[Photos by Tim W. Jackson]

On Saturday, June 21, a new annual tradition was launched in Blacksburg’s central business district — the Summer Solstice Fest. This family-friendly event drew thousands of participants, an occurrence that surprised and delighted everyone, including us – The Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg.

As organizers of the event, we would like to publicly recognize the surpassing devotion of every individual and organization who worked so hard to make the event a success. More than a dozen non-profits operated midway concessions to raise money and awareness for their causes. An equal number of private businesses generously sponsored activities like the cooking contest, dog parade, and oyster-slurping contest. In the end, contestants earned over $1,500 in prize money for charitable organizations right here in the New River Valley; while an additional amount will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, through 5K race registrations.

The rains held off; the crowds remained patient; and every dog had its day. While night gathered, many dozens of sun burnt but warm-hearted volunteers packed away the bits and pieces of a memorable occasion: This is the stuff that community is made of.

Our sincerest thanks go out to all who ran, danced, stirred, slurped, marched, shoveled, strolled, or skated downtown to join in the fest.

Laureen Blakemore
Leslie Hager-Smith

The Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg