The sound of bagpipes at Roanoke’s St. Pat’s Celebration
March 3, 2010 by Larry
Filed under Community, Music, Our Events
So you love the sound of bagpipes! The 2010 Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration has got you covered. Here are the current Pipe & Drum Bands scheduled to perform in this year’s McDonald’s St. Pats Parade.
Jamestown (NC) Pipe & Drums
Jamestown Pipe & Drums – their mission is to educate the population of the Triad and beyond to the rich Scottish history of North Carolina through the use of the Great Highland Bagpipe and the Scottish Drums.
Warpipe
Warpipe is a relatively new, exciting, extremely entertaining Celtic Pipe Band based in Roanoke, Virginia. Led by champion piper Burt Mitchell, the band offers unique and powerful pipe music accompanied by highly innovative and energetic drumming.
Virginia Highlands Pipe & Drums
The Virginia Highlands Pipes and Drums, based in the Roanoke Valley, were formed in 1983 with three pipers and one drummer. Their sound is as traditional as the MacFarlane tartan they proudly wear.
The Shenandoah Valley Pipe Band was founded in early 2009. The band provides traditional Scottish and Irish pipe music to the Shenandoah Valley and beyond, an area rich with Scots-Irish culture and tradition.
Shenandoah Valley Pipe Band
What would be better than bagpipes and men in kilts? Having a front row seat for the men in kilts, bagpipes with large drums! A day of celebrating Irish and Celtic culture wouldn’t be the same without the sounds of pipe bands filling the air. Be sure to get to downtown Roanoke as early as you can as this year promises to be one of the largest and best St. Pat’s Celebrations yet! The McDonald’s St. Pat’s Parade steps off at 11:00am and Celtic Festival starts at 10:00am and continues until 5:00p.m.
It’s all FREE!
Roanoke’s Riverdance Challenge – Lord of Roanoke!
February 27, 2010 by Larry
Filed under Community, Our Events
We’re going to challenge the World Record for the longest Riverdance line and we need you particpation! Get to downtown Roanoke early before the McDonald’s St. Pat’s Parade and be part of the fun event! We hope to fill Jefferson Street with Riverdancers of all spaces and sizes. If you can move your feet and chew gun at the same time – you can do it! We’ll show you how. Tell you friends and spread the word. See our Facebook event page for continual updates. The line will start at the parade judges stand at Franklin Road & Jefferson St. (in front of SunTrust) and hopefully run all the way down to the Celtic Festival site (in front of Corned Beef & Company). Who knows, maybe even longer than that.
It all happens about 30 minutes before the McDonald’s St. Pat’s Parade steps off.
Get there EARLY, the Riverdance Challenge starts at approx. 10:30am!
2nd Annual Bonniest Knees Contest
February 26, 2010 by Larry
Filed under Community, Our Events
Men in kilts+ blindfolded women+ a few green beers = a hilarious contest you won’t want to miss!
On March 13, the 2nd Annual Bonniest Knees Contest will be held at the Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration – Celtic Festival across from Corned Beef & Co. So what are Bonny knee? The perfect combination of knobs, muscle and just the right amount of hairiness, smoothness and personality! Of course, the women who are judging get to determine for themselves the “Bonniest Knees in SW Virginia.” But you can judge for yourself. Don’t miss out on all of the fun festivities that will be going on throughout the day.
What’s the most outrageous contest you’ve ever witnessed or even been in??
For more information and details visit the St. Pats Celebration website!
Just look at these Bonny knees!
Capt. Chris Brown honored at McDonald’s St. Pat’s Parade
February 5, 2010 by Larry
Filed under Community, Our Events
Grand Marshal - Capt. Chris Brown. To honor his life and contribution to Roanoke
The 21st annual downtown McDonald’s St. Pat’s Parade will continue its longstanding tradition of “honoring those that protect and serve.” The life, memory and contribution to our community of Roanoke City Firefighter, Capt. Chris Brown will be honored posthumously at this year’s Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Sat. March 13, 2010.
When EventZone staff heard that Chris Brown had died suddenly in October ‘09, we really wanted to do something to honor his memory. Chris served as a firefighter for the citizens of Roanoke City since 1994. Chris was a hero and inspired others by being such a role model.
The suggestion was made at the first St. Patrick’s Day Celebration committee meeting that Capt. Brown be honored posthumously as the McDonald’s St. Pat’s Parade’s Grand Marshal. EventZone contacted Fire Chief David Hoback and he contacted the Brown family and they agreed, indicating that it would be an honor. Chris’ wife Stephanie and his two daughters Caroline and Hannah will be on the Grand Marshal parade float along with Chris’ mother, and sisters. Chris’ brother, Mark who also is a Roanoke City firefighter, a Lieutenant with Engine 5 C-Shift will walk along the parade with fellow fireman from Chris’ station. The Brown family will be acknowledged at the judge’s stand during the parade and after the parade at the Celtic Festival. The family will be presented a plaque in honor of Chris, as he was a dedicated person that worked to “protect and serve” the citizens of Roanoke City.
Read more about Capt. Chris Brown
Apply now to be part of ‘10 Festival in the Park’s Performing Arts schedule
February 4, 2010 by Larry
Filed under Community, Music, Our Events
Be a part of Festival in the Park’s award winning entertainment! Every year Festival in the Park serves as a showcase for the best, newest and brightest talent in our region – and this year will be no exception. These performers, throughout each day of Festival in the Park, volunteer their time to showcase their talents and to help add to the community atmosphere of Festival in the Park. The Performing Arts entertainment portion of Festival in the Park is one of our favorite ways to “Celebrate Arts, Music & Family.”
If you’d like showcase your group’s talent – complete an Online Application – Deadline for applying is March 1, 2010.
Performing arts entertainers are scheduled on 4 different stages, on Saturday, May 29 – Monday, May 31st. We accept applications from bands, dancers, performing artists and other performing artists or groups! EventZone provides sound and technical support and performance times are 50 minutes.
Deadline for Performing Arts Application is March 1, 2010
Here’s what one of our prior local bands tells us about their Festival in the Park experience – Greg Escoe, of Madrone
“We want to first thank Festival in the Park! Our previous performances with your festival helped the band to land on stages at Floydfest and the Millennium Music Conference, also sharing bills with Shinedown, Staind, 3 Doors Down, Theory of a Deadman several times last summer! The band is about to impact rock radio with their new single “Daybreak” and is being courted by major labels…we would love to be a part of Festival in the Park again…”
If you have any questions contact Sarah Stephenson 540-342-2640 x247
2010 McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
January 26, 2010 by Larry
Filed under Community, Our Events
We’re gearing up again for our annual McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. After the rain last year, we’re ready for some good ol’ Irish luck at this year’s Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on March 13. Come be a part of an exciting Roanoke tradition and one of the Mid-Atlantic Region’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations. This year’s parade will continue to honor our local police, firefighters, veterans, and EMS. We are proud of those “Who protect and serve” all year round.
Captain Chris Brown - Roanoke Fire Department
The 2010 Grand Marshal will be the late Captain Chris Brown’s family, honoring his service and dedication to the community. Chris served as a firefighter for the citizens of Roanoke City since 1994. For numerous years, Chris would come to the EventZone office and pick up supplies to run the “fireman’s foam” that kids have come to love during Festival in the Park, Memorial Day weekend. We are very thankful that his family has agreed to serve as the parade’s Grand Marshal and we look forward to a beautiful day filled with Irish cheer in his honor.
Companies, individuals and families are all invited to be a part of the parade! This is a great opportunity to show off your organization, business, or maybe just your Irish spirit. