by Brother Love
The Historical Gainsboro District was alive October 31, between 6pm-10pm with the laughter and joy of children of all ages as well as their parents taking part in a super fun event as the 1st Annual “Thriller Night Comes to Roanoke.”
The scene was a perfect autumn evening at the Lawson Bldg. 401 Gainsboro Rd., hosted by Love in Action and Focused Radio with proceeds going to Faith 4A Cure. Roanokers came together to provide a safe and special night for the Trick or Treaters. Sky Ryders of Virginia worked together and pulled up to the event with their shiny hot rods and a large moving truck filled with candy for the children, aka “Trunk or Treat.”
Sky Ryders also gave away free food to the children, Delicia’s Gourmet Ice gave free samples of their ice and free hot chocolate. CORO was there to inform the community of the upcoming Black Heritage Parade. Bath Fitter also shared information.
Local community dignitaries came out to support the event. Peter Lewis, founder of Apple Ridge Farm was dressed as an old western sheriff and spoke to the crowd. “It was good to see all the baddies having such a good time,” said Lewis who recognized some of his old students–now parents and invited them to have their “children be the next generation of Apple Ridge kids.” Also in attendance was Khalid Jones of Community Cultivators.
Kamila Love led the children in a spectacular colorful costume parade. Contests were held with crowd-pleasing prizes. There was also great entertainment from Star Citi, Fhat Rob, Joon D and Kamila Love, who incidentally was producer, coordinator and choreographer of The Thriller Dancers.
For the finale of this successful event Love in Action and Focused Radio gave the crowd what they were waiting for, “The Thriller Dance.” Kamila Love and Joon D (playing MJ) assisted by The Thriller Dancers did not let the crowd down. They were awesome and MJ would have been proud. DJ Cool Breeze as MC and Rubin “Joon D” De Jesus, Jr., DJ extraordinaire were spinning hip soulful R&B sounds that added the right touch to the affair.
Local Thriller Night was the brainchild of Sister Love who wanted to bring such an event to Roanoke considering its success in Macon, Ga and elsewhere around the country and with hard work her vision became a reality.
The function was assisted by her husband and Love in Action co-founder, Brother Love, daughter Kamila and son Naadir.
