cove Colored School/Walnut Cove Senior Center serves a multi-cultural clientele, and the intergenerational group that attends the fundraiser reflects the diverse population of Walnut Cove and surrounding areas. The benefit is successful in commitment to community traditions.