Take a Step Back in Time with Field Day of the Past This Weekend

Ever wonder what happened to the old Short Pump Grocery or Short Pump Transmission? A popular annual event taking place this weekend just west of Short Pump features not only some of the relocated landmarks of Short Pump from its bygone days as a country outpost, but allows visitors to step back in time and discover our nation’s roots, and their own as well.

September 15, 2011; 3:42 PM • by Trevor Dickerson

The three day event kicks off on Friday and runs through Sunday and combines the feel of a country fair with a full midway, food vendors and hundreds of booths filled with local artisans and craftsmen.

Exhibits focusing on steam and gas engines, a working sawmill and tractor pulls are also staples of Field Day of the Past.

Up front near Route 623, three relocated Short Pump landmarks stand proud and are open for tours. Short Pump Grocery and Short Pump Garage, both moved to the grounds in May of 1996 to escape the bulldozer, sell merchandise from a bygone era such as Cheerwine and Moon Pies.

Springfield Baptist Church is next to the two other buildings and is the most recent addition to the show. It was moved to the grounds in 2007 to make way for more development.

The first Field Day of the Past was held in 1992 and it now draws more than 30,000 people annually over the course of the weekend.

Admission is $10 per person per day for adults on Friday; $15 on Saturday and $10 on Sunday. Children under the age of 13 are admitted free of charge. The admission charge does not include carnival rides.

This year Senior Citizen passes are available all three days. All those 55 years or older will be admitted for $8.Two-Day passes are available at the gates for $20. Three-Day passes are available at the gates for $23.

Block tickets can be obtained prior to the event for $75 for ten tickets. Call 804-741-8468 for details.

Gates open each day at 8:00 a.m. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit the Field Day of the Past website.