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 is on Saturday, October 4 from 1:00 to 4:00 at Wheatland on the water in Essex County, VA. It features a delicious barbecue buffet, live music, and exhibitors and demonstrations that reflect the rural character of the Northern Neck: You won’t want to miss it!

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.

Sponsorships and Exhibitorships are available!

Questions? Please contact Executive Director, Lisa Biever: lisa@nnconserve.org or 804-250-2334

Information for ticket holders:

You are advancing our mission to preserve the rural heritage of the Northern Neck and Essex County by conserving its lands, water, economies, and culture for future generations. All proceeds from Boots and Barbecue support Northern Neck Land Conservancy’s work to help regional landowners establish permanent conservation easements and our commitment to steward these properties in perpetuity.

Boots and Barbecue 2025
Wheatland
Loretto, VA
Essex County
1-4 PM

Printed tickets are not necessary. Registered guests receive a name badge upon arrival.

Attire: Dressy Outdoor Casual (Boots are always in style at this event.)
Weather: This event is rain or shine.

Questions? Please contact Executive Director, Lisa Biever: lisa@nnconserve.org or 804-250-2334 

Thank you for being part of our special event and supporting the Northern Neck Land Conservancy mission – to preserve the rural heritage of the Northern Neck and Essex County by conserving its lands, water, economies and culture for future generations.

Boots and Barbecue 2025 Sponsors, Demonstrations and Exhibitors

Demonstration and Exhibitors

Patawomeck Tribe
Fishing and making traditional eel pots.
Steamboat Era Museum
Interpreting historic Saunders Wharf and life in our region in the era of steamboat travel and commerce.

Copper Fox Distillery
DAW Theatre
Essex County Conservation Alliance
Essex County Museum & Historical Society
Farm Bureau – Essex County
Friends of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail
Friends of the Rappahannock
Jim Hall/Antique Parker Shotgun Collection
John dos Passos Institute
Menokin Foundation
Northern Neck Beekeepers
Northern Neck Hidden History Trail
Northern Neck Master Gardeners – Shoreline Evaluation Program
Northern Neck Master Naturalists
Northern Neck Sail & Power Squadron
Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia
Project Healing Waters
Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Steamboat Era Museum
Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association

2024 Photo Gallery

Thank you Tina Jackson Photography!