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NEW RIVER VALLEY
P. O. Box 11816
Blacksburg, VA 24062
o: 540-961-2015
nrvmagazine@msn.com www.nrvmagazine.com
PUBLISHER
Country Media, Inc.
Phillip Vaught
MANAGING EDITOR
Joanne Anderson
WRITERS
Joanne Anderson
Emily Alberts
Evan Hull
Becky Hepler
Nancy Moseley
Caitlyn Koser
Emily Meade
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jon Fleming
Tom & Christy Wallace
William Cooke
Emily Heskett
Kaytlin McCoy
Madison Underwood
Meredith White Photography
Chelsea Hartman Photography
IIn the Friends of the Montgomery-Floyd Library piece, honoring the 30th year of the New River Valley Garden Tour on page 38, I wrote a long intro about Andew Carnegie, certainly a man for the ages from whom we can learn a great deal.
The other Carnegie, Dale Carnegie, is worthy of mention as well. They are not related. Dale grew up on a farm in Missouri with the last name Carnegey. He changed the spelling somewhere around 1920, perhaps to associate himself with Andrew, the very well-known, wealthy, steel tycoon, and hopefully sell his (Dale’s) books and become rich and famous, too.
employees. It is divided into six sections, the first two being “Fundamental Techniques in Handling People” and “Six Ways to Make People Like You”. Who doesn’t want to refine their skills in those areas?
My friend Teresa Hall and I met for lunch recently a couple minutes before Abby’s opened, and there was a gent also waiting. Once the door opened, I continued sharing a recent conversation with my brother on the demise of formality in church services. [I personally am a fan of some of the casual and contemporary approaches, as these things are a matter of heart, but that’s a sidebar.] The man walked over saying he couldn’t help but overhear this, and he offered his opinion. After chatting amicably a few minutes, Teresa invited him to join us.
Topics moved on through basketball, baseball, football, health experiences and challenges and aging and all too quickly came the separate bills. The man insisted on paying for our lunches, and before departing, he offered a tip for keeping our hands and wrists strong should we ever need those grab bars for assistance.
A warm and hearty thank you, Mike Goforth, for the strength tip, the lunch, the conversation, and a new friendship. He recently retired after 27 years as an athletic trainer at Virginia Tech and is using his experience and skill sets at VCOM.
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From where I sit, Dale did not need to do that. His books, especially How To Win Friends and Influence People, published in 1936, are highly successful. The print run for that one was 5,000, and 70,000 books were sold in three weeks, making it an instant best seller. Even still, 250,000 copies are sold annually, and it is listed at #19 on Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential books.
Count me in some of those sales. I have read this book more than twice and given it to young people on their 16th birthday and to my
So, herein we have Friends of the Library, how to win friends (and influence people) with Dale Carnegie and a new friendship right here in town between me, Teresa and Mike. Lots of “friendly” going around! As the British philosopher of history and prolific author once quipped: “America is a large friendly dog in a small room. Every time it wags its tail, it knocks over a chair.”
Be alert. You might [surprisingly] make a new friend somewhere in the New River Valley. It’s a jolly, good place to be!
Joanne Anderson ManagingEditor jmawriter@aol.com
The Chain Gang
Fun in the sun (and snow) for NRV's disc golf community
Text by Nancy S. Moseley
mMove over, pickleball. Before you hit the scene with your clever part tennis, part ping-pong, part badminton, part trendy curiosity fame, there was another reigning mash-up sport in town, no court renovations required.
Disc golf.
Old-school fun for the passionate sports unprofessional, disc golf hit the scene in the 1920s with the street-smart name "tin lid golf." Targets were anything from trees, trash cans and light poles to chicken wire baskets or fire hydrants.
Fast forward to the 1960s when Ed Headrick, while working for Wham-O Toys, patented the modern-day frisbee when tasked with utilizing leftover plastic from hula hoops. On lunch breaks, Headrick and coworkers would head outside to throw the frisbees at trash cans. At night, discs in hand, they often snuck into golf courses. Eventually, Headrick further honed the pastime activity by inventing the chain basket as a receptacle.
According to discgolf.com, Headrick's pole + basket design was inspired by a need to have inarguable proof of whether a disc made winning contact with the targeted object, or not. The invention eliminated precious break time spent debating success (while also saving innocent community objects from wear and tear.) The first standardized disc golf course launched in 1975 with 21 "disc pole holes" in Oak Grove Park in Pasadena, Calif., and a cult phenomenon was born. (And may or may not have paved our penchant for sports oddities. You're welcome, pickleball.)
Not Too Professional, Not Too Serious
Today, the Professional Disc Golf Association has more than 310,000 members who frequent more than 17,000 courses worldwide. Still it’s not an activity that has grown too professional or too serious for people of average coordination. Disc golf is huge, but it's not too huge to try. It's as casual a pastime as you want to make it, with courses in beautiful, fresh-air settings, exercise that isn't air-gaspingly stressful, enjoyed alongside like-minded buddies. Not unlike, say, poker night, just with a little more calorie burn than intake.
Nick Dishon, treasurer of the New River Disc Golf Club, began playing in 2005 with friends from college.
"I would say the main perk originally was that it is a sport which can be played completely for free once you own a disc or two. Being pretty broke at the time it was a great way to hang out with friends," he says.
The New River Valley has several courses, including Golden Hills Disc Golf Course in Christiansburg, Buffalo Mountain Disc Golf Course in Willis and Camp Success in Narrows. However, like activities that don't have the backing of sponsorship dollars, it's up to the communities and dedicated folks, like Dishon and the club, to keep momentum going and courses up to, well, par. "Our club worked with the Town of Blacksburg to coordinate the installation of the disc golf course at the municipal park and ran fundraisers to put in the teepads there. As a club, we purchased a new set of baskets to put in Randolph Park in Dublin," Dishon adds.
Tidy Courses and Events
In addition, the club coordinates clean-up workdays at local courses, removing underbrush growing in fairways or low hanging branches. Currently, they are working to replace the trail stairs at Golden Hills.
"Montgomery and Pulaski counties are always more than happy to meet with us to go over concerns and cut down trees that are problematic. They have helped financially over the years to accomplish our shared goals."
While his usual playground is in the southwest Virginia area, Dishon's favorite course is in nearby neighbor, Princeton, W.V. "Glenwood Park has a little bit of everything you could possibly dream of as far as shot variety, open/ wooded holes, water hazards and elevation. It also has some of the prettiest views of a mountainous background."
