Bedford County Briefs (Oct. 20)

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, adoption fees for all animals at the Bedford County Animal Shelter have been sponsored through the end of the year.

Since the shelter’s new expansion opened in April, the facility has remained near capacity. More recently, the shelter has seen an influx of cats and kittens, increasing the need to find homes for animals in its care.

According to Deputy County Administrator D.W. Lawhorne, the donor is an animal lover who has seen social media posts highlighting the shelter’s crowding. Recognizing that adoption fees can be a barrier for some potential adopters, the donor wanted to help remove that obstacle.

Residents interested in adopting can visit the Bedford County Animal Shelter during regular business hours: Tuesday through Friday, from 1 to 6 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Click here for more information

This year’s personal property tax bills have been mailed and should begin arriving in mailboxes over the next few days.

Our online payment portal, launched in 2025, continues to provide a convenient way to pay. To get started, scan the QR code on your bill when it arrives. You can pay online by:

• Bank transfer (ACH): No fee
• Credit card: Flat $5 fee⠀

Other payment options include:⠀

• In person: 122 E. Main St., Bedford
• Drop box: Located outside 122 E. Main St., Bedford⠀
• By mail: Use the enclosed envelope and bill coupon to send your payment to the Treasurer’s Office.⠀ ⠀

Please note: Due to high service fees and low usage, the Treasurer’s Office has discontinued the ACI voice payment option.⠀ ⠀

Have questions about your personal property tax bill? Visit page 5 of our latest digital newsletter for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Learn more about paying taxes in Bedford County here.

Click here for more information

Bedford County Waste Management will be collecting brush and fall yard waste October 15 through November 15 at the following waste convenience centers:

• Boonsboro
• Chamblissburg
• Forest
• Goode
• Moneta
• Montvale
• Otterville
• Stewartsville
• Stone Mountain

Residents can bring leaves, limbs, and branches, and place yard waste in large dumpsters located at each site.

Visit our Convenience Centers homepage to learn more about waste convenience centers and use our interactive map to find a location near you.

Click here for more information

You don't have to know anything about disc golf to enjoy watching the best players in the world compete! From October 15-18, 2026, Bedford County will once again welcome the Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) Powerball Cup to Ivy Hill Golf Club in Forest, and local residents are encouraged to come experience the excitement firsthand.

The four-day championship will feature the top 52 professional disc golfers in the world competing for a record-breaking $350,000 prize purse, including equal $50,000 first-place prizes for the men's and women's divisions.

Disc golf is similar to traditional golf, but instead of hitting a ball into a hole, players throw specially designed discs toward a metal basket. Just like watching a professional golf tournament, spectators can follow their favorite players from hole to hole, watch incredible long-distance drives, witness challenging shots and cheer as competitors attempt to land their discs in the basket in as few throws as possible.

The event will feature a vendor area, food, kids' activities and a Fun Zone, making it a great outing for families and friends. Children ages 10 and under receive free admission when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

Destination Bedford is a sponsor of the championship and will have a tent on-site all four days, with staff welcoming spectators and offering giveaways through 2:30 p.m. each day.

"We're proud to welcome the world's best disc golfers back to Bedford County, and I really encourage our local residents to come out and experience this event," said Nicole Johnson, Director of Tourism for Bedford County. "You don't have to play disc golf or even understand all the rules to appreciate the incredible talent of these athletes. It's exciting to watch, there's plenty for families to enjoy, and it's a unique opportunity to see a world-class sporting event right here in our own community."

Beyond the excitement on the course, the championship provides valuable exposure for Bedford County and the surrounding region. The event attracts thousands of spectators and visitors, many traveling from outside the area, who stay in local accommodations, dine at restaurants, shop and support area businesses.

"Events like this are about much more than the competition itself," Johnson added. "They bring visitors to our community, introduce new audiences to Bedford County and generate business for our local economy. Disc golf has become an important part of our tourism story, and hosting events of this caliber continues to put Bedford County on the map as a destination for major sporting events."

