The Rapidan Register is happy to print nonprofit, organization, club and church events occurring within Orange and Madison counties. Listings can be submitted to news@rapidanregister.com. Please include a contact person’s name and email in case questions arise.
Saturday, April 26
COLLIER BENEFIT CONCERT
The Brightwood Ruritan Club will host a benefit concert for the children of Erica Collier April 26 at 2 p.m. Austin Boggs will headline with four bands performing. Donations will be collected at the door; refreshments will be available for purchase.
WOOL AND WINE FESTIVAL
Madison County Parks and Recreation will host the annual Wool and Wine Festival April 26, 12-5 p.m. at Hoover Ridge Park. The festival is being held in conjunction with the annual sheepdog trials. Local wineries and vendors will be on-site including Mi Ranchito Food Truck. Waking Napster will provide live entertainment 1-4 p.m. Tickets are $20 for tastings. All guests under 18 are free and adult general admission (no tastings allowed) is $5. There will be a supervised children’s area with activities. Pop-up tents permitted.
RVFD PORK TENDERLOIN DINNER
The Rapidan Volunteer Fire Department will host its pork tenderloin dinner April 26, 4-7 p.m. at 9729 Locust Dale Road, Rapidan. The menu will include smoked pork tenderloin; mashed potatoes with gravy; green beans; dinner rolls; applesauce; desserts and drinks. Dine-in or carryout. The cost is $15 per adult and $6 for children 12 and under. A fundraiser raffle will be held at 7 p.m.
MASTER GARDENER PLANT SALE
The Rapidan River Master Gardeners’ annual plant and yard sale will be held April 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Carver Center, 9432 North James Madison Highway, Rapidan. Enjoy hundreds of locally grown plants, plus gardening tools and decorative items. There will be food vendors, garden-themed vendors and children’s activities. All proceeds benefit the Master Gardeners’ projects including pollinator gardens, school programs, library seed exchanges, senior outreach, educational tents and the Carver Demonstration Garden. Cash preferred; cards accepted via Zeffy App.
PARK DAY
The Friends of Wilderness Battlefield will participate in park day April 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteer and clean up Payne’s Farm. Wear sturdy shoes and bring gloves, clippers and rakes if possible. Bug spray recommended. FoWB will provide water and light snacks. The group will meet in the Payne’s Farm Parking Area, across the street from Zoar Baptist Church, 31334 Zoar Road. Parking is limited; additional parking is available in the church lot.
Wednesday, April 30
MCSO YOUTH ACADEMY
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications from rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders for the Youth Criminal Justice Academy, June 2-6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the course, candidates will receive education on CPR and first aid certification; firearms safety and practical use; a tour and demonstration of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in Ruckersville; a tour and simulation training at the Central Virginia Shenandoah Criminal Justice Academy in Weyers Cave; driving safety; and presentations and training from patrol, criminal investigation and K-9 units. Lunch will be provided daily. Applications can be obtained by contacting Deputy John Pollina in person at MCHS or via email at jpollina@madisonco.virginia.gov. Applications must be turned into Pollina or dropped off at the sheriff’s office by April 30.
Thursday, May 1
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
An observance of the National Day of Prayer will be held May 1 at noon at Madison County Library.
WMS BINGO
Wetsel Middle School will host Bingo Night May 1, 6-8 p.m. in the cafeteria. Tickets are $20 and include one Bingo book. Daubers will be available for $1. Tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds support the middle school. Prizes include Massanutten Waterpark passes, a Yoder’s Gift Card, canoe or tubing rental from Shenandoah River Outfitters and a Body Expressions gift certificate.
Friday, May 2
MADISON CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERTS
The Madison Choral Society will present “Hymns Triumphant Volume II: The Triumph of the Christian Life,” a symphonic choral suite based on traditional hymns arranged by Lee Holdridge May 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Orange Baptist Church, Orange and May 4 at 4:30 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Church, Haywood.
