This weekend gives lie to the oft-heard complaint that there’s “nothing to do” in Western Tidewater.

The Isle of Wight County Fair and Heritage Day in Courtland offer first-rate entertainment for the entire family.

The fair, after a one-year hiatus due to renovations of the fairgrounds on Route 258, came back with a bang.

R&B legend Percy Sledge headlined Friday night’s entertainment. Veteran country crooner John Anderson was on tap for Saturday, and country newcomer Eric Church wraps up the fair with a 4:30 p.m. show Sunday.

In lovely Courtland, the good folks at the Southampton Agriculture & Forestry Museum offer up their annual treat called Heritage Day on the third Saturday in September.

It’s both fun and educational.

Where else can one learn about beekeeping, blacksmithing, butter churning, cornbread making, lard rendering, hominy making, lye-soap making, hay baling, molasses making and 1880s-style printing, all in one setting? Only at Heritage Day in Courtland, we submit.

Southeast Virginia’s first taste of fall weather — highs in the 70s, lows in the 50s and a gentle breeze — is even more reason to get out and enjoy the festivities this weekend.