Downtown Roanoke: This Weekend

Don't miss two Spring traditions in downtown Roanoke this weekend.

What: 29th Annual Virginia State Championship Chili Cookoff and Tasting
Where: Downtown Roanoke- Railside Plaza
When: Saturday May 3, 2008 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost: $4
http://www.virginia.org/site/description.asp?attrID=43035

What: 28th Annual Strawberry Festival Hosted by The Community School
Where: Downtown Roanoke -Elmwood Park
When: May 2-3, 2008 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
http://www.communityschool.net/strawberry.html

Cocktails for a Cause Today at Trio

From 5 p.m - 8 p.m. this evening, Trio Bristro will host Cocktails for a Cause. Tonight's fundraiser will help raise funds for Roanoke first off-leash dog park sponored by NewVAConnects Dog Park Committee. 20% of the proceeds will be donated to the cause. For more information visit their site at:
http://www.newvaconnects.org/

All Things Star City Spotlights: Gemini Fest II

One local festival that Ralph Berrier missed in his recent article is Gemini Fest II, put on by Blue Mountain Productions. This is one good time, get together you do not want to miss this summer. Located about 30 minutes outside of Roanoke in Franklin County, this up and coming festival showcases some of the areas finest talent. Also not to be missed is national touring act, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad. Tickets are available for $20 in advance which includes on-site camping.

For information on directions, vending, lodging, and band line-up, visit their site at:
http://www.bluemtnmusic.com/index.html

Roanoke Times Article: Outdoor Festivals

Roanoke Times' Author, Ralph Berrier, has done an excellent job of providing information on area music festivals this summer. Chek out his article at http://www.roanoke.com/columnists/berrier/wb/xp-index

Diversity in Work Event This Thursday

From NewVA Connects.....

"The NewVa Connects Diversity Committee invites you to attend "Diversity in Work" on Thursday, February 21st at the Dumas Center.

Reception from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., program to begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please visit www.newvaconnects.com or email the Committee Chairs at newvadiversity@gmail.com.

Panel Speakers:
Honorable Alfred Dowe, Jr. – Roanoke City Council
Susan Lawyer Willis – William Fleming High School Principal
Victor O. Cardwell, Esq. – Attorney with Woods Rogers
Shanna Flowers – Roanoke Times Columnist
Panel Moderator: Hollani Davis, weekend anchor and reporter for WDBJ-7

Info booths- downstairs lobby will include: Wanda Alston, curator Harrison Museum of African American Art; Tim Sinclair, Park Ranger Booker T. Washington National Monument

Reception will be held at the Downtown Music Lab From 8:30-midnight, enjoy "Diversity in Music" at 202 Market ($10 cover) with national acts performing jazz of all kinds!"

Valentine's Day Events in the Star City

What: The Bridge
Where: Mix One6
When: Thursday February 14, 2008 9 p.m.
Cost: $10

What: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Where: Jefferson Center
When: Thursday February 14, 2008 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $18

What: The Half Moon Band
Where: Awful Arthurs - Salem
When: Thursday February 14, 2008 9 p.m.
Cost: Free

What: Broadway in Roanoke: Evita
Where: Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre
When: Thursday February 14, 2008
Cost: Visit tickets.com

Obama Takes Virginia; Republicans Too Close To Call

According to NBC News, Barack Obama has been projected as the winner of the Virginia Democratic primary over Hillary Clinton. Since the race between the two has become so close, the delegates up for grabs in Virginia have become very important this far into the race.

The Republican race is still too close to call between Mike Huckabee and John McCain.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23123924/

Let us know what you think of the results.

Obama and Hillary Cancel Events, Bill Set To Visit

Due to the severe wind, Hillary Clinton was forced to cancel her scheduled rally this evening in Roanoke. However, Bill Clinton will visit the Star City on her behalf on Monday. Details are to be released from her campaign later this evening.

Obama has also cancelled his scheduled rally in the Star City set for Monday morning. His campaign has stated that the Senator will not visit Roanoke before the primary on Tuesday.

And for the Republicans, a location has been provided for the Mike Huckabee rally in Roanoke on Monday. The event will take place at the O. Winston Link museum at 7 p.m.

Presidential Candidates Set to Visit Star City

Three presidential candidates are scheduled to visit the Roanoke Valley Sunday and Monday leading up to Tuesday's Virginia primary. Details listed below.

