About us

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It is Powhatan’s first county-wide outdoor food festival presented by the Powhatan County Fair Association (PCFA), a non-profit 501(c)3, volunteer-run organization. The Chow Down is a one-day, event celebrating local food, caterers and restaurants in Powhatan County and surrounding areas. This free, community-wide family event is designed to showcase the diverse array of culinary delights available in central Virginia, with regional food choices ranging from ethnic to the exotic.

The Chow Down in Powhatan is the start of the spring “season of festivals”. After the winter thaw, it is an opportunity for attendees to see their friends and neighbors, enjoy the tastes of what Powhatan has to offer, while giving exposure to local businesses making a positive impact on our local economy.

The event has two community service components 1) bringing awareness to the battle against hunger by serving as a drop-off site for the collection of non-perishable food donations and 2) raising funds to preserve and revitalize the historic fairgrounds, a source of community pride. A comprehensive reduce/reuse/recycle program will also be in place.

What to expect:

• Taking place in the annual event will be local merchants serving an array of foods
• The Shopper in you will be tempted by vendors displaying jewelry, clothing, music, arts and crafts and other kinds of merchandise.
• We will have a children’s' area for the kids to enjoy the festivities.
• There will be live stage entertainment of music and dance
• Motorcycle and Car Show
• Silent Auction

Restaurant Week

The festival will serve as the kick-off recognition event to Powhatan Restaurant Week. It is scheduled to be proclaimed April 11th through April 17th.

About the PCFA

The PFCA a non-profit 501(c)3 volunteer run organization, seeks to be a community gathering place in Powhatan by providing a safe and secure year-round, multi-purpose venue for all residents. The organization is dedicated to producing events including the annual Powhatan County Fair, Harvest Fest Trunk or Treat, traveling circus and a host of other events that showcase and celebrate the wide variety of cultural, educational, recreational activities. Membership and events are open to all citizens.  Every year, profits go back into the neighborhood through seniors, holiday giveaways to needy families and enhancing the Powhatan County Fairgrounds.

Our mission is to:

• Serve as a quality-of-life asset
• Promote tourism
• Provide an opportunity for economic development

We are members of the Powhatan Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Association of Fairs, and the International Association of Fairs and Expositions.

The Cause:

Did you know that donations to the Chow Down in Powhatan Festival benefit the food bank and goes toward enhancing public spaces?

Sponsor and Exhibitor Opportunities

Opportunities are available for the 2010 Festival. Introduce your products and services to thousands of interested attendees.

Email us for information, giving your company name, product, and website.

Volunteer Opportunities

If you would like to be involved in the exciting process of planning, publicizing, or helping on the day of the Festival, please Contact us! Many volunteers are needed for a wide variety of tasks.

Media

Contact us for high resolution photos and interviews.

Entertainment

Read our schedule of bands and other activities.

Sponsors and Exhibitors

See the Who's Who of food suppliers See our Sponsor and Exhibitor list.

Directions

How do you find the Chow Down Food Festival? It's easy! Read our Directions and Lodging page.