The New River Disc Golf Club organizes six to seven events per year with a weekly get together on Sundays. Every year, club members travel to South Carolina for the Myrtle Beach Open, nearly 350 competitors strong. They've also competed in a statewide club competition, Old Dominion Club Championship, which brings together clubs from all over the Commonwealth for
a weekend competition.
With a foundation in discarded parts and unconventional "holes," disc golf feels like a B-side hit. Despite decades of growth and organized leadership, it still manages to preserve an underground coolness.
"We have had some of our weekly rounds in the winter when it's under 20 degrees with snow on the ground. We still have 10 to 15 people come out. I know there are people who think we are lunatics. But I think it's a thing where when you're part of it, you get it."
Flying Free
Headrick was a part of it at the very beginning and also a part of the forever. Upon his passing in 2002, his ashes were incorporated into a small number of discs gifted to friends and family so his soul could forever "fly freely."
Perhaps a final, inarguable declaration that he hit his target.
Nancy S. Moseley is a writer who has never thrown a disc at a trashcan or any other inanimate object. Or animate for that matter. She's way more talented hula hooper.
The Small but Mighty Invader WITH SOUL
The first post-World War II year of 1946 was noteworthy on many fronts, like the birth of three U.S. presidents (Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Donald J. Trump), the first Tupperware sales and Elvis getting his first guitar. He was 11. The baby boom was launched, and manufacturers of war-time equipment adjusted their products to appeal to the everyday folk.
One such company … American Aircraft Products or Aircraft Products/Rolling Homes … turned to crafting a small travel trailer, possibly a forerunner to the recreational vehicle
(RV) industry of today. Dubbed the Rolling Homes Invader and apparently only manufactured for two years, this little, now-vintage, travel trailer measures about 10 to 15 feet long. It was built with aircraft-style lightweight aluminum framing and riveted panels.
A New River Valley couple bought their 1946 Invader in rough condition at an online auction about four years ago. It had been sitting a long time, owned by relatives of the original owner. It is rumored to have been built for migrant worker housing, easy to move from job site to job site. Deciding they wanted to use their
wee camper, the pair took it to Luke and Madison Underwood, owners of Nomadic Camper and RV Repair in Christiansburg.
“This camper came to us needing everything,” Madison relates, “and we mean EVERYTHING. Rot, water damage, failing floors and systems – most people would have called it done, but we, along with the owners, saw the potential right away.” Luke and his team went to work. “We stripped it down to the bones, removing the damaged structure, rebuilding the floor system, reframing sections, replacing
Text by Joanne M. Anderson
Photos by Madison Underwood
insulation, updating electrical and installing plumbing. We started the renovation fresh all the way down to a brand-new frame, working our way up,” Luke reports.
And he adds: “This wasn’t just a repair. This was a full resurrection of a 1946 classic. Every project like this takes a team, and we have a wonderful one.” Tanner Jenkins and Tyler Brust were as excited as Luke and Madison to revive this rare, vintage camper.
Tanner handled most of the carpentry and rebuild alongside Luke, while Tyler was the man behind
all the systems. From running new electrical and plumbing to installing the furnace, an A/C unit and small refrigerator, Tyler contributed to make it fully functional again. The new frame and axles were made by Radford Welding, and the camper was then outfitted with:
All new wiring and electrical
New frig replacing old ice box
Subfloor and flooring
Furnace (where there was none)
A/C (replacing 12V fan in ceiling)
Custom crafted interior wood walls
Insulation
Restored original metal cabinets
Added propane
Installed new windows
It might be one small travel trailer, but this was one mighty big project. The Invader is, after all, 80 years old and had not been tended to for a long time. “Projects like this contain a lot of problem-solving, and that’s what we loved about it,” states Luke. The only piece of original wood still on the Invader is the screen door. “The tricky part of handcrafting all the
wood interior is simply that nothing is square, nothing is standard,” Tanner explains.
On the wiring side of things, Tyler was ultra challenged with the running lights. The company which made them is out of business, and he strived to keep the vintage aesthetic in grinding down a couple lights and converting others to LED. “Wiring from scratch with a couple extra features and amenities and getting to see it all work for the first time was very satisfying,” Tyler declares.
The team at Nomadic Camper and RV Repair reconstructed almost everything, modernized the systems, and added the beautiful wood interior with their goal of “keeping that vintage soul”. The newly scuffed original metal cabinets and original exterior shell contribute to retaining the vintage vibe.
The owners then installed a towel rack and custom cushions and hauled it out for a test run. “We love it,” they declare in unison. No regrets for the auction buy, and all of them – owners and Nomadic’s hard-working, highly-skilled team -- are “beyond proud of how it turned out.”
• June 5-6 | 41st Pearisburg Festival in the Park
• June 11-13 | Henry Reed Memorial Celebration
• June 13 | 175th Anniversary of Mountain Lake Lodge Celebration
• June 21 | Father’s Day Cookout at Mountain Lake Lodge
• June 20 | 100th Anniversary Celebration with The Palisades Restaurant
• June 26-28 | No Name Adventure Rally with Destination GearHead
• July 2 | Fireworks at Mountain Lake Lodge
• July 4 | Narrows Homecoming & 4th of July Celebration
• August 14-15 | 91st Newport Agricultural Fair
VirginiasMtnPlayground.com
Floyd's Weathertop Farm
Good soil = good roots = strong family
Text by Nancy S. Moseley
Photos by Madison Underwood
Back in 2011, Matt Damon bought a zoo. Not a real one, of course, but one for entertainment purposes, courtesy of Hollywood.
And in 2003, Sarah and Cedric Shannon bought a farm. It was a very real one (or would slowly grow into one) tucked in Floyd County, a galaxy far, far, away from Hollywood.
Both Sarah and Cedric grew up overseas, she in Jordan and he in the Congo. They met in college in Illinois over a shared childhood that didn't include growing up in America. A wedding and five children later, they were ready to abandon suburban life for something a little more open-air.
"One year when we were visiting family in Roanoke,” Cedric says, they decided to visit some farms in Floyd. “The very first farm we visited was our neighbor here, and he told us: 'There's a farm for sale next to me, you should check it out!'”
“We weren't ready to buy a farm,” Sarah laughs, “but we ended up buying a farm."
The Family Move from Illinois
Sarah's brother, his wife and a few other friends, six in total, invested in the farm, but the Shannons are the only ones who relocated. They own 60 acres and operate on 200, renting the difference. Their oldest child
was seven and the youngest was 9 months old when they left Illinois. "Our daughter remembers very little other than the chaotic long drive down here, traveling with our rabbits. The kids loved being outside and having so much space to explore."
Sarah emphasizes the farm grew slowly, but steadily and intentionally. "We started very small and grew our farm very slowly. We just had a couple hundred meat birds the first year, some laying hens, a few turkeys, and then the next year we added some hogs. Each year we added a little more. Our markets, I'd say, also grew very slowly, but it was able to build organically, mostly by word of mouth."
The first few years both Sarah and Cedric worked part-time off-farm and lived in a mobile home until they could build a house. Now, Weathertop Farm (named for both the voracious wind and a beloved Tolkien reference), is a thriving farm with operational practices rooted in sustainable agriculture.
Sustainable Agriculture at the Core
“After we finished college," Sarah says, "we started learning more about sustainable agriculture. The more we learned, the more we got excited about that and knew it was something we wanted to get involved with."
In regenerative agriculture circles, soil is the key ingredient. The development of farming on a global, industrial scale has been a detriment to soil health. The invention of the plow left soil eroded and depleted due to exposure to the air. For soil to be healthy and productive, it needs to always have something growing on it, with the ideal situation to have something eating it as well. Cattle or sheep or other animals should graze and then move on to let the land recover. Because of all the natural fertilizer from the animals, the grass will grow back stronger and healthier, then a different animal will
take ownership, to maximize the benefit of biodiversity. The best way the Shannons found to manage the movement of animals is to use electric fencing.
All the animal shelters and housing are on skids and portable with the use of a tractor. "We just hitch up to a chain, pull the [animal] house forward, move all the food and water forward, and then we close the electric paddock behind them. That area gets a rest for a while," Sarah explains.
"We've been able to see our grass really improve, and as you see that improve, you know that the soil is improving underneath. When you see grass is growing better and healthier and thicker and more diverse, you know that the soil is also doing its job."
Weathertop Farm doesn't use antibiotics, hormones or chemicals, or any chemical fertilizers, sprays or insecticides, all to maintain the closed loop system as much as possible.
The Sales Side and the Roots
The farm is open to the public twice a week for patrons to shop, and once a year they host an “open farm” day offering tours. They sell to Annie Kay's in
Blacksburg, Harvest Moon in Floyd and the Roanoke Co+op, and have weekly booths at both the Blacksburg and Floyd farmers markets. Every Thursday the chickens are butchered, and customers are welcome to pick up their order that same afternoon.
"They'll take home really fresh chicken; they'll either cook it right away or freeze it for themselves, and that's the most economical way for them to get it from us." The farm also sells whole and half animals for lamb, pork and beef.
"Growing up, neither of us really had roots in the U.S., and this has now become, especially when we first bought the farm, our roots, the place where all family gathers. Everyone gets together at the farm they love. Usually every summer or Christmas, all the family gathers and stays here together."
Which is quite fitting since roots are found intertwined deep in the soil, and healthy, flourishing soil makes for the strongest, most sustainable root of all varieties ... family.
Nancy S. Moseley is freelance writer whose favorite animal on a farm is always the farm dog, who is always lovingly protective and always pretty dirty.
Curiosity from First Look
Text by Joanne M. Anderson | Photos by Jon Fleming
“Only in the state of the relative unknown awakes curiosity. Conversely, people don’t engage creatively with things they already know and tend to ignore them..."
Height matters in many realms. Tall people tend to occupy more CEO slots in Fortune 500 companies than their shorter counterparts, though it may not translate to increased intelligence. Tall horses and tall dogs are beloved by many. Without tall trees, we might not enjoy the abundant forests. Tall ships are breathtaking.
In the architectural space, height serves as much to command attention and create visual impact as to offer function and pack in more interior area in a relatively smaller footprint. The eight pylons at War Memorial Court on Virginia Tech campus are 34 feet high. The average 2-story house is 20 to 22 feet high.
When Markus Breitschmid designed his unusual home outside Christiansburg, he knew it would garner attention in the surrounding landscape.
It is 35 feet tall and, at first glance, it’s tricky to ascertain that it is someone’s home. “The shape of the building oscillates between the experience that people do not know what it is when they look at it and the shape being so simple that any child could make it: a box, a pyramid and another box stacked on top of each other. Between those two extreme poles of unfamiliarity and utmost familiarity, the building awakes curiosity.” Though the height commands attention, it is shorter than the average 4-story house. One main goal for Breitschmid, besides a place to lay his head at night, was to create a building with no labels on the spaces or the rooms. “People make existential experiences when they are confronted with something that has a degree of newness, something that they have not yet
dealt with, and something they cannot compartmentalize in their minds to their own individual satisfaction,” he explains.
Interior Experience
“Only in the state of the relative unknown awakes curiosity. Conversely, people don’t engage creatively with things they already know and tend to ignore them. The difference between the two scenarios is the enhanced quality of life for people. For this building, the intention is twofold -inhabitants should not know what it is when they first spot it, and they would not be able to rely on a presupposed room program to dwell in it.”
To continue with his theme of the uncharted, undefined space functions, there are no signs of
traditional domesticity. The lower level houses one large room with columns and three doors. One column is skinny, one is very fat and one is a cross shape. There are three unmatching doors as well, with no hint of what is behind them. Upon opening them, you’ll find spaces common to all houses, yet Breitschmid prefers to describe them as “a place to cook and eat; a place to bathe; a place to store possessions; and to work,” eschewing typical room function names, like kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, closet and home office.
Natural daylight flows into this generous space through four large, bi-fold, glass doors, two on each shorter side of the room. The ceiling is a mere eight feet above the floor, for a compact atmosphere. “One tends to experience it as an
extroverted room. The program of the room is undetermined. It could be anything. One could almost draw an analogy with a square in a small town where people converge and meet and conduct all sorts of business.”
Stepping through the door in the fat column, onto a spiral staircase, delivers a grand contrast, being open 31 feet to skylight in the next ceiling. The second floor boasts a 30 by 30foot space in the shape of a truncated pyramid. The transition is abrupt and stunning, though there exists the continuation of uniform dark gray floors, walls and ceilings. The natural lighting in here arrives via the very high skylight in the northern slanted wall, framing the crowns of 80-foot tall oak trees and the sky, and a very low window in the western slanted wall.
“At night without daylight,
the room affords the opposite of the spectrum of spatial experience in as much as it becomes a completely introverted chamber by means of the four slanted walls enveloping and protecting inhabitants like a cozy, warm blanket.”
Planning and Construction
Breitschmid has traveled the world and teaches architecture at Virginia Tech. Thus, he has vast knowledge and vision in all facets of building design. He connected with Richard Caldwell of Caldwell Construction in Christiansburg through a friend of a friend in 2020 and broke ground the following year.
“It looks quite unusual on the outside,” Caldwell states, “but structurally, it is a very simple house.”
Ditto from Breitschmid: “While the building looks unique and custommade – for example, the house is entirely clad with EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), the same material car tires are made of – the construction is entirely made with off-the-shelf materials and locally available techniques and craftsmanship. In the end, the building is very cost-effective and environmentally high performing.”
Caldwell lives to build. “I especially embrace unique buildings that you don’t see around every corner. My company builds more regular sorts of buildings, but I am a builder who seeks unique opportunities to use our construction and building cost management skills
to construct unique houses.”
One challenging project inside was having no interior trim. If you know anything about trim and molding, particularly around windows, doors and baseboards along the floor, it is used to hide imperfections where corners meet. “Many contractors know they can be a bit sloppy here because the trim will polish the room’s look once installed,” Caldwell explains. His crew was especially attentive to quality finishing where walls met floors, ceiling, doors, windows and one another.
Breitschmid knows and appreciates excellent craftsmanship. Caldwell grasps Breitschmid’s thoughtful design processes. For example, the play of natural light.
“Markus spends a lot of time thinking about windows, their location, shape, how light enters, what it looks like in different seasons, how it plays inside the space,” Caldwell shares. “He is diligent, intelligent, and despite the unusual design, he made sure everything was in compliance with code.”
The mutual admiration between these gentlemen runs deep, and already they are collaborating on another building project. Let’s hope they contact New River Valley Magazine to grace our pages with another of Brietschmid’s designs and Caldwell Construction’s high quality workmanship.
Replenish Festival – family-friendly, fun for all!
Text by Caitlyn Koser
Photos courtesy of Replenish Festival
Down a peaceful, scenic road in Willis, an annual summer festival is bringing together community, reconciling relationships, and hosting plain ol’ summer fun. Replenish Festival has been hosting folks by the hundreds since 2015, and everyone agrees that the fun-filled day make it more than worth the drive every year. Who said enjoying the dog days of summer was just for kids?
It started with 400 acres of land off a quiet road in Indian Valley. Add to that ministry president Travis Bishop’s vision and the friendly support of a dedicated community, and the land was theirs. “I felt the need to do an event that revolved around music and
ministry,” Bishop explains. The previous owner had already put in a stage and water amenities. After pitching the owner and batting the idea around for a couple years, the owner agreed to let the new-fledged idea take shape. The 501(c) non-profit has been going strong since.
So Much to Do, So Little Time
Concerts, horseback riding, inflatables, food, duck races and vendors are only some of the activities the festival boasts. The duck races are always a fan favorite – competitors of all ages drop off ducks at one end of the creek and pick them up on the finish
line on the other side. (Spoiler alert… past winners have received supersoaker water guns).
Food trucks and local merchants set up every year, giving festival-goers the chance to shop from and support local vendors. After picking up a refreshing snack, choose from a variety of all-ages activities – ridea-rescue, join the Kidz zone with its monstrous inflatables, or, for the older kids, duck in the Teen Tent for a rousing game of corn hole, kan jam, volleyball or ultimate frisbee.
Archery is a popular activity. A Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) organization based in Giles County graciously comes to teach
archery to anyone who wants to shoot. It’s a spectacular opportunity to receive exposure in the sport, while the common goal is camaraderie and laughter.
The classic car cruise-in draws a lot of attention.
“It’s a people’s choice award event – people vote on their favorite cars, and awards are given on stage,” Bishop relates. The website invites classic and show cars, military vehicles, motorcycles, tractors and trucks.
“The reward of hard work in restoring a vehicle is being able to show it off and share it with others,” the website proclaims. Go to replenishfest.com to reserve a spot for you and your stylish ride.
The Evening Music
“At 6 p.m., the activities shut down and the concert starts,” Bishop explains, “though that’s not the end of the festivities – not by a long shot.” The concert
is a cohesive gathering of young and old favorites and a chance for the community to gather and worship together. Past artists have included Building 429, Jordan Feliz, Cochren and Co, Sidewalk Prophets and others. Genres vary from Christian rock to folk to rap. “We put out music that we believe will engage the local church and the public. All walks of life come together and worship.”
For some, the whole festival is more than a one day event. Camping is a well-liked option and encouraged for church, youth groups or any large group that wants a memorable, laidback experience. “We typically have 60 or more spots filled with campers, and we can do more than that,” he says. Camping includes on-site water, showers and other amenities.
The festival averages 12,000 to 15,000 people per year. The event is completely family-friendly with security officers and police, rescue, fire and firstresponders on standby.
Replenish Festival (or Fest)
is more than just a time of fun and laughter – although there’s plenty of that to go around. “Last year, we raised money for Hurricane Helene victims and families.” The impact of the community’s support was powerful. “Thirty hurricane victims came and gave their testimonies on stage,” Bishop states.
Local sponsors make the event affordable and family-friendly for folks. Replenishfest.com has information for those interested in different sponsorship tiers. Sponsors often get meet-the-artist privileges, online exposure, and bigger companies may get the option to talk about their business from the stage. All in all, it’s a huge team effort. In between mowing lawns, helping with production and weed-eating, those at Replenish Fest receive a deep joy from the ways that people are brought together through the festival. “It’s an event for anybody and everybody who wants to come,” Bishop invites. The team from Replenish Fest has their heart written all over their name –
replenish, refresh and restore. “We’ve seen people get saved and marriages and relationships being restored.” Cruise in with your funky ride. Shop local vendors and merchants. Consider sponsoring the fun. Kick up your feet, engage with the music, and join the duck race. Bring a group and camp out Friday and Saturday to make the fun last longer. Soak in the feeling of replenishment in the slower pace of life. And, as anyone from Replenish Fest could tell you, they’d be thrilled to have you show up.
Caitlyn Koser is a freelance writer, homeschool student and regular contributor to New River Valley Magazine.
Festival July 11
Power, Precision, Passion Start Your Engines!
Pulaski County Motorsports Park Comes to Life, Again
Text by Joanne M. Anderson
The air at Pulaski County Motorsports Park hummed with anticipation long before the engines roared to life. Some 3,700 fans filled the stands to cheer on the inaugural event for 2026 on March 21. Conversations buzzed with predictions and admiration for drivers who would soon push both man and machine to their limits. There was a unique electricity in the atmosphere — an unspoken understanding that something thrilling was about to unfold.
As the cars rolled onto the track, every detail seemed amplified -- the polished curves of the bodies, bold colors, the low, aggressive stance of machines built for speed. When engines ignited, the calm was shattered. A thunderous wave of sound crashed over the crowd, vibrating through the stands. It’s not just noise — it’s power, precision and passion unleashed all at once.