Bedford County has developed a strong reputation in the disc golf community, with several courses and a growing history of hosting major professional and amateur tournaments. In addition to the Powerball Cup, a separate amateur tournament featuring more than 200 players will take place concurrently at area courses, further expanding the event's reach and economic impact.

The DGPT Powerball Cup is the season-ending championship of the world's premier professional disc golf circuit. Throughout the 2026 season, more than 650 players from over 25 countries competed for the opportunity to qualify for this prestigious event.

The excitement will continue in 2027, when Bedford County and Lynchburg welcome the PDGA Champions Cup at New London Tech Disc Golf Course April 15–18, followed by a DGPT Powerball Playoff event at Ivy Hill October 14–17.

Plan Your Visit

• Event: DGPT Powerball Cup
• Dates: Thursday, October 15 – Sunday, October 18, 2026
• Location: Ivy Hill Golf Club, 1148 Ivy Hill Drive, Forest, VA
• Gates Open: 8 a.m. daily
• Tickets: Prices vary, available here
• Children: Ages 10 and under admitted FREE with a ticketed adult
• Event Information: Find all details here. 

Click here for more information

(Bedford, VA)—Bedford County’s non-emergency dispatch phone line, 540-586-7827, is experiencing intermittent issues. Callers may have difficulty reaching dispatch using this number.

If you are unable to get through, please try one of the following alternative Bedford County phone numbers for non-emergencies:

• 540-586-7665
• 540-587-5912
• 540-586-7666
• 540-586-7664

Bedford County’s 911 lines are not affected and remain fully operational. If residents have an emergency, they should call 911.

Staff are working to identify and resolve the issue. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

Click here for more information

Board of Supervisors meetings are held in the Boardroom located on the top floor of the Bedford County Administration Office, 122 E. Main St., Bedford, VA.

• Date: 10/13/2026 7:00 PM
• Location: County Administration Building
  122 East Main Street
  Bedford, Virginia 24523

View / download meeting agendas, packets, and minutes.

If you do not wish to attend the regular meeting in person but would like to submit a comment for the citizen comment period or the public hearings, you may do so by emailing your comment. Emailed comments must be received by noon on the day of the meeting. (Emailed comments are not read aloud during the meeting but are given to the Board for their consideration prior to the start of the meeting.).

If you would like to watch the regular meeting from home, it will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@bedfordcountyva beginning at 7:00 pm.

Click here for more information

The following offices/services will be closed:

• Bedford County Government Offices
• Bedford County Animal Shelter (always closed to the public on Mondays)

Click here for more information

This worksession will be held in the 1st Floor Meeting Room located on the bottom floor of the Bedford County Administration Office, 122 E. Main St., Bedford, VA.

• Date: 10/13/2026 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
• Location: County Administration Building
  122 East Main Street
  Bedford, Virginia 24523

View / download meeting agendas, packets, and minutes.

If you do not wish to attend the regular meeting in person but would like to submit a comment for the citizen comment period or the public hearings, you may do so by emailing your comment. Emailed comments must be received by noon on the day of the meeting. (Emailed comments are not read aloud during the meeting but are given to the Board for their consideration prior to the start of the meeting.).

If you would like to watch the regular meeting from home, it will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@bedfordcountyva beginning at 7:00 pm.

Click here for more information

Here is a look at what's happening in Bedford County this month. For more county news and updates, read the latest Bedford County Community Connection newsletter, released October 1.

Important Government Reminders

The last day to vote early in person in the 2026 General and Special Election is Saturday, October 31.

Early voting is available at the Early Vote Center, 1251 Turning Point Road, Bedford, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional weekend hours are:

• Sunday, October 18: Noon–5 p.m.
• Saturday, October 24: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Sunday, October 25: Noon–5 p.m.
• Saturday, October 31: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Learn more about voting at www.bedfordcountyva.gov/vote.

Personal property tax bills will arrive in mailboxes in October.

Bedford County offers a convenient online payment option. Taxpayers can pay by bank transfer (ACH) at no charge or by credit card for a flat $5 fee. Visit the personal property tax portal to make an online payment.

Personal property and real estate tax (second half) are due on December 5. Since the due date falls on a Saturday this year, the Treasurer’s Office will accept payments in person on Monday, December 7.

The Commissioner of Revenue’s Office is currently accepting Land Use applications.

The deadline to file the LU-2 Revalidation form without a fee is December 7, 2026.

Learn more at www.bedfordcountyva.gov/landuse.

County Services

Bedford County government offices will be closed Monday, October 12, in observance of the Columbus Day holiday.

The Waste Management Facility and gated waste convenience centers will remain open. The Bedford Area Welcome Center will also be open.

Fall brush collection runs October 15 through November 15.

Residential yard waste, including limbs, branches and leaves, will be accepted at the following 10 waste convenience centers:

• Blackwater
• Boonsboro
• Chamblissburg
• Forest
• Goode
• Otterville
• Moneta
• Montvale
• Stewartsville
• Stone Mountain

Find a waste convenience center near you here.

Safety & Preparedness

Bedford County is hosting an open house on October 29 to provide information about updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is updating Bedford County’s flood-risk information and Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Property owners whose properties may be affected will receive a letter in October 2026.

The open house will be held at the County Administration Building, 122 E. Main Street, Bedford, from 2-7 p.m.

Learn more at www.bedfordcountyva.gov/FIRM.

Fire Prevention Week is October 4-10, and this year’s theme is “Safe Charging is a Superpower.”

Bedford County Department of Fire & Rescue mascot Ember will visit elementary schools throughout the week. Elementary school students will also have the opportunity to participate in a coloring contest for a chance to win one of three art kits.

Follow the Bedford County Department of Fire & Rescue Facebook page for more information.

Events & Recreation

The 2026 Disc Golf Pro Tour Championship will take place in Bedford County October 15-18, 2026, at Ivy Hill Golf Course.

Learn more and find ticket information at destinationbedfordva.com/discgolf.

Registration for Bedford County Parks & Recreation youth basketball is underway throughout October.

Youth ages 5-18 can participate. Registration is $40 per player.

Register online at www.bedfordcountyva.gov/register by November 1.

Bring the family to Parks & Recreation’s Halloween Spooktacular at Falling Creek Park on October 24.

The fun begins at 4 p.m. Enjoy trick-or-treating with community vendors and a variety of activities for children. This is a free event.

Click here for more information

The County of Bedford is soliciting bids to furnish/provide installation of hybrid fire extinguishing systems in the Administration Building and the Sheriff/Emergency Communications Building.

Learn more about this IFB here.

Click here for more information

Planning Commission

• Date: 10/06/2026 6:00 PM
• Location: County Administration Building
  122 East Main Street
  Bedford, Virginia 24523

The Bedford County Planning Commission meets on the first Tuesday of each month (unless otherwise noted) in the Bedford County Administration third floor Boardroom.

Find meeting documents on our PrimeGov portal.

Click here for more information

Bedford, Va. — Bedford County is currently experiencing severe drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Despite the ongoing dry weather, Bedford Water (BW) continues to maintain a reliable water supply through its three drinking water sources: Smith Mountain Lake, Stoney Creek Reservoir, and water purchased from Lynchburg Water Resources. 

This diversified system has allowed BW to meet customer demand without implementing conservation measures for most customers throughout the summer. As drought conditions have persisted, all three water sources have been impacted. While there is still ample water available from all three sources, BW is following the alert stage response of the Drought Response and Water Conservation Plan by requesting voluntary water conservation activities. 

Earlier this year, when drought conditions first affected Smith Mountain Lake, BW asked customers in that service area to voluntarily conserve water. To help preserve water resources across the system, BW is now temporarily requesting that all Bedford Water customers voluntarily conserve water use, with a goal of lowering overall usage by approximately 5–10%.

