By: Katrina Campbell
Photo by Katrina Campbell
For 42 years, the Williamsburg community has come together to celebrate the Old-Fashioned Trading Days during the first weekend of September. With local vendors, artists, musicians, food trucks, and plenty of games and activities, there is never a shortage of entertainment. Although rain showers fell on Thursday and Saturday, it was not enough to dampen the spirit of Williamsburg residents. Despite the weather, each day of Old-Fashioned Trading Days brought an exciting and unique experience.
Starting on Thursday, gospel artists endured the rainy weather to fill downtown with sounds of praise. Meanwhile, local artists hosted workshops on the Main Street stage. Friday’s events started much earlier, with local schools performing. The performances included Whitley County Central fifth graders, University of the Cumberlands band, and the Williamsburg High School band and choir. There was a break in the performances, but by evening, the sounds of Bluegrass and Country Rock overtook the two stages.
On Saturday morning, rain complicated the planned events such as the beauty pageant, auction, and cornhole tournament. Thankfully, the weather cleared up by evening, allowing the musicians to perform as scheduled.
Although rain complicated the festival, the spirit of Williamsburg residents persisted. Rick McKinney, a local vendor and University of the Cumberlands professor, said Old-Fashioned Trading Days “gives an opportunity for the whole community to come out and celebrate Williamsburg’s diversity.” He added that the festival is “a great place to see the talents and abilities of young and old,” and praised the variety of food. McKinney and his wife, Jane, have been vendors for four consecutive years. Their booth began with Jane selling quilts and aprons, but her collection has grown to include table runners, purses, wallets, potholders, and more. McKinney started by selling woodworking birdhouses and signs and has since expanded to jewelry and pens crafted from silverware.
“The best part is always the people. We love meeting people, finding out about them, and most of all sharing Jesus with them,” Mckinney said.
At the end of the day, that’s what Old-Fashioned Trading Days is all about: a time and a place for this community to come together and share their talents, food, music, hobbies, and most of all, love, with one another. Regardless of the weather, the citizens of Williamsburg came together and enjoyed Old-Fashioned Trading Days. It is events like this that remind us of the importance of tradition and of people.
September 18, 2025