Not exactly rising from the ashes, but rising with new management, new plans and renewed excitement, the Pulaski County Motorsports Park is hosting an impressive schedule of stock car and dragway races. Tim Miller is spearheading the newly created Pulaski County Sports and Entertainment Authority, charged with the advancement of the sports and entertainment events and venues. This includes the new Sportsplex, Calfee Park and other places, but hey, the speedway makes the most noise [pun intended]. Miller hails from Richmond (Va.), graduated from Roanoke College and brings 25 years’ experience in event development and sports marketing to the New River Valley. “I caught wind of this job, tossed my hat in the ring, and when I came for an interview, I was blown away with the vision and opportunity,” he relates. “This is something I want
Photos courtesy of Pulaski County
to be a part of, something challenging to step into with great satisfaction as things are coming together, especially at the motorsports park.”
When a race begins, tires screech, engines scream, and cars surge forward. Each driver fights for position, navigating tight corners and straightaways with razorsharp focus. A late brake, a daring overtake or a slight miscalculation can change everything in an instant. Weather conditions shift, mechanical issues arise, and competitors make bold, unexpected maneuvers. This constant tension keeps fans on the edge of their seats, eyes and heads in constant motion.
The park has recently been leased to the International Hot Rod Association [IHRA] which will be overseeing the operations of the facility. Although it is primarily a racing venue, food service is a key ingredient to success. As with baseball, hot dogs are widely considered the most popular race day food, though gourmet burgers, artisanal pizza, handmade pork barbecue and some of the best chicken tenders you have ever had will make an appearance.
As laps wind down, the intensity grows. The leaders push harder, chasing victory with unwavering determination. Every turn feels sharper, every straight faster. When the checkered flag finally waves, it marks not only the end of a race, but also the culmination of skill, endurance and relentless ambition.
Car racing is a world where courage meets engineering, and where the pursuit of victory drives everything forward. The thrill is unforgettable for spectators, drivers, pit crews and everyone else. Reviving the Pulaski County Motorsports Park is but one facet in a multi-prong approach to positioning Pulaski County as an attractive, viable, enticing sports and entertainment destination, stimulating economic growth and local and regional pride.
Pulaski County Motorsports Park
www.pulaskicountymp.com info@pulaskicountymp.com
Route 11, Fairlawn
152 acres
Opened in 1952
0.416 mile paved oval racetrack
1.8-mile paved drag strip
10,300 spectator seats
Mushrooms Mushroom in Popularity and Sustainability Circles
Text by Joanne M. Anderson
by Jon Fleming
Of more than 10,000 mushroom species, about 2,000 are edible. Of those, a couple dozen are commonly cultivated for consumption, and the most popular are portobello, cremini, button, shiitake and oyster varieties. They are low in fat and calories, and high in several of the B vitamins, along with vitamin C, selenium, trace minerals and offer a modest amount of fiber.
They vary widely in shape, size, color and habitat. Some are tiny and nearly invisible to the naked eye, while others, like giant puffballs, can grow to the size of a soccer ball. Their forms
can be equally varied, ranging from the classic umbrella-shaped cap and stem to coral-like structures, shelf-like brackets, and even bioluminescent varieties that glow in the dark. For the foodie, mushrooms are incredibly versatile and bring distinct flavors and textures to different foods and methods of preparation. Some are mild and tender, others are rich and earthy. For vegetarians, they can be an alternative to meat due to a dense texture and savory taste. For folks cutting out caffeine, mushroom coffee is an option.
Mushroom 101
Mushrooms are among the most fascinating and diverse organisms on Earth, occupying a unique position in the natural world that blurs the boundaries between plants, animals and microorganisms. Though often overlooked or misunderstood, mushrooms play essential ecological roles, possess remarkable biological properties, and have deep cultural, culinary and medicinal significance. At their most basic level, mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, a kingdom distinct from plants and
Photos
animals. Unlike plants, fungi do not perform photosynthesis. Instead, they obtain nutrients by breaking down organic matter in the environment. The visible mushroom is only a small part of a much larger organism that exists primarily underground or within its food source as a network of thread-like structures called mycelium. This mycelial network can stretch for vast distances, even acres, making certain fungal organisms among the largest living entities.
Ecologically, mushrooms are indispensable. They serve as nature’s recyclers, decomposing dead plants, animals and other organic material into simpler compounds that enrich the soil. Without fungi, ecosystems would quickly become overwhelmed with waste, and nutrients would remain locked in unusable forms. This decomposition process supports plant growth and maintains the balance of ecosystems
Captivated by Mushrooms
Blacksburg native Ben Harder enjoyed cooking and eating mushrooms, as well as growing vegetables and herbs on his farm, Den Hill Permaculture (now Den Hill Farm and Fungi), established in 2012. After meeting an Appalachian Trail hiker at the Blacksburg farmer’s market, things changed. The hiker was selling fruiting shiitake mushroom logs to fund his trek, and Harder was simply fascinated. He expanded his farming endeavors to include growing three kinds of mushrooms. As his passion for these amazing organisms mushroomed, he and wife Jackie and the team at his farm moved to a more sophisticated approach. He designed a climatecontrolled fruiting chamber and a spawn production lab in a very large old shipping container, think of an extra-large POD. It’s an impressive creation with four to six inches of insulation all around. Inside, Harder
has intricate control mechanisms for humidity, air flow and heat and can grow 1,000 pounds of mushrooms a month, in individual bags, year round. You can see, touch and buy Harder’s mushrooms at the Blacksburg farmer’s market every Saturday, or order online in advance. He is offering a new Gourmet Culinary Mushroom Log Workshop where you can choose what type of mushrooms you want to grow, including shiitake, oyster, comb’s tooth and chestnut. Check the website for dates and times.
Innovation with Mushrooms
In recent years, mushrooms have attracted attention for their potential in sustainability efforts. Mycelium, the root-like network of fungi, is being explored as a biodegradable alternative to plastics, packaging materials and even leather. Its ability to grow quickly and bind organic matter makes it an environmentally-friendly resource for a wide range of applications. Scientists and entrepreneurs are investigating
how fungal materials can reduce waste and provide sustainable solutions to global challenges. Mushrooms are fascinating and far more than simple forest growths or culinary ingredients. They are vital components of Earth’s ecosystems, remarkable organisms with unique biological features, and valuable resources for food, medicine and sustainable technology.
As scientific understanding of fungi continues to expand, mushrooms are increasingly recognized not just as curiosities of nature, but as key players in the future of environmental health and human well-being.
Hardermushrooms.com
New River Valley Mushroom Club [on Facebook]
While many species of mushrooms are edible and delicious, others are highly toxic. Distinguishing between safe and dangerous mushrooms requires expertise, as some poisonous species closely resemble edible ones. Foraging for wild mushrooms is a practice that combines knowledge, experience and respect for nature. Beginners are strongly advised to consult experts before consuming any wild specimens.
Books, Flowers, Veggies and Volunteers
Text by Joanne M. Anderson
With little money and no work opportunities, Andrew Carnegie’s parents bought passage to America from Scotland in 1848 with 13-year-old Andrew and his 5-year-old brother. Settling in Pennsylvania, the dad again struggled through a failed business. Andrew worked long days in a cotton mill before becoming a messenger. There he taught himself to use the telegraph and advanced. Next job was with a railroad company, and his first investment was $500, which his mother managed to scrape together, for 10 shares of Adams Express Company.
Carnegie was a voracious reader, thankful that a man opened his small personal library to the
young lad. By age 30, with no formal education, he was invested in many industries and built Carnegie Steel into the largest steel manufacturing company in the world. His major lofty goal in life: To give away his self-made hundreds of millions of dollars. Beginning in his native Dunfermline, Scotland, Carnegie built library buildings all over the world, including 1,681 in the United States. He believed that in America anyone with access to books and the desire to learn could educate oneself and be successful, as he had been. He died after distributing $350 million, distressed that he had not divested himself of everything.
NRV Garden Tour
That’s the long introduction into the Friends of the MontgomeryFloyd Regional Library and 30th anniversary of the New River Valley Garden Tour. Carnegie may be dubbed the Patron Saint of Libraries, but dedicated, behind-the-scenes work by tireless volunteers across decades keeps public libraries relevant.
The NRV Garden Tour, a major fundraiser for the Friends of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library, has evolved into a multi-pronged event with flower and veggie gardens in the starring role and an amazing
continued on page 46
Fairs, Festivals, Events & Family Fun
Farmer Markets & Community
Social Sites
Blacksburg Farmer’s Market
Saturdays and Wednesdays, year round, hours vary seasonally Corner Draper and Roanoke, Blacksburg www.blacksburgfarmersmarket.com
Christiansburg Farmer’s Market
Thursdays, May – October, 3-7 p.m.
300 Huckleberry Drive NW, Christiansburg
Draper Village Heritage Market
1st Saturday, April to December, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Merc Farms, Draper
Floyd Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Farmer’s Market Pavilion 203 S. Locust St., Floyd
Narrows Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 135 Monroe Street, Narrows
Pearisburg Community Market
May - October Thursdays, 4-7 p.m.
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 1410 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg
Pulaski Marketplace
Tuesdays, May – September, 4-7 p.m. Historic Train Station
Radford Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, April – October, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
600 Unruh Drive, Radford. www. mainstreetradford.org
ENTERTAINMENT TO ENJOY ALL SUMMER
Tuesday Tunes, 5 – 7 p.m.
Friday Night Jamboree, 6:30 – 10 p.m. Americana Afternoons, noon - 3 p.m.
Saturdays
Sunday Music Jam, 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Old-time music, bluegrass, lots of stompin’ and dancin’, family-friendly Floyd Country Store, Floyd
Music Bingo and Trivia, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m.
Dog Day Thursdays, Doggie Happy Hour, 3-7 p.m.
Live music, food, drink, great times Salt Pond Pub, Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke
Cruise In and Music Jam, 1 – 4 p.m.
First and Third Sundays through Oct. 18. Rain or shine!
Wildwood Farms General Store 2380 Floyd Hwy S., Floyd
International Women’s Group, 10 a.m. – 12 noon Every Tuesday Newcomer and immigrant women welcome to share culture and community engagement
Virginia Tech YMCA, 1000 N. Main St., Blacksburg
Small Town Summer Concert Series, 6 p.m. Every Thursday
Warren G. Lineberry Park
250 S. Locust St., Floyd
Friday Night Music, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Every Friday through October, no cover. Beautiful setting, wonderful music, wine and snack sales
Beliveau Farm Winery, Blacksburg
Market Square Jam, 7-9 p.m.
June – September
Fun, music, entertainment
Market Square Park, downtown
Blacksburg
Rock House Marina Music, hours can vary. Saturdays, 4-7 p.m. ~ Sundays, 3-6 p.m.
Mountain2Island, Rock House
Marina, Dublin
Friday Night Concerts, 6-7:30 p.m. June and July
Bring blanket, chair, picnic, Henderson Lawn, Blacksburg
16 Squares Walking Tour, 12 noon – 1:30 p.m.
June 4 and every other Thursdays
Explore the original blocks and landmarks
Meet at Alexander Black House, Blacksburg
New River Valley Classic Cruisers, 5-8 p.m. Fridays through Oct. 30
Antique cars of all shapes, colors and sizes
501 W. Main St., Radford
Live Music at the Villa Saturdays through October, 1-4 p.m. Sundays with wood-fired pizza through October, 12-4:30 p.m.
Villa Appalaccia Winery
752 Rock Castle Gorge, Floyd
Vintage Market, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
April to November, 2nd and 4th Sundays
Everything vintage, records, clothes, jewelry, oddities
Market Square, Blacksburg
Pulaski River Turtles Baseball
Take me out to the ball game! 24 home games, Calfee Park, Pulaski (note: 9th oldest Minor League baseball park in the U.S.)
May 2, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
May June Spring - Summer - Fall
Annual Kids Fishing Day
Ages 5 to 8 fish 9-9:30, then up to age 15 come on in Narrows Town Park, Narrows
May 9, 5-9 p.m.
Rockin’ Christiansburg
Music and camaraderie
Uptown Mall, Christiansburg
May 15-16
Kayak Adventure Series
Claytor Lake State Park, Dublin
May 16, 4-9 p.m.
Music and Merchants
Corner Jefferson and W. Main, Pulaski
May 18 , 6 p.m.
Free screening of “Resolved to Live & Die: The Revolutionary Roots of Southwest Virginia”, partnership production from Wilderness Road Regional Museum. Meadowbrook Library, Shawsville
May 23, 6 p.m.
Concert and Talk
Fiddler Geoff White, Celtic Influences of Appalachian Music Wilderness Road Regional Museum, Newbern
May 23
Bigfoot Classic Tournament
Sporting Clays Shooting Course Kairos Resort, Glen Lyn
May 30, 1 a.m.-2 p.m.
Pulaski County Spring Fly-in Come on over to enjoy seeing airplanes!
New River Valley Regional Airport, Dublin
May 30
Weekly Series Car Racing
4 p.m. gates open; 7 p.m. racing begins
Pulaski County Motorsports Park, Fairlawn
June 5, 5 – 8 p.m.
