December 10, 2024 - The Sperryville Community Alliance today announces opportunities for Sperryville and Rappahannock residents to volunteer for community-oriented activities focused of building community in Sperryville. The Alliance seeks individuals interested in serving on the Board as well as the newly created SperryFest Organizing Committee, which organizes the annual community SperryFest event.

These volunteer opportunities present an excellent way to engage with your community, meet your neighbors, and contribute to the quality of life of Sperryville and Rappahannock County residents and visitors.

Sperryville Committee Alliance Board of Directors – The Board consists of 4-6 members who live or work in Sperryville. The Board promotes activities that enhance the safety, inclusion, and vitality of our community. Ideal candidates work with other Board members to envision and execute community-oriented activities as well as seek funding opportunities to support the community. Board appointments are for three years with requirements to attend monthly Board meetings and participate in Alliance activities. The Board currently has one opening.

SperryFest Organizing Committee – The new standing Committee organizes and operates the annual SperryFest community celebration and The Rubber Duck Race Down the Mighty Thornton River, scheduled in late April. Action-oriented organizers with a fun spirit are ideal candidates. Members can live or work in Sperryville or Rappahannock County and must be committed to creating a well-planned and organized community event. The Committee has six to eight openings each for a three-year term.

To apply, email info@sperryfest.org to express interest and why you would make a good Board or Committee member. Applications are due by December 16, 2024. Additional details on these volunteer activities are available at www.sperryfest.org or by talking with any member of the Alliance Board including Dot Lessard, Robert Archer, Kim Nelson, Anita Carshult, Kathy Kidd, or Kerry Sutten. See the SCA Bylaws here.

Crossroads of the Piedmont.

 Located in the southeast section of Rappahannock County, Virginia, along the Thornton River, Sperryville was laid out by Francis Thornton, Jr. in 1817 and established in 1820 when the first deed was recorded. For most of the early 19th century Conestoga wagons were built by John Kiger. By the 1850, Sperryville boasted two turnpikes: Thornton's Gap and Sperryville & Rappahannock. In the 1860s the Smoot family of Alexandria build a tannery on the Thornton River that closed by 1911. By that time Sperryville had grown to 350 residents with four churches, five general stores, one hotel, six mills, shops, and a masonic hall. The Sperryville Historic District is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Registry and the National Register of Historic Places.

Attractions

Sperryville is close to many outdoor activities. The town is at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides access to the panorama entrance of Shenandoah National Park that provides access to Skyline Drive, which is a continuation of the Blue Ridge Parkway of the Great Smoky Mountains. Hiking spots include the popular Old Rag Mountain, White Oak Canyon, and Thornton River Trail, which are all located within the Shenandoah National Park.

Today, Sperryville is home to wineries, breweries, a world class restaurant, important farms and numerous boutique shopping experiences.

The Copper Fox Distillery, a distiller of American whiskey, is based in Sperryville. Central Coffee Roasters, a small batch artisan coffee roaster, is located 1/2 mile west towards the Shenandoah National Park.

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