Who: Hillary Clinton
Where: Patrick Henry High School
When: Sunday February 10, 2008 5 p.m.
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/

Who: Barack Obama
Where: Jefferson Center
When: Monday February 11, 2008 7 a.m. (Tickets are required)
http://www.barackobama.com/

Who: Mike Huckabee
Where: Location has not yet been announced
When: Monday February 11, 2008 7:15 p.m.
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/

Don't forget to cast your vote at your normal polling site for Virginia's primary on Tuesday, February 12, 2008. Polling sites will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. Please find additional information at the Virginia State Board of Elections website.
http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/cms/

Site Is Under Construction

Please bear with us as we update our site. Thank you!

Get Out Your Vote In The Virginia Primaries

Be sure to get out your vote in the Virginia Democratic and Republican primaries on February 12, 2008. Cast your vote at your normal polling place between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The country is at a decisive moment in the future shaping of our Nation. Do your part in carrying out our great democracy. Every vote counts!

Find more information at The Virginia State Board of Elections website:
http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/cms/

Check Out Our Weather Feature. Stay Informed!

Don't forget to check out our Accuweather.com weather feature in the left-hand menu to stay up to date on local weather. As the winter weather approaches, stay up to date to plan your travel plans accordingly.

Weekend Activities (Feb.1 & 2)

What: Misery!
Where: Mill Mountain Theatre
When: Feb. 1 & 2 8 p.m.
Cost: $30
http://www.millmountain.org/misery.html

What: 50th Annual Kazim Temple Shrine Circus
Where: Roanoke Civic Center
When: Feb. 1 & 2 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Adults $14, Children $7
http://calendar.roanokeciviccenter.com/iebms/coe/coe_p2_details.aspx?eventid=10512&cc=COE&oc=10&orderby1=OB001&orderby1dir=A&orderby2=OB002&orderby2dir=A

What: Winter Beach Party Featuring The Kings
Where: Salem Civic Center
When: February 1 6 p.m.
Cost: $12
http://www.salemciviccenter.com/

What: Bebop Hoedown
Where: Martin's Downtown Bar & Grill
When: February 1 9:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

What: Bad Casper
Where: Martin's Downtown Bar & Grill
When: February 2 9:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

What: Mardis Gras Night 1 Featuring Eric Lindell
Where: 202 Market
When: February 1 9 p.m.
Cost: $10
http://www.202market.net/events/index.php

What: Maris Gras Night 2 Featuring Sway Katz
Where: 202 Market
When: February 2 9 p.m.
Cost: $10
http://www.202market.net/events/index.php

Please let us know if your event is not listed. We would love to list it for you.
Also, if you are able to get out to any of these events this weekend please provide us with a short review of your experience.
Have fun and be safe!

Severe Weather Alert for Roanoke Valley

The National Weather Service in Blacksburg, VA has issued the following severe weather warning.....

...ICE STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 12 PM EST FRIDAY. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BLACKSBURG HAS REPLACED THE WINTERSTORM WATCH WITH AN ICE STORM WARNING WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON FRIDAY. RAIN WILL OVERSPREAD THE AREA TONIGHT. TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTEDTO BE AT OR A FEW DEGREES BELOW FREEZING ACROSS MUCH OF THEWARNED AREA POSSIBLY UNTIL MID MORNING ON FRIDAY. ICE ACCRETIONS OF A QUARTER TO ONE HALF OF AN INCH ARE LIKELY ESPECIALLY ON ELEVATED SURFACES SUCH AS TREES AND POWER LINES. AN ICE STORM WARNING MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF ICE ACCUMULATIONS WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS OR IMPOSSIBLE. TRAVEL IS STRONGLY DISCOURAGED. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT, FOOD, AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. ICE ACCUMULATIONS AND WINDS WILL LIKELY LEAD TO SNAPPED POWER LINES AND FALLING TREE BRANCHES THAT ADD TO THE DANGER.

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/

Roanoke Valley Greenway Spotlight: Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail

The Roanoke Valley Greenway System (http://www.greenways.org/) provides Roanoke residents and visitors a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. You may be asking yourself, what is a greenway? Simply put, it is an area of protected open space managed for conservation and recreation. Greenways are located throughout the Roanoke Valley and provide great opportunities for walking, running or biking. In this article, we will highlight the Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail Greenway.

This trail opened in 1999 and is part of the rail-to-trail conversion. The trail is 1.7 miles in length and is constructed of a cinder surface. The path follows an abandoned railroad near the site of the 1864 Civil War battle where the Confederate forces defeating retreating Federal forces.

Be sure to check out this great recreational opportunity. Directions are located on the Greenways website.

Let us know about your experience on the Trail. Happy hiking!