Tourism: Funding

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“Late Fall and early Spring are slower seasons for Adventure Damascus Bicycles and Sundog Outfitter,” said Anna-Blake Wright, Co-Owner, Adventure Damascus. “Our Do It in Damascus campaign allows us to encourage families to explore the outdoors through bike riding and also venture through Damascus to other small businesses, restaurants, and rental properties in downtown and along the Virginia Creeper Trail. Not only will these marketing funds bring in more visitors to the trail, but we also hope they will allow us to show folks all of Adventure Damascus’s hiking gear, biking supplies, and oneof-a-kind souvenirs.”

“Small businesses are the heart of our coastal community and the off-season months from the late fall to the early spring can be a challenge as visitation decreases,” said Emily Machen, Director of Marketing, Eastern Shore of Vir- ginia Tourism Commission. “With this partnership, we are confident that we will support visitation to Virginia’s Eastern Shore during these months to bolster our businesses. This campaign will show our potential visitors just how special a week on the Shore can be and encourage them to reset, recharge, and soak in the beauty of Virginia.”

VTC will have additional Marketing Program grant and sponsorship rounds opening throughout 2024. Organizations and businesses that are interested in applying may visit vatc. org/grants for more information.

In Wytheville, the Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau received $10,000. Beagle Ridge Herb Farm nabbed $5,000, and the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum took in $5,000.

The Smyth County Chamber of Commerce received $10,000. The Lincoln Theatre in Marion nabbed $5,000.

In Washington County, tegically implementing virtual reality and up-to-date equipment in our programs. With the growing need for healthcare workers, WCC has implemented advancements in all its healthcare programs that will assist in graduating highly trained healthcare providers. WCC is also in the process of building a new Pharmacy Technology lab that will provide students with the latest equipment that mimics a state-of-the-art working pharmacy.

WCC Workforce and Occupational Programs added a new facility in Marion, Virginia this year. WCC WEST (Workforce, Educa- tion, Skills, Training) houses new technical programs such as automotive technology and off-road diesel training.

High School Programs: WCC’s Dual Enrollment Program has also seen significant increases this fall, with a 17 plus percent increase from 2020. Students can earn college credits or an associate degree while in high school through concurrent enrollment in high school and in college.

WCC also partners with the Wytheville Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce, Wythe and Bland County Public Schools, and area manufacturing and healthcare industries to provide a Manufacturing Excellence Program and a Healthcare Excellence Program. These programs are designed to introduce high school students to a variety of careers, either in manufacturing or in healthcare. As part of the two programs, high school students tour and interact with the college’s programs, as well as the region’s healthcare and manufacturing facilities. Students gain practical experience and interact with professionals in their fields before participating in a graduation ceremony on WCC’s campus.

Abingdon CVB, Round the Mountain and Friends of Southwest Virginia each received $10,000. Also in Abingdon, William King Museum of Art received $5,000 and Virginia Highlands Festival Inc. pulled in $5,000. Blue Hills Community Market in Abingdon received $5,000. The Historical Society of Washington County took in $4,300. Advanture Damascus Inc. in Damascus received $5,000. Tumbling Creek Cider Company in Meadowview received $5,000.

In Bristol, Virginia, Believe in Bristol nabbed $10,000, and the Birthplace of Country Music received $5,000.

Grayson County Tourism received $10,000. The City of Galax Tourism also got $10,000.

In Floyd County, Floyd County Tourism received $6,000, the Floyd Country Store received $5,000 and Sweetwater Baking Company received $1,200. Pulaski County Tourism received $10,000.

Friday, Dec. 8

Millwald Theatre: Back by popular demand! Wayne Henderson and Scott Fore will be returning to The Millwald Theatre on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. A recipient of the 1995 National Heritage Award by the National Endowment for the Arts, Wayne Henderson’s instruments have been famously played by some of the greatest musicians in the world. Doc Watson, legendary singer, songwriter and musician said, “That Henderson Mandolin is as good as any I’ve had my hands on. And that’s saying a lot, because I’ve picked up some good ones.” Having won the National

Lifestyles n Entertainment n Get Out and Go

Flatpicking Championship held in Winfield Kansas, Scott Fore is also the Doc Watson guitar champion and the Wayne Henderson Champion of Champions. Scott’s performances have been at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Doc Watson Festival, and The Grand Ole Opry to name a few.

Saturday, Dec. 9

Millwald Theatre: The Millwald will mark its one-year anniversary with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra presenting Holiday Brass at 7 p.m. on Dec. 9. Tickets start at $15 plus fee.

Lincoln Theatre: The Isaacs are back at the Lincoln, bringing their multi-faceted show that has spent five decades reveling in family harmonies and the distinct sound that have made them a favorite of audiences everywhere. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $58 for premium, $47 for orchestra, $30 for balcony and $30 to $40 for children.

Sunday, Dec. 10

Lincoln Theatre: John Hardy returns to the Lincoln stage with his one-man show “A Christmas Carol.” Hardy takes on more than 40 roles in this Christmas classic, set to begin at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and students.

Friday, Dec. 15

Millwald Theatre: The Tree of Forgiveness Band – a John Prine tribute outfit, will play Dec. 15 t 8 p.m. In December 2021, a group of all-star musicians from North Carolina got together to perform the music of John Prine in Elkin, North Carolina. The show was supposed to be a one-off night sponsored by The Reeves Theater and Cafe, but the musicians quickly realized there was a very special and unique ‘magic’ happening on stage that evening. The Tree of

Forgiveness Band – A Tribute to John Prine performs music that spans the life and career of Mr. John Prine. From his first album in 1971, John Prine, up to his final 2018 release The Tree of Forgiveness, the band digs into both well-known classics such as “Illegal Smile,” “Sam Stone,” “Angel From Montgomery” and “Grandpa Was A Carpenter” to some of his ‘deep cuts’ such as “Bruised Orange” and “Egg & Daughter Nite.” The band features Tommy Jackson (keys/ piano) from The Camel City Yacht Club, Joey Recchio (guitar), Ashley Sutton (bass), Brian Swenk

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