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Welcome! This page answers the most common questions we receive from festival attendees and vendors. If you don’t see your question here, please reach out through our Contact Us page.
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For Attendees
When is the Wilderness Trail Festival held?
The Kiwanis Wilderness Trail Festival is traditionally held on the third Saturday in September in downtown Christiansburg. Specific hours and schedule details are posted as the festival date approaches.
Is the festival family-friendly?
Yes. The festival is designed for all ages, with a strong focus on family activities, community organizations, and kid-friendly entertainment.
What free activities are available for children?
We typically offer free kids’ entertainment such as:
- Inflatable bouncy house and slide
- Chuckles the Clown
- Face painting
- First responder equipment displays and hands-on learning
- Christiansburg Police Department
- Christiansburg Fire Department
- Christiansburg Rescue Department
- Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department
What kind of live entertainment is offered?
The festival typically features two stages with multiple bands and artists performing throughout the day.
What kinds of vendors will I find?
You’ll usually find a wide mix of:
- Heritage crafts
- Arts and crafts vendors
- Home improvement vendors
- Local organizations
- Commercial vendors
- Food vendors and trucks (usually about a half dozen)
Is there food available?
Yes. The festival typically includes multiple food vendors and food trucks offering a variety of options.
How do the silent auction and raffle work?
The festival includes a silent auction and a raffle. Items and experiences are donated by generous community partners, and proceeds support Kiwanis service in our community. Details about bidding and raffle ticket purchase are available on-site.
Where can I find parking and accessibility information?
Parking locations, road closures, and accessibility guidance are posted as the festival date approaches. If you have accessibility needs, please contact us in advance so we can help with the best options.
Does the festival offer handicapped parking?
Yes. Handicapped parking is located off of First Street behind LPC Ignite College (previously Main St. Baptist Church).
For Vendors
How do I apply to be a vendor?
Vendor applications are typically posted ahead of the festival date. Use our Contact Us page to request current vendor information and deadlines.
What types of vendors are a good fit?
We welcome a wide range of vendors, including arts and crafts, heritage crafts, home improvement, community organizations, commercial vendors, and food vendors/trucks. The festival is family-focused, so vendors with broadly appealing, community-friendly offerings are a great fit.
Do food vendors and food trucks need special requirements?
Food vendors may have additional requirements related to permits, inspections, and safety practices. If you are a food vendor, contact us early so we can share the current year’s requirements and logistics.
When is vendor setup and check-in?
Vendor setup and check-in details are provided to approved vendors prior to the festival. Timing may vary by vendor type and booth location.
Is electricity available?
Electric availability depends on location and the festival’s current layout. If your booth requires electricity, please note that in your vendor application or include it in your message when contacting the festival team.
Can I request a specific booth location?
You may request a preferred location, but placement depends on the overall festival layout and vendor mix. We do our best to accommodate needs where possible.
What should I do if I have questions close to the festival date?
Please use the Contact Us page and include “URGENT” in your subject line if your question is time-sensitive.
Still Have a Question?
We’re happy to help. Send a note to the festival team and we’ll get you to the right person.
Note: Festival details (hours, maps, schedules, and vendor instructions) are updated as the event date approaches. Please check back for the latest information.
Please contact the Chair of our Wilderness Trail Festival Committee about content on this page.