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TOPICS: town of blacksburg summer first wednesdays principles of community rooftop celebration of diversity downtown
Its small town atmosphere, quaint downtown, and unique sense of community are only a few of Blacksburg's many appeals and it is these characteristics that town officials hope to showcase through the monthly downtown Wonderful First Wednesday events.
For about a year now, downtown Blacksburg has been teaming up with the Lyric Theater, local merchants and community organizations to supply the local residents and students with unique and free activities the first Wednesday of every month.
According to Special Events Director for the Downtown Merchants Laureen Blakemore, the motivation behind this campaign is to not only increase traffic and revenue in the downtown area, but also to encourage community cohesiveness by bringing the local residents, youth, and college students together on a regular basis.
For the May 6 event, themed Principles of Community, the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg joined forces with The Office of Equity and Inclusion at Virginia Tech to put on a "Rooftop Celebration of Diversity" in Kent Square.
This community mixer was an opportunity for students, business owners, and local residents alike to come together and enjoy free food and music.
The Blacksburg High School Latino Band performed a selection of songs while local artist Larry Mitchell displayed his glass bowls and plates and explained the intricate process of their creation.
Also, a few blocks away at The Lyric Theater, a film entitled "The Organic Opportunity" by Chris Bedford was followed by a panel discussion about food sustainability, all sponsored by the Virginia Tech Sustainable Food Corps.
Other specials included longer Farmer's Market hours, free parking in Kent Square, and library events such as family fun activities and a knitting circle.
In his introductory speech, Special Assistant to the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion Perry Martin spoke of the park bench that we often see used as the symbol of the Downtown Merchants. He claimed that the park bench beautifully embodied the ideals of the Blacksburg community; a community of many different types of people from many different types of places, sitting down, coming together, and sharing their stories.
It is this simple spirit of community that inspired the Wonderful First Wednesday Campaign.
The June 3 Wonderful First Wednesday will be a Father's Day celebration followed shortly by the Summer Solstice Festival.
For more information about these events visit downtownblacksburg.com.
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Hi, Fathers Day is coming up really soon and I really need to start thinking about what to buy Dad as a gift this year. I just really don't know what to do, I think last year we all clubbed together and bought his some really nice golf kit. I find that each year I am gradually running out of ideas! Not sure what I am going to do this year, maybe my sisters and I can club together and buy him a track day which I know he will love! At least I have the card already sorted so that’s one less thing to worry about. This year I am going to be sending Dad an eCard rather than a paper card. He loves his computer, so I am sure that he will appreciate it. I was on the net and came across a cool Fathers Day eCard site that I quite like. Up until now I had not sent an ecard before, but this site made it real simple. Hope this is helpful?
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