by Kamila Love
Ever since I got to Roanoke, I heard several young people say, “There’s nothing to do here.” Unfortunately it seemed like what they were saying was true. No, that can’t be true! I’m here to prove them wrong!
On August 15, I was going to the library when the sound of exotic music was coming from behind the library. Duh! I did remember seeing a sign about an Indian Festival a few days earlier. So I reluctantly went to check it out, only reluctant because I wasn’t sure if there was an admission fee. Not reluctant about anything else, I like to think of myself as an adventurer.
As I was walking down into Elmwood Park, The delicious aroma of exotic food was dancing past my nose. Curry, roti and other yummy things I didn’t know the name of. When I got to the Amphitheater, I see the most adorable children dressed in intricate Indian outfits dancing to their cultural music. So the event that I stumbled upon was the celebration of India’s Independence Day, which is August 15. This is an annual event that happens at Elmwood Park where the local Indian community gets together to share their culture with Roanoke. It ended at 5 p.m.
By the way, yes the event was free, always a plus! The food was affordable, the clothing prices were great and by the end of the event all clothing dropped to $5 each. I won a beautiful sari by participating in a dance. I was so happy! The people were more than friendly, the food was great and the performances were entertaining as well as informative. It was a very, very nice event, so for those of you who love to learn new things, an adventurer! Don’t miss it next year.
Don’t want to wait until next year to find something to do? That’s completely understandable. Well Roanoke has ‘Free Yoga for the People’ held also in Elmwood Park every Monday and Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Until August 31, so hurry and get your yoga on before it ends. I know that’s rather short notice, I’m sorry I just learned about it myself. But let me give you a heads up on this.
Roanoke’s 10th Annual Greek Festival is held September 18–20. And here’s a plus………..Free admission!! Sue me, I’m young and frugal.
When is it, you ask? Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday 12 noon – 7 pm.
Where is it, you ask? Well darlings, it’s Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 30 Huntington Blvd NE.
There will be food, fun and dance! OPA!!
Also on September 19 there is the annual Henry Street Heritage Festival, which is a premier event for The Harrison Museum of African American Culture. The day-long 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., event features plenty of art, crafts, food, entertainment and vendors. Shut up! You had me at food and entertainment! It’s 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Where? Also in Elmwood Park. But not free, admission to be announced.
And since everything seems to happen at Elmwood Park, I might as well add ‘The BB&T Party in Elmwood’ 2015 season of Roanoke’s favorite beach music, it’s every Thursday night from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Ends September 17. It’s not free, but it’s not expensive either. Only $5. Exception for kids 12 and under.
For those of you who like religious events, there’s “The International Conference & Sacred Concert” at the Salem Civic Center, Taliaferro Complex. Sept 10-13.
Thursday, Sept. 10 – 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 11 – 9 a.m. to 12 noon and then 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 12 – 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 13 – 9 a.m to 10 p.m.
Free admission!
For my music buffs, my music lovers, this next event is something you can get down with. “Virginia Music Collectors Show” There will be rare vinyl albums and 45s, CDs, DVDs and memorabilia. You can Buy, Sell and Trade there. Just in case you’re interested in selling. I have contact info here for you! I know, I’m a doll!
GregNealShow@gmail.com
When is it? September 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where is it? Ramada Inn 1927 Franklin Rd. SW Roanoke VA.
And it’s only $2 admission, Yes I said only $2!!
And here are the last of the events for you guys, which both are held on the same day, Saturday, Aug. 22. The first one is “West End Village Block Party”
Where? 13th Street and Campbell Ave.
When? 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
And the second event is “The 6th Annual Wingfest”
Where? Dr. Pepper Park
When? 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
They’re both in Roanoke and they’re both free. Decisions, Decisions, hmm. Well you could go to the one that ends earlier first and then head over to the next event. Attend both, why chose one over the other?
So that’s all I’ve got for now, but you can depend on me to always keep you in the loop of cool things to do. Twa-la for now.
