HAMPTON, Va. (WVEC) -- After organizers canceled it in 2015, Hampton Bay Days is coming back again this year, but this revival will take place at a much different venue.
The more than 30-year-old festival is returning after organizers suspended the event in 2015 because of a withdrawal of city funding.
Bay Days Foundation president Chuck Leavines says in the last two years they cut their budget and expenses down to stay viable. They searched for ways to reinvent the event.
“I won't sugar coat and say it was easy, it was stressful at times,” Leavines says.
But there are some changes this year, including one big one: The now 2-day festival is coming to Langley Speedway.
“The opportunity fell in our lap at Langley,” Leavines says.
It's exciting news for Zenobia Nixon.
“I love the food, I love to eat,” Nixon says. “The people were friendly, it was nice I just hated they got rid of it.”
Langley Speedway closed at the end of the 2015 racing season, when Bill Mullis and the former owners of the property could not reach an agreement that would keep the track open.
The track reopened April 1st.
“If we can bring the speedway back we can bring Bay Days back,” Leavines says.
Leavines says although there are several changes, the goal is still the same, to promote preservation of the Chesapeake Bay.
“We live, work, and play on the bay and our goal is to make sure we support and protect the bay,” Leavines says.
Bay Days will be held September 9 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and September 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parking will be free, but there is an admission price. Leavines says the price will most likely be $10 for adults, $5 for kids and kids under 6 free.