Valleyfest2009: Perfect weekend forecast

ROANOKE RAPIDS — Make sure you cancel all your out-of-town plans this

weekend. The weather man says it’s going to be beautiful in the Valley

and everyone is looking forward to the 2009 Valleyfest on Main Street,

Saturday.

According to the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce Event Manager Ruby

Gerald, this year’s event will host over 70 vendors and merchants will

hold sidewalk sales with great bargains.

Gerald said, three blocks of Main Street, from ninth to 12th streets

will host the event. There are lots of kiddy rides, demonstrations,

information booths and displays. Take the kids for face painting or

temporary tattoos. Enjoy learning about cosmetics or find that special

piece of jewelry for your perfect outfit or a gift. There’s a magic

show and lots of giveaways.

The U.S. Army is bringing its Adventure Van, flight simulator for up

and coming pilots to test their skills and get a taste of what it’s

like to fly in one of the Army’s planes or helicopters. “This is a

multi-million dollar piece of equipment,” said Staff Sgt. Darrick

McGee. This 60-foot tractor trailer is state of the art in every way.

The Army is also giving away an Ipod at 3:30 p.m. You must be between

17 and 40 to register, but they are giving away more than 1,000 other

gifts to folks stopping by.

If you’re more interested in water sports, don’t miss the Roanoke

Rapids Hydro Power Race display. They’re bringing in the boats and

giving you a chance to get familiar with the exciting world of boat

racing. That event is June 27 and 28 at the Roanoke Rapids Lake Park.

There are two entertainment stages at Valleyfest hosting a variety of

great music. Don’t miss Chamber Grass, Jazz with Jashaun Peele, 50’s

with Third Rail, the Motown sounds of Music’s Most Wanted, and gospel

with Moving Up. There are lots of other local favorites on the program

as well.

If a successful festival is measured by lots of good food, this will

likely be one of the best festivals the Valley has ever seen. Be sure

to bring a hearty appetite because there’s so much to choose from. If

you get a little warm, enjoy some ice cream or a sno-cone, but if you

want something a little more substantial, you can savor blooming

onions,  smoked turkey legs, cheese steaks, sausage and hot dogs,

hamburger, pork chops and barbecue and the list continues ... If you’ve

got a sweet tooth, there’s cookies and bake sales, and don’t forget the

funnel cakes and you can wash it all down with some ice cold lemonade

or a soft drink.

“We encourage people to come out. There’s going to be lots of dancing

and fun. It’s a great time to see old friends and the perfect

opportunity to be out on what I think, will be a perfect day,” said

Gerald.

This year’s Valleyfest is sponsored by The Daily Herald, Halifax Linen,

Roanoke Rapids Savings Band, Wal-Mart, Eagle Home Medical Inc., First

Media Radio, Dixie Screen Printing and AAA Carolina.

Don’t forget the streets between 9th and 12th will be closed for the

event. Make sure to take alternate routes between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

After Valleyfest, take a trip down memory lane at the Atlantic One

Amphitheater. Atlantic One is hosting Maze with Frankie Beverly, Wayna

& Calvin Richardson. Maze plays rhythm and blues, and 70s dance music.

Beverly is a 2008 Grammy nominee. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs

and coolers are not permitted.