Until further notice, customers are encouraged to limit or eliminate non-essential water use, including:

• Ornamental purposes (fountains, decorative ponds, artificial waterfalls, etc.)
• Outdoor non-commercial watering (gardens, lawns, recreation areas, etc.)
  If you must water, do it in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation and use a watering can or other container not exceeding three (3) gallons in capacity.
• Filling and operation of swimming pools
  Cover pools when not in use to limit evaporation.
• Washing of motor vehicles (automobiles, trucks, boats, and trailers)
• Fire Hydrants (Except for firefighting and firefighting related activities)
• Flushing of sewers and hydrants; washing of paved areas (sidewalks, driveways, patios, etc.)
• Air conditioning (Examples: Refilling cooling tower after draining, etc.)

Read more in Bedford Water's press release.

Click here for more information

The Fall 2026 edition of Bedford County Community Connection is here! Our quarterly digital newsletter is now available to read online, featuring news, helpful information, and stories from across Bedford County.

In this issue, we’re highlighting Bedford County Parks & Recreation’s growing Adaptive Sports program, which continues to create new opportunities for young athletes with special needs to get active, build confidence, and enjoy the benefits of sports.

You'll also find:

• Answers to common questions about personal property tax assessments
• Information about the fire dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries
• Three common misuse issues at our waste convenience centers
• And much more!

Follow this link to read the full-screen edition and catch up on what’s happening in Bedford County.

Click here for more information

The County of Bedford is soliciting proposals from qualified Contractors to furnish/provide installation, termination, repair, and testing of low voltage wiring services, as needed.

Learn more about this RFP here.

Click here for more information

Sign up your child today through November 1 on the RecTrac platform. If you are new to RecTrac, you will need to create an account with a password.

• Deadline: November 1 (without a late fee)
• Cost: $40/player
• Ages: 5–18 (must still be in high school if 18)

RecTrac will automatically place your child in the correct division based on age, but if you have any problems, email Athletics Supervisor Mason Huffman.Age Cutoff Dates:

• For all divisions: October 1 of the current year
• For 5-year-olds: November 1 of the current year

Click here for more information

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Beginning Thursday, October 1 and continuing through Monday, October 19, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., seven days a week and weather permitting, temporary lane closures will occur at the following locations to accommodate Shentel crews performing aerial, trenching, and directional drilling work for line installations:

Shentel Project BAU #28

Odd Fellows Road (Near intersection of Albert Lankford Drive)

Motorists should expect minor delays and use caution while traveling through these work zones, be alert to the changes in traffic patterns, and obey temporary signage. Emergency vehicles will have access at all times.

from the 09.22.2026 Regular Meeting Are Now Posted View / download meeting resolutions. Click here for more information

Connect Central Virginia 2050 establishes priorities for the next 25 years

The Central Virginia Transportation Planning Organization (CVTPO) invites the public to review and provide comment on Connect Central Virginia 2050, the blueprint that establishes transportation priorities and strategic direction for the greater Amherst, Bedford, and Campbell counties and Lynchburg City urbanized area.

Connect Central Virginia 2050, is the greater Lynchburg urbanized area Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and establishes long-term planning priorities and project investment recommendations to advance a transportation system that will support the diverse needs of individuals and businesses to support economic vitality, support growth and quality of life for the region. The Plan considers safety, future growth, travel demands, land use, economic development, system reliability, and anticipated funding in project identification and prioritization. The LRTP will be used by local, state, and federal governments to guide transportation investment decision-making over the next 25 years. 

How to Review and Provide Comment

Connect Central Virginia 2050 is available for the formal 30-day public review and comment period from September 18 through October 19, 2026. The 2050 LRTP is available online at www.connectcentralva2050.com. The public can review and provide comments on the long-range transportation plan by: 

• Leave a written comment on the project website: www.connectcentralva2050.com
• Call toll-free and leave a general voice message in any language (888-596-4054).
• Send written comment via email to communications@cvtpo.org
• Send written comment via US mail to CVTPO, 828 Main Street, 12^th Floor, Lynchburg, VA 24504.
• Attend a meeting (see options below)

Connect Central Virginia 2050 Public Meeting, September 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

In person: GLTC Transfer Station, 800 Kemper Street, Lynchburg, VA 24501

Virtually: Click here to register to receive the Zoom Meeting Link

A Public Hearing for the Connect Central Virginia 2050 will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Central Virginia Planning District Commission (CVPDC) office, 828 Main St., 12^th Floor, Lynchburg, VA 24504. A summary of all comments received regarding the LRTP will be incorporated into the final LRTP document.

