l.robinson1@charter.net

For 10 years, Driver Days has drawn thousands of area residents to the small village of Driver, tucked away in Suffolk’s northern corridor, for the annual festivities which began Saturday.

Crafts, antiques, clowns, face-painting, food, games, and entertainment are all just a part of the grand event, which continues from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. today Obviously well organized enough to lure repeat visitors, there was no mistaking the aroma of pit barbecue, smoked sausage and succulent turkey legs, in part, that complemented Saturday’s much warmer fall breeze.

Children anxiously awaited a meeting with Sparkles T. Clown to get their hands on a balloon animal or have their faces painted. Joined by Mary Hart, they also perform a melody of songs for the event.

Roger Webb and 4-year-old Christopher were enjoying the day with the family. Webb said of the event, &uot;We love it. It’s just small-town fun.&uot;

Bernetta Young of Chesapeake was attending Driver Days for the first time, chaperoning the Western Branch High School History Club. &uot;I think this is very nice,&uot; said Young, adding that she would likely return again.

And this is Trisha Phillips’ third year coming out. Though she resides in neighboring Carrollton, she makes sure she keeps the event on her calendar, particularly since it’s home to her daughter and son-in-law. Phillips really gets a thrill out of the vintage cars.

While on the surface Driver Days may seem all about entertainment, it’s definitely an opportunity to become more educated, as the Western Branch students became familiar with.

The Nansemond Indian Tribe, with its origins in Suffolk, was on site with information about the association, which is comprised of people who are genealogical descendents of the historic Nansemond Indians. They are the only surviving Native-American tribe in Hampton Roads. Sandy McCready, secretary for the tribe, said it’s their second year at Driver Days. The tribe has found the turnout and exposure advantageous to them, explained McCready.

The Driver Days fall festival was established to benefit business owners and the Driver Volunteer Department. Last year the event generated $7,000 for the department, $1,700 of which came from the Driver Car Show.