Saturday, May 3
MADISON DAY
Madison Day, the annual event which sends volunteers out in the county to accomplish a variety of projects, will be held May 3. For more information or to register as a volunteer, visit www.madisondayva.com/get-involved.
Wednesday, May 7
THRIVE BEYOND 55
Orange County TRIAD and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office will host “Thrive Beyond 55,” a health, safety and crime prevention conference with a focus on topics relevant to those 55 and older May 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lake of the Woods Church, 1 Church Lane, Locust Grove. Teepa Snow, a renowned dementia care expert, will be the featured speaker. She will share information about positive approaches to dementia. Other topics include ensuring deeds and titles meet asset protection and estate planning goals and elder financial abuse. Light breakfast refreshments and lunch will be provided. To register, email your full name to LHernandez@orangecountyva.gov or call (540) 661-6156 and leave a message with full name and phone number. Registration is open until May 1.
Saturday, May 10
DAY OF RELAXATION
Vector 7 Ministries with the Madison American Legion Post 157 will host a day of relaxation and fun May 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for military, EMS, fire, police, IC partners and their families. The event will be held on the grounds of Camp Shenandoah Springs, 544 Stage Coach Lane, Madison. Activities include equine visits, catch and release fishing, game rooms, relaxation and food. RSVP by May 7 at (540) 547-6160 or www.vaalpost157.com.
FLOWER ARRANGING WORKSHOP
The Madison Garden Club will host a flower arranging workshop May 10 at 10:30 a.m. on the lawn of the Madison County Library. Learn basic flower arranging techniques and take home a beautiful arrangement. There is no cost; bring clippers if you wish. Sign up at the library circulation desk by May 7.
Thursday, May 22
BUSINESS EXPO
The Madison County Business Expo will be held May 22, 1-6 p.m. at the Madison County Volunteer Fire Company. Many businesses will be present with giveaways, raffles and products. Stop at the entry to enter to win tickets to the Graves Mountain Community Heritage Music Festival. Double J Entertainment will provide music. Email tourism@madison-va.com or call (540) 945-4455 for more information.
Thursday, May 29
GRAVES MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL
The 2025 Graves Mountain Music Festival will be held May 29-31. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit gravesmountainmusic.com.
Saturday, June 7
FIREARM SAFETY COURSE
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office will host a firearm safety course June 7, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Madison County Firehouse, 1223 N. Main Street, Madison. There will be a classroom portion followed by range instruction. Upon completion of the class, participants will be awarded a certificate that qualifies for a concealed permit. For more information or to register, contact Major Troy Estes at (540) 948-7524 or tnestes@madisonco.virginia.gov.
Monday, June 16
RAD SELF-DEFENSE CLASS
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office will host a RAD Self-Defense Course for women June 16-19, 6-10 p.m. at the Madison County Firehouse, 1223 N. Main Street, Madison. RAD stands for Rape, Aggression, Defense Systems and is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques primarily for women, focusing on awareness, prevention, risk reduction and hands-on defense training. The class is open to women ages 14 and older; juveniles must have a signed guardian consent form submitted to participate. For more information or to register, contact Major Troy Estes at (540) 948-7524 or tnestes@madisonco.virginia.gov.
Ongoing
LIBRARY FUNDRAISER
The Madison Friends of the Library is hosting a jar fundraiser through April 30. Purchase tickets for $1 per vote from library staff and place in the jar of your favorite mystery and thriller author or write a personal favorite on the ticket and place it in the jar for write-in candidates. Proceeds will be used to purchase new books for the library.
MUSEUMS REOPEN
The Madison County Historical Society announces the opening of the Madison Museum in the Kemper Residence in the Town of Madison. The museum is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Mountain Museum at Criglersville has also resumed its normal schedule and is open Sunday, 1-4 p.m. For more information, or to inquire about renting the Kemper Residence, contact the society at (540) 395-5119 or email madisonvahistory@gmail.com
