I am really excited to be taking part in Olden Days June 26-27 in beautiful Smithfield,Va., said to be one of the state’ best preserved seaports.

According to its website, Smithfield is a quaint river-port town rich in Hams, History, and Hospitality. The town’s Main Street takes visitors back “to a time long gone, when people acknowledged each other by name, the ice cream parlor was the center of every child’s universe, and Southern Hospitality was the un-written rule.”

Many of you may already think of “ham” when you think of Smithfield, and it is, in fact, the “Ham Capital of the World.” Members of the English monarchy had standing orders for Smithfield’s famous hams prior to the Revolutionary War.

I’ll be signing my historical fiction novel Shades of Gray on June 27 during Olden Days on N. Mason Street. The Festival began in the 1980’s, and is said to be one of the most popular community events to take place annually in Smithfield. Highlights include a free concert at the Smithfield Times Square Gazebo with music by the Rhondels and an antique car show featuring “Street Rods.” Festivities on Saturday include antique cars, crafters, artisans, the Olde Towne Curb Market, Ghost Walks, the 3rd Ever Re-Inaugural Pagan River Raft Race, Horse & Buggy & antique fire engine rides and lots of good food!

If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll stop by and say hello. What could be better than hams and history?