Find more information about Connect Central Virginia 2050 at www.connectcentralva2050.com or contact Deputy Director of Planning, Kelly Hitchcock, at kelly.hitchcock@cvpdc.org or at 434-818-7604.

Board of Supervisors meetings are held in the Boardroom located on the top floor of the Bedford County Administration Office, 122 E. Main St., Bedford, VA.

• Date: 09/22/2026 7:00 PM
• Location: County Administration Building
  122 East Main Street
  Bedford, Virginia 24523

View / download meeting agendas, packets, and minutes.

If you do not wish to attend the regular meeting in person but would like to submit a comment for the citizen comment period or the public hearings, you may do so by emailing your comment. Emailed comments must be received by noon on the day of the meeting. (Emailed comments are not read aloud during the meeting but are given to the Board for their consideration prior to the start of the meeting.).

If you would like to watch the regular meeting from home, it will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@bedfordcountyva beginning at 7:00 pm.

Click here for more information

This worksession will be held at the Cooperative Extension Office, 1257 County Farm Road, Bedford, at 5:00 pm

• Date: 09/22/2026 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
• Location: County Administration Building
  122 East Main Street
  Bedford, Virginia 24523

View / download meeting agendas, packets, and minutes.

If you do not wish to attend the regular meeting in person but would like to submit a comment for the citizen comment period or the public hearings, you may do so by emailing your comment. Emailed comments must be received by noon on the day of the meeting. (Emailed comments are not read aloud during the meeting but are given to the Board for their consideration prior to the start of the meeting.).

If you would like to watch the regular meeting from home, it will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@bedfordcountyva beginning at 7:00 pm.

Click here for more information

This inaugural community bike ride starts at Falling Creek Park and ends with a community celebration

Post Date: 09/15/2026 4:32 PM

The community is invited to join Bedford County Parks & Recreation's inaugural Bedford Bike Bash. This event will bring together riders of all ages, local first responders, and community members for an evening of biking, connection, and family-friendly activities.

The bike ride will begin at Falling Creek Park, located at 1257 County Farm Road. Participants may join the ride at multiple stops along the route based on rider skill level. Stop times are estimates, and riders are encouraged to arrive 15–20 minutes early to ensure they are ready when the group arrives.

Safety protocols will be in place to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. The event is being held in partnership with the Bedford Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, and Bedford Fire Department.

Ride Schedule:

• 4 p.m. — Falling Creek Park, 1257 County Farm Road | Participants will meet for a safety talk and receive their child’s Emergency Contact Sticker. Suggested for ages 10+.
• 4:30 p.m. — Stop 1: Calvary Baptist Church, 800 Smith Street | Suggested for ages 8+.
• 4:45 p.m. — Stop 2: Bedford County Administration, 122 E. Main Street | Participants should meet in the back parking lot or use overflow parking at Elba’s. Suggested for ages 6+.
• 4:55 p.m.— Stop 3: Bedford Central Library, 321 N. Bridge Street | Participants should meet in the library parking lot. Suggested for ages 5+.
• 5 p.m. — Final Stop: County Rec Fields, 780 Bedford Avenue

Following the ride, join local first responders for an evening of fun, including tug-of-war, cornhole, inflatables, food, and activities for all ages. Those who do not participate in the bike ride are still encouraged to attend the community celebration.

The evening will conclude with an outdoor showing of Toy Story 5 at 7 p.m., beginning at dusk. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a movie night under the stars.

For bike ride participants, return bus shuttles will run periodically from the County Rec Fields. Registration is encouraged to help organizers plan transportation needs.

