Saturday, October 4, 2025!

Boots and Barbecue is a celebration of all the things that drive Northern Neck Land Conservancy’s commitment to protecting working farms, waters and woodlands in our region. Each year the event is held in one of the five Northern Neck counties or Essex on the Middle Peninsula – and always on an acreage that is permanently protected by a conservation easement.

“Boots” has quickly become known as one of the most enjoyable outdoor, fried oyster-eating opportunities of the year. This year’s event was on Saturday, October 4 from 1:00 to 4:00 at Wheatland on the water in Essex County, VA. It featured a delicious barbecue buffet, live music, and exhibitors and demonstrations that reflect the rural character of the Northern Neck.

We are grateful to the generous event sponsors who demonstrate their commitment to our community by supporting Northern Neck Land Conservancy through Boots and Barbecue. We also appreciate the local exhibitors who help make this event so enjoyable.

Boots and Barbecue 2025 Sponsors, Demonstrations and Exhibitors

Sponsors

Venue – Historic Wheatland
Peter and Susan Bance
Teddy and Polly Bance

Signature Level Sponsor
Atlantic Union Bank &
Atlantic Union Bank Wealth Management
Stoney Point Farm

Leader Level Sponsor
Bartlett Tree Experts
A. Mason Brent

Partner Level Sponsor
Essex County Conservation Alliance
Kathryne and Johnny Mitchell
Kess & Chitty Law
Waterloo Farm

Steward Level Sponsor
Gail Wertz and Andrew Ball
Bevans Oyster Company
Cowart Seafood Corporation
Tudy Moncure and Arn Eliasson
Karen and Rob Hedelt
Hirschler
Rachel and John Meier
River City Golf Carts
Stevenson Walker
Virginia Conservation Credit Exchange

Protector Level Sponsor
AAA-Taliaferro Excavating, LLC
Prue and Douglas Adler
Marguerite and Bill Armstrong
Lincoln Boykin and George Gates
Anne and Rob Brumley
Colonial Farm Credit
Barbara and Tal Day
Farm Bureau – Essex County
James River Equipment
Arlene and Les Kilduff
Rappahannock Restoration
Laurie and Rod Schlemm
Margie and Frank Stevens
Alice and Hill Wellford
Emily and Bucks Wilkinson

Supporter Level Sponsor
Allison’s Ace Hardware
Bay’s Best Feed
Bobbie Burton and Nancy Joel
Bruington Farm
Carroll’s Automotive
Stephanie Hanchey and Mike Purello
Cessie and Bill Howell
Jim and Martha Lynch
Pam and Chip Minor
Diana and Jim Russell
Miss Mary Seafood
Elmer “Tip” and Laura Morris
Noblett Appliances
The Old White Barn at Dovetail Farm
Diana and Jim Russell
Skaggs and Repass Contracting

Friend Level Sponsor
Old Farm Truck Market