Despite rumors that have been floating around to the contrary, Mathews Market Days will happen this year and planning for the 43rd annual festival is in full swing. Applications for the Mathews Market Days grant program are due by Tuesday.

“There was a lot of misconception that May Faire (a new festival that was held this past May) was taking over the festival instead of Market Days,” said Dee Russell, chair of the Mathews Market Days Committee. “May Faire is an additional festival of the county and Market Days had worked very closely with them to help make them successful.”

Russell said Market Days, which is scheduled for Sept. 8-9 in and around the historic courthouse, will continue with its mission to feature local and selected neighboring artists, craftsmen and women and musicians, and will also focus on more history this year.

“We’re working with the Mathews Historical Society and the Sons of Confederate Veterans to have an hourlong presentat...