Registration is available at www.bedfordcountyva.gov/bikebash.

Click here for more information

Post Date: 09/14/2026 8:53 AM

Early, in-person voting for the November 2026 General and Special Election will begin on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. 

Voters may cast their ballots early at the new Early Vote Center, located at 1251 Turning Point Rd., Bedford, next to the Bedford County Registrar’s Office. Completed in June 2026, the new facility was first used during the 2026 primary election.

Early voting hours are:

• Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturdays: Oct. 24 and Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sundays: Oct. 18 and Oct. 25, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn more about early voting at www.bedfordcountyva.gov/vote.

Click here for more information

LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Office of the General Registrar reminds Lynchburg voters that Early Voting for the November 2026 General and Special Elections begins Friday, September 18, 2026.

Early Voting provides registered voters with a convenient opportunity to cast their ballot before Election Day.

Early Voting Location

825 Kemper Street

Lynchburg, VA 24501

Early Voting will be available September 18 through October 31.

Voters are encouraged to plan to vote early if it is more convenient for their schedules. Early Voting can be particularly helpful for those who may be working, traveling, caring for family members, or otherwise unable to vote on Election Day.

Voting is an important way for Lynchburg residents to make their voices heard and participate in their community. We want to make the voting process as accessible and convenient as possible, and Early Voting provides another opportunity for eligible voters to participate.

Voters are encouraged to verify their registration information before heading to the poll. Voters should also bring an acceptable form of identification when voting.

The Office of the General Registrar encourages all eligible Lynchburg voters to plan to vote—whether by Early Voting, absentee ballot by mail, or on Election Day.

For additional information about Early Voting, voter registration, absentee voting, polling locations, acceptable identification, and the November 2026 elections, contact the Office of the General Registrar at 434.477.5999.

Residents are encouraged to take what they need or leave what they canPost Date: 09/04/2026 3:38 PM

A new Blessing Box is now located in front of the Bedford County Department of Social Services located at 119 East Main Street, Bedford.

It's one of 30 new Blessing Boxes made available through the Central Virginia Health District (CVHD) to help expand community outreach and make essential items more accessible to our community. The initiative is funded through a CVHD Community Engagement grant.

If you’re in need, please stop by and take what you can use. If you have extra items to share, consider leaving a blessing for someone else.

Blessing Box items may include:

• Non-perishable food
• Toiletries & personal-care items
• Household essentials
• Other everyday necessities

Click here for more information

Board of Supervisors meetings are held in the Boardroom located on the top floor of the Bedford County Administration Office, 122 E. Main St., Bedford, VA.

• Date: 09/08/2026 7:00 PM
• Location: County Administration Building
  122 East Main Street
  Bedford, Virginia 24523

*A closed session following the adjournment of the Regular Meeting has been added.

View / download meeting agendas, packets, and minutes.

If you do not wish to attend the regular meeting in person but would like to submit a comment for the citizen comment period or the public hearings, you may do so by emailing your comment. Emailed comments must be received by noon on the day of the meeting. (Emailed comments are not read aloud during the meeting but are given to the Board for their consideration prior to the start of the meeting.).

If you would like to watch the regular meeting from home, it will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@bedfordcountyva beginning at 7:00 pm.

Click here for more information

Event returns to Falling Creek Park on September 12Post Date: 09/01/2026 8:25 AM

The Blue Ridge Bee Festival is returning to Falling Creek Park in Bedford with a free, family-friendly celebration dedicated to bees, pollinators, native plants, local food, and sustainable living.

This festival, now in its third year, invites the community to discover the important role pollinators play in our environment while enjoying a day filled with education, entertainment, local vendors, and hands-on experiences. The event will take place on Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is open to visitors of all ages.

Visitors can explore a “swarm” of 75+ vendors offering local products, handmade goods, plants, food, and more. Throughout the day, attendees can learn from guest speakers, sample local honey during honey tastings, and get an up-close look at bees through multiple observation hives.

