Residents and visitors will be able to see first-hand this weekend the rich heritage of Guinea and its people. The 33rd annual Guinea Jubilee will kick off Friday afternoon and continue all day Saturday on the festival grounds near the Abingdon Ruritan Club, Bena.

For over three decades, the Guinea Jubilee has brought the tight-knit community even closer and has allowed others to catch a glimpse of the lives of hard-working watermen, past and present, from Guinea Neck.

This year, visitors to the Jubilee will enjoy the usual activities including their favorite food vendors, and arts and crafts, according to Tara Thomas who, along with her husband Brook, co-chairs the Guinea Jubilee committee. "The flow of the festival will be the same as it has been," she said.

There will be new merchandise available this year, including new T-shirts, garden flags and a cookbook.

"We’re hoping for nice, fall weather this year after a bit of rain last year," Thomas said.

Arts and craft...