This past October 19 may have seen the beginning of a new fall festival for Nokesville. The third Saturday in October is traditionally known as the Nokesville Ruritan Brunswick Stew Day, but this day included the Nokesville Sign and Flagpole Dedication, NBA yard sale and booth, Nokesville Church of the Brethren Bazaar and a "previously-read" book sale at the library. An estimated 250 people attended the festivities despite the cool weather and cloudy skies. All participants declared their efforts successful.

The Ruritans sold out of approximately 240 gallons of stew in about two hours. In addition, buyers scooped up the goodies at their bake sale. The NBA gained three prospective members and its yard sale and sales of sweatshirts and prints was highly successful.

The Nokesville Sign and Flagpole Dedication Ceremony was sponsored by the NBA and the Ruritans and put together by Stan Keys, Treasurer NBA and member of both organizations. The Master of Ceremony was Mickey Mulgrew, BDHS Principal, who introduced local dignitaries (Dave Mabie and Ben Thompson), Reverend Joe Klotz, majorette Kerry Hickerson, Colonel Gary West and Boy Scout Troop 671. He also explained that the scheduled participation of the BDHS band was disallowed due to school cancellation of all outdoor activities.

Kerry Hickerson, a majorette for the BDHS Marching Band, led off the ceremony to a recording of the "Stars and Stripes". Reverend Joe Klotz of the Nokesville United Methodist Church said the invocation, followed by the flag-raising by the scouts. Colonel Gary West, a Nokesville resident who was on duty with the Joint Chiefs on September 11, 2001, sang several patriotic songs throughout the ceremony.

Brentsville Supervisor Ben Thompson acknowledged that the Nokesville flagpole, welcome sign and schools represent a community in action. Clerk of the Court Dave Mabie, a long-time resident, noted that the schools and numerous churches produce good citizens who join organizations that work for the betterment of the community, such as the Ruritans and NBA.

The ribbon-cutting was conducted by Ben Thompson, Dave Mabie, NBA President Tom Basham and Nokesville Ruritan President Ed Watson..

Verbal recognition was given to the participants in the accomplishment of the sign and flagpole (listed on the back of the program) and to the community for purchasing the prints and shirts.

Both the Nokesville Neighborhood Library and Nokesville Church of the Brethren were busy with their respective book sale and bazaar. The library plans to use the funds raised to help pay for projects not funded by the county. The Brethren Church’s community bazaar raised money, through vendor table rentals, for a park bench at the library and the Nokesville Elementary School Shoe Fund for needy children.