What do a pancake breakfast, a classic car show, a parade, Cinco de Mayo, and strawberries have in common? They all were a part of a collection of events taking place this past weekend in or near Downtown Roanoke. Just the latest reminder that we are indeed fortunate to live in Roanoke and what a truly great place the Star City is!
Strawberry Festival
Downtown Roanoke was bustling all weekend, beginning last Friday with the annual Community School Strawberry Festival, held at Elmwood Park where hundreds retrieved their strawberry deserts, enjoyed some entertainment and did their part to support this important education institution located right in the heart of downtown.
Pancakes and More
The Roanoke Kiwanis Club held their annual Pancake event at the Berglund Center. For 25+ years, the Club has conducted an annual event to raise money by selling pancake breakfasts and conducting an auction and yard sale. Each year, thousands of tickets are bought and thousands of pancakes served, hundreds of hours of Club member efforts are volunteered, countless items are sold, and tens of thousands of dollars are raised. The proceeds are used for grants to dozens of local non-profit and charitable organizations focused on children, the elderly, and the environment.
Classic Cars
The Roanoke Valley Mustang Club held their 34th Annual Mustang and Ford Powered Roundup at Magic City Ford this past Saturday. Classic cars were on display throughout the day with hundreds of owners and guests in attendance.
Hispanic Heritage
Cinco de Mayo festivals were held throughout downtown Friday and Saturday culminating in the inaugural TacoRita celebration at Elmwood Park. The event produced by the Berglund Center, celebrates the Cinco de Mayo weekend, with live Latin music, salsa dancing, taco & chili pepper eating contests, tacos from local Roanoke restaurants, and of course…margaritas!
Champions!
Of course, the biggest event of the weekend was the celebration of the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Ice Hockey Team and their victory last Tuesday where they claimed the President’s Cup and the SPHL Championship – the first for the team and the most recent such championship for a Roanoke team in over 35 years! The team’s accomplishment was celebrated with a community party at Berglund Center preceded by a procession through part of downtown. The team will be further recognized by the City Council through the reading of a Proclamation at the Council meeting today. Way to go Dawgs!
What a weekend! What a City!
-- Bob Cowell