August 1, 2025
Do you ever wonder who makes the furniture magic happen? Our carpenter, Cecil Lucas, works wonders with wood! Cecil has been with Iron Gate since 1974. A native of Purcellville, he lives with his wife Betty, who retired from the Loudoun County Public Schools, in the house he grew up in and that his father built! Not many of us can say that! He’s also honed his furniture repair skills to the point he can repair almost anything. The barrister bookcase shown below in “before” and “after” photos is an example of his work. I even once brought him a stack of pieces I’d found by the side of the road that’s now an etagere in our parlor! The next time you come by the shop to drop off or pick up something, you may want to say hello to Cecil
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This is the time of year we give you an annual reminder that the Bluemont Fair is next month. The 55th Bluemont Fair will be held on September 20th-21st, but this year, since we no longer have the retail space, we’ll be closed and enjoying the Fair events that include Irish dancing by Celtic Rhythm School of Dance, a bake sale, quilt show, and all the usual fun events. We’ll include a reminder in next month’s newsletter that we’ll be closed that day. That means Bob will get to see me dance—lucky him!
If you are looking for excuses to head to Bluemont this month, check out the Pickle Party at Bear Chase Brewery on August 2nd. If wine is more your style, you may want to go to the Happy Hour on Sunday afternoons at Twin Oaks Tavern Winery, which offers half-price glasses and $15 all-you-can-eat charcuterie. Or, consider stopping by the farm store at Smith Meadows Farm, which specializes in grass-fed, finished meats and pastured eggs. There are plenty of reasons to visit Bluemont and the surrounding area . . .
Bob & Lynne McCann