Allison T. Williams

The Whaleyville Ruritan Club is serving up a slice of Americana next month n and everyone’s invited.

The club is hoping to draw more than 1,500 people to the small village on U.S. Route 13 for Whaleyville Community Day on May 6.

With lawn tractor pulls, a petting zoo and plenty of entertainment, the event promises to be a celebration of small-town life, said Gary Dunne, the club’s president.

“There will be something for everyone,” he said. “You can bring your children and your grandparents out here … and everybody will find something to do.

“It will be an affordable, fun-filled day in Whaleyville.”

The day will kick off with a parade, complete with horses and decked-out antique cars, through downtown Whaleyville.

The hub of festivities will be at Whaleyville Community Center, on U.S. 13. Four bands will take the stage throughout the day and civic groups will be selling plenty of food: barbecue, hamburgers and hotdogs.

Businesses and craft vendors will also be on hand, said Ruritan Dean Russell. A blacksmith, glassblower, furniture maker and quilters are among the crafters who have committed to the event.

“We are still hoping to bring more craft vendors in, both from Suffolk and other parts of Hampton Roads,” he said. “We would love to be able to showcase talent from the local community.”

Kids will also find plenty of things to do: a petting zoo, inflatable rides, face-painting and the like.

The Ruritans are even making sure the four-legged creatures have something to do. People who bring their pooches can participate in a dog show, which gives awards to the cutest and ugliest pups in town.

Equestrians can participate in a 13-mile trail ride to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Russell said.

For more information about attending or participating in Whaleyville Community Day, call 986-2282.

allison.williams@suffolknewsherald.com