Sandston to celebrate centennial anniversary with Labor Day festivities
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The Sandston community will come together Sep. 6 to celebrate its 100th anniversary with festivities for all ages, including a select number of Sandston's original citizens.
“This shows what a community can do when they work together to accomplish something,” said Jimmy Mehfoud, a Sandston resident who was born and raised in the community. “It is just a tremendous celebration.”
Mehfoud, formerly known as the unofficial mayor of Sandston, owned the Sandston Pharmacy that had originally been run by his father, Tony Mehfoud, who also served as a Varina supervisor. His familiarity with the community was built upon close family connections and the quintessential small town understanding that “your doors are unlocked and people are always welcome,” he said.
Although the Sandston of today -- a community of more than 7,500 people -- looks different than the smaller, more tightly-knit Sandston of Mehfoud’s early life, he noted that there was a demonstrated interest among community members past and present in celebrating its milestone.
“I have gotten emails from people from Florida, Tennessee, [and the] Carolinas saying “Hey, Jimmy, we're coming back,’” Mehfoud said. “Some of these people hadn't been back in 50 or 60 years. They're in their 70s and 80s, and are actually coming back for this.”
The celebration schedule includes two events, the Sandston Parade beginning at 1 p.m. on Williamsburg Road and a block party from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sandston Recreation Area on JB Finley Road.
American Legion Post 242 will host the centennial parade in place of its usual Memorial Day parade that was unable to be held this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Post 242 Commander Temple Ancarrow said.
Those interested in participating in the parade can apply by Aug. 20.
The block party will host attractions, including:
- concessions for sale to benefit the Sandston Youth Association;
- contests and games;
- Hanover Flying Club flying demonstrations;
- free ice cream;
- Henrico Fire Department;
- bounce houses;
- live music;
- history of Sandston displays and
- Henrico Library exhibits.
For details about the Sandston Centennial Celebration, click here.
