News

The heart of the Waterford Fair is captured in its imagery. Each year, we look for a signature “Waterford Scene”—a work of art that anchors our visual identity and inspires every visitor who joins us. We are now officially searching for the piece that will define the 2026 Waterford Fair.

Whether it’s a quiet corner of a stone cottage, a sweeping view of the hills, or the energy of Fair day, we want to see your vision of our historic village.

What We’re Looking For

The selected artwork (or a featured portion) will serve as the face of the 2026 Fair, showcased on the booklet cover and across all our promotional materials, from print ads to social media.

The Details:

• Media: We are looking for traditional media—paintings, drawings, and mixed media. Please note: we are not accepting digital work for the cover, and color images are preferred.
• Eligibility: To keep our imagery fresh, entries must have been produced after August 2024.
• Quantity: You can submit up to four (4) pieces for consideration.
• Format: Low-resolution images are fine for the initial application. If your work is selected, we’ll need a hi-res image. If you don’t have one, we can take it. We would just need the piece brought to Waterford so we can take it.

Why Submit?

Beyond having your work seen by tens of thousands of Fair fans, the selected artist receives full credit across all platforms. We also feature the winner in a press release and a social media spotlight to share your artistic background with our community.

Important Dates & Info

• Deadline: March 31, 2026
• Selection Notice: April 10, 2026
• Quick Tip for the App: When you’re filling out the form, if you don’t have a registered business name, just enter “N/A” in the Business field.

APPLY HERE

Example of how the image may be use:

Questions?

We’re happy to help! Reach out to the office at [email protected] or give us a call at 540-882-3018 x 7.

Click on image below or scan QR code to apply or nominate a speaker or historian.

We so appreciate your interest and consideration!

If you have any questions please email us at [email protected] or call 540-882-3018 x 4 or 7.

The 81st Waterford Fair was truly buzzing! Attendees—both locals and guests from further afield—had an incredible time exploring everything the weekend had to offer. The streets were vibrant with amazing arts and crafts, historical interpretations, old-time music, and delicious food.

There was something for everyone to enjoy: touring a historic home, learning to cast a candle, singing along with the troubadours, sampling the Fair Pale Ale, or attending a ‘tent talk’ hosted by the Waterford Craft School. Visitors were fully immersed in the unique atmosphere that makes Waterford so special.

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With over 230 artisans showcasing their work throughout the village and inside the Foundation’s historic properties, fairgoers had the unique opportunity to engage directly with the artisans. This interaction—learning about the techniques and inspiration behind the beautiful handmade jewelry, stunning pottery, intricate textiles, hand-built furniture, and fine art—made for a genuinely enriching experience.

Many exhibiting artisans were thrilled with their sales and thankful for the chance to share their passion with such an enthusiastic audience! As the Fair wrapped up, participants and visitors alike left with great memories.

The Waterford Fair continues to be a beloved event that celebrates creativity, history, and traditions, solidifying its reputation as a cherished event in Loudoun County. Thank you to the local civic groups, businesses, sponsors, and the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who supported our efforts and helped us reach our fundraising goal!

We hope you experienced a touch of ‘Fair magic’ and created joyful memories to cherish until we meet again next year.

Pencil the dates in your calendar now for the 82nd Fair, which will be held on October 2-4, 2026 (the first full weekend of the month).

We can’t wait to celebrate ALL of our volunteers at the Annual Volunteer Party on November 14^th! If you have not seen an invitation in your inbox please contact the office at [email protected] and we will make sure you get it.

Thank you to our incredible Fair Sponsors! Follow this link to check them out and show them some love.

The Main Stage at the 81st Waterford Fair will come alive with music, song, and dance from some of the region’s most talented performers. Here’s a closer look at the groups and artists bringing their talents to this year’s Fair.

Old Dominion Chorus — Friday 11:00 am

Based in Leesburg, the Old Dominion Chorus is Loudoun County’s premier men’s a cappella group and a proud chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Known for everything from doo-wop to gospel, they bring familiar favorites to life with rich harmonies and infectious energy. You may have seen them around town at First Fridays or community events — their mission is simple: to share the joy of singing and make the world a happier place, one smile at a time.

Kate MacLeod & Paul Hammerton — Friday 12:30 pm & 2:30 pm, Sunday 12:30 pm & 2:30 pm

Award-winning musicians Kate MacLeod and Paul Hammerton blend guitar, fiddle, and mountain dulcimer into a sound that bridges folk traditions with fresh originals. Recently named Best of the West by Folk Alliance International, Kate also brought home a blue ribbon at the Appalachian Stringband Festival in 2025. Together, the duo offers audiences music rooted in tradition but alive with contemporary creativity.

