The Rappahannock Voice One man's view of the world from Rappahannock County, Virginia

Rappahannock County is a small, close-knit community that takes part of Virginia, USA. Like most counties in Virginia, agriculture and horticulture are the primary means of livelihood in the area. However, it is the presence of the celebrated Blue Ridge Mountains within this county that bestows a much more mystical and appealing ardor to this quiet and peaceful town. Apart from this, the presence of the Shenandoah National Park also adds a very chipper and flourishing atmosphere that nature-lovers and tourists will absolutely love.

This part of the ‘Old Dominion’ is also home to the Rappahannock County Farm Tour. It is during this tour that participants will get to visit numerous farms, wineries, orchards and plant nurseries that are scattered around the area. Apart from this, a trip to the organic local market will also be in store for all visitors and guests. Presentations and demonstrations are also available to all of those interested. And, to top all of these activities, an authentic Barn Dance will take place to celebrate the success of the tour.

The Rappahannock County is just a small town but it boasts large orchards and flourishing farms. It is one of the few counties which have not conceded to land developers. Instead, a preservation program was launched in order to preserve the land. This preservation program protects a farmer’s right to continue farming on his land for as long as he wishes. It also retains his/ her right to pass it down from one generation to another. Added benefits of this particular program would include the preservation of the agriculturally-based economy and the quaint way of living in the Rappahannock County.

Rappahannock County is famously known for its locally grown produce. This is probably why the food that is served within this county can be expected to be at its very best. Fresh, organic and sumptuous dishes can be found at the exceptional restaurants on Flint Hill. However, if you get tired of county living, you can always visit the celebrated ‘Theatre at Washington’. A night filled with music can assuredly make you feel more in tune with the scenic surroundings that you are now encompassed within.

Lastly, Rappahannock County boasts friendly service and an excellent venue for a relaxing vacation. With the Castleton Music Festival and the world renowned Inn at Little Washington, Rappahannock County has a lot of alluring promise. After all, isn’t good food, good air, good music and good company the components to a perfect vacation?

Ireland is famous of their Celtic descent and their drunken Irish music. Joyful beats that will make you dance are evident within their folk songs and their ballads will make you laugh or cry. With multiple internationally acclaimed musical artists like Enya, U2, The Corrs, Cranberries, Westlife, The Script, Van Morrison and Sinead O’Connor, it is an undeniable fact that Irish music is critically accepted and adored by people from all over Virginia and the world.

Traditional Irish music started out with plain instruments. Among the famous instruments that were used back then were the fiddle, accordion and the harp. However, in the 17th century, the harpists were the most acclaimed. In the 18th century, the famous Irish way of dancing evolved. Hence, the music became more jovial and less classical. But it wasn’t until the 1880’s that Irish music gained popularity in the United States. Since the livelihood and employment were below par in Ireland, the citizens thought it prudent to move to another country and start anew. It was due to this emigration that Irish music was able to evolve and gain acknowledgment, both on St. Patrick’s Day and throughout the rest of the year.

Irish music is believed to be the foundations for certain styles in country songs and rock and roll. With the legendary Van Morrison who popularized the songs ‘Scandinavia’, ‘Someone like You’ and ‘Have I told you lately’; it is not a wonder as to why this is so. In addition, U2 is also a sensational rock and roll band that has exceeded the boundaries set by precedent bands. With 10 Grammy’s, 7 Brit awards, 9 MTV awards, 6 Rolling Stone Music awards, 1 Golden Globe, a plaque in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a whole lot more, Irish music is truly an unprecedented phenomena.

Irish music has influenced and touched us all. With popular bands in the 1990’s like the Cranberries, The Corrs, Westlife, B*wiched, and Boyzone, it would surprising to not have heard about these famous Irish musicians. Songs like Zombie, Breathless, Flying without Wings, C’est La Vie and Picture of you are all familiar tunes that we have heard on the radio and on MTV multiple times already.

Now, Irish music is still evident. The Script is an Irish band that started out in 2011. Currently, they are making waves amongst the music industry today. Their most popular song, ‘The Man who can’t be moved’, helped their sales reach its pinnacle. And in 2009, they were awarded with a multi-platinum disc for their debut album.

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. However, he did not start out as a religious man. St. Patrick or Maewyn was originally a pagan. And for the first sixteen years of his life, he remained a pagan. It was during his sixteenth year that he was sold as a slave and it was also due to this slavery that he became a believer. St. Patrick was able to eventually escape from slavery and study Religion under St. Germain. A few years after, he became the second bishop to Ireland. St. Patrick was famous for a lot of things but he was most famous for being able to convert pagans into God fearing believers. On March 17, 461 A.D, he passed away to be with the Lord. This date marks the world renowned celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Patrick’s Day was originally celebrated in Ireland alone. However, due to the emigration of Irish natives to the United States, these Irish-American settlers made it a point to bring back and celebrate their traditional customs. It was in Boston on 1737 that the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held. Now, this Irish celebration includes parades, green costumes and three-leaf shamrocks. Sometimes, you might even be able to find a man dressed up as a leprechaun carrying a fake pot of gold during the parade.

A three leafed shamrock holds a lot of stock on St. Patrick’s Day. This is because of the Irish tale that told of the story that St. Patrick would like to tell pagans. The story revolves around the three leafed shamrock that was used by St. Patrick to explain the existence of three beings in one entity. It is because of this significant factor that people traditionally wear a three leafed shamrock upon their lapel.

St. Patrick’s Day is commonly associated with the color green. Yet, this calming color is not the original color of St. Patrick’s Day. The actual color of this Irish holiday is blue. Green was affiliated with the day of St. Patrick because of the mark of spring. Also, according to Irish beliefs, green is the color which is used by fairies, immortals and those who would like to have a bountiful harvest.

St. Patrick’s Day has influenced a lot of people, establishments and even our breakfast cereals. Green beer served solely on March 17 is one of those influences that have been actualized. This particular Irish holiday has come to great lengths to spread the good cheer and celebration to everyone. So, in return, let’s get our green costumes ready and prepare to celebrate in our beloved Rappahannock County.