Downtown Art Walk
Murals and public art viewing, live music
Draper Road, downtown Blacksburg
June 5-6
41st Annual Pearisburg Festival in the Park - Carnival rides, music, food, drink, fun and more fun 1410 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg
June 6, 1 - 5:30 p.m.
Blacksburg Fork & Cork
Historic Smithfield Blacksburg
June 6
Line Dancing, 7-11 p.m.
Social fun dancing in a line, partners not needed
Sinkland Farms, Christiansburg
June 6 and 7
Pulaski County Lions Club Flea Market - 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission $2, free parking NRV Fairgrounds, Route 100, Dublin
June 6, 12 noon – 5 p.m.
10th Annual Gospel Sing
All ages come to sing 204 Draper Road, Blacksburg
June 6 and 7
Annual Loyalists in the Backcountry Free. Learn about the Loyalists during the American Revolution in the New River Valley Wilderness Road Regional Museum, Newbern
June 13
Rockin’ Main Street Music and fun for all 5-9 p.m.
East Main Street, Christiansburg
June 13
Weekly Series Car Racing
4 p.m. gates open; 7 p.m. racing begins
Pulaski County Motorsports Park, Fairlawn
June 13, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Claytor Lake Festival
Live music, car show, arts & crafts, food, wine tasting, fireworks
Claytor Lake State Park, Dublin
June 12, 6-9 p.m.
Rock the Block
Family block party! Music, food and drink, mega fun
Main Street, Pulaski
June 13-14
Annual Henry Reed Memorial Celebration
Fiddle, banjo, music competitions, shows, workshops, kids tent Kairos Resort, Glen Lyn
41st Annual Pearisburg Festival in the Park
June 5-9
June 13, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Claytor Lake Beach Festival
5 days of great music on the waterfront
Rock House Marina, Claytor Lake
June 14, 1-4 p.m.
Dog Days of Claytor Lake
Dog-centered fundraiser
Paddleboard and kayak races with your pup!
Rock House Marina, Claytor Lake
June 20
Annual Summer Solstice Festival
Live music, vendors, entertainment, food and drink, dog parade Downtown Blacksburg at Main and Lee St.
June 20, 10 a.m.
Go For The Gusto Paddleboard Race
Rock House Marina, Claytor Lake
June 20 and 21, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Floyd Artisan Trail
Art studios open, galleries, farms, demos, special events on backroads and in town
June 21, 1 – 4 p.m.
Annual Pulaski County Juneteenth Event
Wilderness Road Regional Museum, Newbern
June 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Summer Solstice Festival
Downtown Blacksburg
June 20, 7-10 p.m.
Contra Dance
Fun traditional American dancing
Virginia Tech YMCA, 1000 N. Main St. Blacksburg
June 27, 4 p.m. gates open; 7 p.m. racing begins
Weekly Series Car Racing
Pulaski County Motorsports Park, Fairlawn
June 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Summer Solstice Festival
July
July 3, 6 p.m.
250th Parade - Historic Newbern
4th of July
Independence Day!
250th Anniversary of the U.S.A. Parades, floats, music, fireworks throughout the New River Valley
July 10, 7:30 p.m.
The Crooked Road Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech Blacksburg
July 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
New River Valley Garden Tour Beautiful gardens and property grounds. Tickets and map, mfrlfriends.org/wp/garden-tour
July 11, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Art at the Market
Many fine art vendors, kids art experience, breakfast Blacksburg Farmers Market
July 11, 4 p.m. gates open; 7 p.m. racing begins
Weekly Series Car Racing
Pulaski County Motorsports Park, Fairlawn
July 11, 12 noon
Replenish Festival
Christian music, food trucks, artists, activities for the whole family
Burnett Farm, 5555 Indian Valley Road, Willis
July 17
Line Dancing, 7-11 p.m.
Social dancing in a line, partners not needed
Sinkland Farms, Christiansburg
July 17, 6-9 p.m.
Rock the Block
Family block party! Music, food and drink, mega fun Main Street, Pulaski
July 20-24
Annual History Summer Camp, 8-12 year old students
Beyond the Battlefield: SWVA Homefront during the American Revolution
Wilderness Road Regional Museum
July 20-24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
NRV Future Builders Academy, free Week long, hands-on carpentry camp for H.S. students
Real projects, industry standard training, local employer engagement
Christiansburg [info at nrvhba.com]
July 27 – Aug. 1
New River Valley Fair
Carnival rides, livestock, food, evening events, a blast for everyone! New River Fairgrounds, Dublin
July 22-26
Floyd Fest
Music, Magic and Mountains
100s of musicians and much more 5826 Floyd Hwy North, Check
Photo by Roger Gupta Photography
July 24, 25, 26, all day
Mary Draper Ingles Festival
Glencoe Mansion, Museum & Gallery
Honoring the legacy of one strong, determined frontier heroine, family-friendly activities, history, food, drink, farmer’s market.
July 25
IRHA Stock Car Series #5
Heart-thumping car racing
4 p.m. gates open; 7 p.m. racing begins
Pulaski County Motorsports Park, Fairlawn
August
August TBA
Hidden History Boat Tours of Claytor Lake
Check wildernessroadregionalmuseum. com for dates and times
August 4, 5-8 p.m.
National Night Out
Music and camaraderie
Huckleberry Park, Christiansburg
August 7
SMART Modified Tour; Weekly Series
Heart-thumping car racing
4 p.m. gates open; 7 p.m. racing begins Pulaski County Motorsports Park, Fairlawn
August 7 and 8, 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
Annual Steppin’ Out Festival
More than 200 booths, food, drink, live entertainment
Downtown Blacksburg
August 5, 6, 7, 8, 7 p.m.
August 8 and 9, 2 p.m.
“Fiddler on the Roof”
Presented by the community, all volunteer
Summer Musical Enterprise
Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
35th Annual Pumpkin Festival Sinkland Farms
August 7 and 8
Newport Agricultural Fair
More than 80 years, oldest agricultural fair in VA. Kid rides, food, games, horse show, horse pull, produce, baking, flower competitions, live music. Saturday night fireworks.
Newport
August 8, 5-9 p.m.
Rockin’ Main Street
Music and fun for the family
West Main Street, Christiansburg
August 8, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Pirate Festival
Come in pirate garb or not, pirate music, dancing and more
Rock House Marina, Claytor Lake
August 8
Rhythm by the Rails
Life music and family fun
Fine Arts Center of the New River Valley
Jackson Park, Pulaski
August 14, 6-9 p.m.