George Jackson & Brad Kolodner — Friday 1:30 pm & 3:30 pm

Clawhammer banjoist Brad Kolodner has carved a national reputation as both a performer and a radio host, carrying forward the folk traditions he grew up with. He’s toured widely, released chart-topping albums, and helped spark a vibrant Old-Time scene in Baltimore. Paired with acclaimed fiddler George Jackson, the duo delivers old-time tunes with technical brilliance and a contagious joy that’s sure to get toes tapping.

Celtic Rhythm School of Dance — Saturday 11:00 am. Celebrating 25 Years at the Fair!

A Fair favorite for a quarter century, the Celtic Rhythm School of Dance is celebrating 25 years of dazzling performances at Waterford. With lively steps and intricate rhythms, these young dancers embody the spirit and tradition of Irish step dancing — a show that always delights crowds of all ages.

Down Valley Ramblers — Saturday 12:45 pm & 2:30 pm

The Down Valley Ramblers bring the heart of bluegrass to the Main Stage with their spirited picking and soulful harmonies. Known throughout the region for their traditional sound and warm stage presence, they keep audiences smiling and feet moving with every set.

Furnace Mountain Trio — Saturday 1:30 pm & 3:15 pm

Hailing from the Shenandoah Valley, Furnace Mountain is known for taking Appalachian traditions in bold new directions. With bass, fiddle, mandolin, and bouzouki, their music can be raucous and foot-stomping or hauntingly poetic. They’ve performed everywhere from the banks of the Yangtze River to the Shenandoah, but they remain a beloved Virginia treasure.

Dance Academy of Loudoun — Sunday 11:00 am

The Dance Academy of Loudoun brings together talented young dancers from across the county for a performance filled with grace, energy, and heart. Their students showcase a variety of styles, delighting audiences and inspiring the next generation of performers.

Chatham Rabbits Duo — Sunday 1:30 pm & 3:30 pm

Husband-and-wife team Sarah and Austin McCombie of Chatham Rabbits have built a loyal following with their heartfelt Americana sound. Their songs are rooted in North Carolina’s old-time traditions, but their newest album, Be Real with Me, shows a band maturing, evolving, and writing with raw honesty. The result is music that is tender, joyful, and unafraid to wrestle with life’s contradictions.

From soaring harmonies and fiddle tunes to Irish dance, bluegrass, and fresh Americana, this year’s Main Stage lineup promises moments you won’t forget.

Click here to see the full line up of entertainment at the Fair!

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It truly takes a village to put on the Fair, and we’d love for you to join ours! Your time and support are incredibly appreciated, and for each 4-hour shift you work you will receive a FREE Fair ticket ($25 value).

If you’re ready to jump in and help, please sign up using this link to let us know your area of interest.

We have a variety of tasks where we could use a hand. Here’s a look at just a few:

• Our Operations Team needs a few folks to help set out safety fencing and cones over the weekend of September 27-28.
• Have an affinity for the artisans and vendors and enjoy problem solving? Susan Hill and Elyssa Wood are down a teammate and need a third Area Coordinator. Please email the office if you are interested!
• We have a few spots open at the Waterford Craft School Tent! Welcome folks to the Tent Talks, talk with fairgoers about upcoming classes and/or guide kids make a “itty-bitty” broom.
• Help with welcoming fairgoers at the ticket gates. The Welcome Team takes tickets and helps folks remember where they park their cars. This team is led by Chris Wood & Grey Frandsen.
• The Old Mill Shop, run by Cerrena Baird & Emily Houston, could use floor monitors, cashiers and wrappers.
• Art at the Red Barn lead Lis Zadravec could use some help with show set up/break down and also working the floor.
• If checking IDs, pouring drinks and slinging fun is more your thing (and you are 21 or older), volunteer at the Graham’s Bar-room at the Bond Street Barn. Mark Sutton & Marty Rathmann would greatly appreciate your help!
• Love the homes on tour? Become a docent and share these amazing places with fairgoers! Julie Harner and the Tours Committee won’t bite 😉
• Let your “Martha Stewart” shine working with our Artisan Hospitality Team! Give Demonstrating Artisans short breaks, help them with set up and/or breakdown, run errands for them, or help out with the Welcome Dinner on Friday evening.

We so appreciate your consideration! For more ways you can help, follow this link to complete the volunteer inquiry form!