The new season gets off to a great start with several Richmond-area festivals to satisfy anyone’s interests.

Homecoming of St. Paul’s Baptist Church

St. Paul’s Baptist Church will celebrate their annual Homecoming Celebration on Sep. 13. Organizers say the emphasis will once again be on “Celebrating the Goodness of God through family and tradition.” The free day-long event promises plenty of activities and an attendance so large, it has to be held at the Richmond International Raceway. Beginning at 11 a.m., events include a large market featuring diverse vendors, a gospel showcase, bake-off competition, family games, tailgating, and more. The event features a music performance by Michigan native, J. Moss, son of gospel great, Bill Moss.

 
In the early 20th century, many African Americans migrated from rural areas to northern cities, in search of greater liberty and opportunity. Their Churches back home provided bases of warmth and reunion to which they returned to see loved ones after long separations. In this way, Homecoming has always been deeply tied to the traditions of family, worship, and African American culture. Today, as it was in generations before, Homecoming is a time of good company, good eating, reuniting, and reminiscence.

 
History of St. Paul’s
On Thanksgiving night in 1909, a group of worshipers met at 2028 Botetourt St., which was then known as Henrico St. Their goal was to build a church, and they succeeded, constructing the first sanctuary at 2026 Botetourt St. Twenty years later, St. Paul’s voted Rev. Journey Archer Mosby as its fourth Pastor. The Church and Rev. Mosby worked closely with the new theological school of Virginia Union University. Many students preached at St. Paul’s Baptist Church in its early years. Through several relocations, and the passage of decades, St. Paul’s has grown, while remaining firm in its vision. In October of 1985, Rev. Lance D. Watson became the sixth Pastor. Today, St. Paul’s has a base of more than 4000 members. They recently bought 47 acres of land in East Henrico Co. where they will build a stunning church facility; the latest home for the historic St. Paul’s Baptist Church. www.MySPBC.org

Photo by Jerry Andres

Classics on the James

A prominent motorsports authority called it “one of the best unknown motor shows on the East Coast.” Visit it while it’s still our secret!

 
On Sep. 14, the Central Virginia British Car Club will host its 24th annual “Classics on the James Car and Motorcycle Festival” on beautiful Browns Island. With the James River setting the stage, the cars are the stars, and there are plenty of them to dazzle car enthusiasts and the curious alike. Explore more than 300 of the world’s most coveted and unusual automobiles and motorcycles ranging from vintage to modern.

 
The featured make of luxury automobile this year is the Jaguar. Since the British manufacturer is closely involved with the show, “Classics on the James” promises plenty of breathtaking and technologically stunning Jaguars. Last year’s featured make was Ferrari, who will be prominently displayed this year as well. The Festival opens Saturday at 9:30 a.m. There’s a Segway Rally at 2 p.m. and many cars will be displayed at Shockoe Slip that evening. The following morning, enjoy baked goods for sale and free coffee while choosing your favorite auto. Awards are presented at 3:30 on Sunday.

 
Other cars to keep your attention include BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porche, Maserati, Saab, Volvo, Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Pantera, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley, AC Bristol, Daimier, Panther, Nash Healey, Austin-Healey, Triumph, TVR, MG, Lotus, Mini, Morris, and more.

 
Classics on the James is known for its friendly atmosphere filled with the finest in luxury motorsports. It’s a show of highest caliber that regularly visits Richmond with relatively little hoopla. Food, prizes, and more. Admission, $5, Children free. A portion of the proceeds go to the Sgt. Santa Foundation. www.ClassicsOnTheJames.com

Que Pasa? Festival

The Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce welcomes visitors to the Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St. for Richmond’s 7th annual ¿Qué Pasa? Festival Saturday, Sep. 13 from 12 noon to 8 p.m.

 
Hispanic Heritage Month starts Sep. 15 and the ¿Qué Pasa? Festival will help you honor and explore Hispanic culture with live music performances headlined by Raul Acosta and Oro Sólido, folk dance, arts and crafts, authentic regional Hispanic food, children’s activities, and more. This is an exciting event that draws people from throughout Virginia.

 
Purchase an all-inclusive ticket for $25 and get access to everything; the Festival, Soccer Cup Tournament, Art Show, Music Concert with Andy Andy, and entrance to Science Museum. The $10 Festival Ticket allows you to enjoy the Festival, Art Show, and Science Museum entrance. To see the Que Pasa Soccer Cup Tournament, tickets are $5. www.QuePasaFestival.com

Soccer Tournament

Saturday, Sep. 13 11 a.m., at VCU Sports Backers Stadium. Adults, $5; Kids 12 and younger, Free. Parking is free in yellow and blue lots around the stadium.

Black L.U.V. Festival

The Black L.U.V. Festival began eleven years ago, organized by the arts community surrounding Washington D.C.’s U St. It stands for “love, unity, and vision,” and remains focused on cultural diversity, family, and social change. The free event is outdoors and is always held on Sunday, which the Festival views as a symbolic day of family unity. The Festival takes place in Meridian Hill Park and is committed to representing a positive mix of cultural arts to educate and bring communities of the Nation’s Capital together. Expect to explore health care, education, economic re-alignment, social injustice, and other issues that organizers say disproportionately affect black communities and neighborhoods.

 
The Festival grounds feature three zones, each representing a different goal, all filled with activity and outreach. The Red Zone represents “Accountability,” and is the site of the Health & Wellness Pavilion with exercise, fitness, and alternative medicine workshops and demonstrations. The Black Zone represents “Change,” with activities ranging from music, poetry, and dance performances, chess, and crafts. There are plenty of children’s activities here, including sneaker design and face painting. The Green Area signifies attendants to “Take Control,” and will offer a wide variety of products for sale, and information about services. Organizations include Max Robinson AIDS Clinic/Whitman Walker, American Diabetes Association, the Black Men Coalition, D.C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities, Men on the Move, Common Sense for Drug Policy, and others. Entertainers in the past have included Raheem DeVaughn. Sep. 21, 12 noon – 7 p.m. 4th and Penn Ave. NW www.BlackLuvFest.info