Rock the Block
Family block party! Music, food and drink, mega fun
Main Street, Pulaski
August 22
Hillbilly Shootout Tournament
Sporting Clays Shooting Course
Kairos Resort, Glen Lyn
August 22 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Floyd Living Traditions Festival
Music, dance, craft demos and more Floyd Center for the Arts, Floyd
August 29
Grand National Super Series; Weekly Series, 4 p.m. gates open; 7 p.m. racing begins
Heart-thumping car racing
Pulaski County Motorsports Park, Fairlawn
September
September 5
Tour of Destruction
Edge of your seat car racing
4 p.m. gates open; 7 p.m. racing begins Pulaski County Motorsports Park, Fairlawn
September 4-7
Labor Day Weekend Music Fest
Music, eats and drinks, water, people, music
Rock House Marina, Claytor Lake
September 12, 5-9 p.m.
Rockin’ Christiansburg
Live music and fun time
Rec Center, Christiansburg
September 12
Weekly Series Finale Car Racing
4 p.m. gates open; 7 p.m. racing begins Pulaski County Motorsports Park, Fairlawn
September 19 and 20
7th Annual Paw Festival
12 noon-5 p.m.
Learn all about paw paws, tours of the vineyard, sip some fine wine, live music, food truck JBR Vineyards, Pearisburg
September 12
Floyd County Fair
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. rain or shine
Celebrating agricultural heritage, livestock shows, demos, petting zoo, horseback rides, live music and more
Floyd Family Campground, 2697 Franklin Pike SE, Floyd
September 19 and 20
Pulaski County Lions Club Flea Market - 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Lots and lots of vendors, $2 admission, free parking NRV Fairgrounds, Route 100, Dublin
September 19
Annual Kiwanis Wilderness Trail Festival - 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Vendors, kids fun, music, food, classic cars, raffles, silent auction, craft demos Downtown Christiansburg
September 25-27
35th Annual Pumpkin Festival
Friday 4-8 p.m.;
Sat-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sinkland Farms, Route 8, Christiansburg
September 25-26
MTN-X Gravel Bike Race
Friday pre-race events, race on Saturday 30, 50, 100 miles, open to all level riders Pulaski County – PulaskiMTNX.com
October
October 3
Kairos Cup Tournament
Sporting Clays Shooting Course Kairos Resort, Glen Lyn
October 3
Octoberfest
Celebrating all things water and October! - 12 noon – 6 p.m. Rock House Marina, Claytor Lake
October 2-4
35th Annual Pumpkin Festival Friday 4-8 p.m.; Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Live music, family activities, art & crafts, corn maze & hay rides, more! Sinkland Farms, Route 8, Christiansburg
October 9-11
35th Annual Pumpkin Festival Friday 4-8 p.m.; Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Live music, family activities, art & crafts, corn maze & hay rides, more!
Sinkland Farms, Route 8, Christiansburg
October 9-11
Book Fair
Thousands of wonderful books on sale! - day time
Virginia Tech YMCA, 1000 N. Main St., Blacksburg
October 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Radford Highlanders Festival
Heavyweight games, Celtic music, sheepherding, vendors, fun for all ages
Radford University Campus, Radford
October 10 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
October 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Newbern Fall Festival
Vendors, arts and crafts, music, food, family fun. Hosted by the Newbern Volunteer Fire Dept Main Street, Newbern
October 24
Wolf Creek Runs Wild 5k and 10 k races Narrows
October 16-18-19
35th Annual Pumpkin Festival Friday 4-8 p.m.; Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Live music, family activities, art & crafts, corn maze & hay rides, more!
Sinkland Farms, Route 8, Christiansburg
October 18, 3 – 6 p.m.
Spirits Along the Wilderness Road
Wilderness Road Regional Museum, Newbern
October 23-25
35th Annual Pumpkin Festival
Friday 4-8 p.m.;
Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Live music, family activities, art & crafts, corn maze & hay rides, more!
Sinkland Farms, Route 8, Christiansburg
October 30-Nov. 1
35th Annual Pumpkin Festival Friday 4-8 p.m.;
Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Live music, family activities, art & crafts, corn maze & hay rides, more!
Sinkland Farms, Route 8, Christiansburg
November
November 1
FCA Outdoors Faith & Follow Through Clays Tournament
Clay shoot fundraiser for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and NRV Youth Ministry. Kairos Resort, Giles County
November 20, 6 p.m.
Harvest Thanksgiving Dinner
Log Kitchen
Wilderness Road Regional Museum, Newbern
November 21 - January 3 (2027)
A Magical Christmas Village & Marketplace - 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Festive holiday experience for everyone!
Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke
December
December 4
Winter Lights Festival
Downtown Blacksburg
December 5, 4-7 p.m.
Newbern Noel Night and Barn Bazaar Heritage Craft Sale
Wilderness Road Regional Museum, Newbern
December 12, 1 – 4 p.m.
Pup pics with Santa
Bring the dog for photos with Mr. Claus
Rock House Marina, Claytor Lake
support cast of musicians, plein air artists, greeters and sponsors.
A shoutout belongs to the New River Valley Master Gardener Association and Virginia Native Plant Society as well for their participation. The master gardeners offer a plant clinic at one of the garden stops. Around 180 gardens have been showcased across three decades, usually six per year, sometimes seven.
The art works of artists, who graciously set up and painted at different gardens in 2025, are on display at the Blacksburg library between May and August of this year. It’s a wonderful social event and always an amazing visual in what creative, energetic homeowners can do with a landscape in a finite space.
The Friends of the Library
organization is responsible for many other programs like visiting authors, interior improvements, toys, coffee, used books, summer reading, computer stations and much more. They meet once a month at 3 p.m. on the third Tuesday, rotating between the library locations. The Friends are friendly and dedicated. Membership is suggested at $15 per person or $20 per family. Donations are always appreciated.
New River Valley Garden Tour July 11, 2026
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. $20 per person (for all six gardens!)
Friends of the MontgomeryFloyd Regional Library Mfrlfriends.org
Joba Designs
Mutt's
Enjoy Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Indulge in our Signature Sunday Brunch
Call 540.231.0120 to make your reservation today
A Living Tradition THE CROOKED ROAD
Friday, July 10, 7:30 PM
Join dozens of Crooked Road artists in a celebration of song and dance from central Appalachia. This edition celebrates our region’s deep roots of heritage music as well as the music’s origins and evolution through many generations.
NEW BALLARD'S BRANCH BOGTROTTERS
LONESOME RIVER BAND
BLUE RIDGE GIRLS
BOYS FROM BRISTOL
MARGO MACSWEENEY AND HOLLACE OAKES