The festival lineup will also include:

• Guest speakers and educational demonstrations
• Honey tasting experiences
• Multiple observation hives
• Kids’ activities and family-friendly fun
• Live music
• Food trucks
• Mead and craft beverages
• Giveaways and raffle items

Community members interested in helping make the festival a success can sign up to volunteer here.

For event updates, schedules, vendor information, and announcements, visit the official Facebook event page.

Event DetailsWhat: Blue Ridge Bee Festival
Where: Falling Creek Park (1257 County Farm Rd., Bedford)
When: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Pet Policy: Dogs welcome on leashClick here for more information

Bedford County Parks & Rec Fall 2026 Program GuidePost Date: 09/03/2026 3:10 PM

Be the first to know about events, activities, and programs during the upcoming fall season!

Flip through the Bedford County Parks & Recreation Fall 2026 Program Guide here.

Highlights include:

• Basketball sign-up dates
• Festivals & events, including a new community bike ride on October 3
• A new cannery project to fight hunger

Read the digital version today!

Click here for more information

First Fridays at Falling Creek

• Date: 09/04/2026 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
• Location: Falling Creek Park
  1257 County Farm Rd
  Bedford, Virginia 24523

Enjoy music by Stargazer Band. Food trucks The Hot Dog Girl and Split Rail Ice Cream will be on site. 

Inflatables for the kids!

Gates open at 6 p.m. Band starts at 6:30 p.m.

Click here for more information

Top Bedford County Announcements: September 2026The latest news and reminders from our government departmentsPost Date: 09/01/2026 11:48 AMEarly voting begins Friday, September 18 for 2026 General and Special Elections.

Voters may cast their ballots at the new Early Vote Center, located at 1251 Turning Point Road in Bedford, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additional early voting hours will be available on the following dates:

• Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, October 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, October 18, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, October 25, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn more about voting in Bedford County here.

Some county offices/services will be closed for Labor Day.

Bedford County government offices will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. All gated waste collection centers will also be closed.

The Waste Management Facility and Bedford Area Welcome Center will remain open.

Floodplain map changes are coming soon for some property owners.

Property owners affected by changes to federal floodplain maps will receive notices in the mail this month.

The letters will explain why the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is updating the maps and what the changes may mean for affected properties.

A community open house will be held Thursday, October 8, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the County Administration Building, located at 122 East Main Street in Bedford.

Learn more at www.bedfordcountyva.gov/FIRM.

The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office/911 Center expansion project moves forward this month.

County officials will officially break ground on a 15,000-square feet addition to the facility. It's expected to be completed by January 2028.

Learn more about the project here.

The Blue Ridge Bee Festival returns to Falling Creek Park on Saturday, September 12.

Com out from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a day filled with demonstrations, honey tastings, activities, live music, and more.

Follow the event page for more information.

First Fridays at Falling Creek continues September 4.

Head to Falling Creek Park for the next installment of this concert series. Enjoy live music from Stargazer Band, along with food available for purchase from The Hot Dog Girl.

Music begins at 6:30 p.m.

Click here for more information

Post Date: 08/25/2026 5:31 PM

On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, local, state and federal leaders gathered at Bedford County Supervisor Edgar Tuck’s farm in Moneta to highlight the impact of the federal government’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding on rural communities.

Tuck Farm is one of approximately 1,600 Bedford County addresses that will gain access to broadband through BEAD funding. The majority of Bedford County’s BEAD project area will be connected through fiber from Moneta-based ZiTel, while SpaceX and Amazon will provide low-Earth-orbit (LEO) broadband to the remaining addresses.

Arielle Roth—assistant secretary of commerce, administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration—announced at the event that all 56 state and territory BEAD projects have been approved, marking the final step toward closing the digital divide for communities across the country.

Other speakers at the event included Chandler Vaughan of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Office of Broadband; Supervisor Edgar Tuck; Rodney Gray of ZiTel; Ashley de la Torre of Amazon; and Congressman Morgan Griffith.

Learn more about the BEAD program here.

Click here for more information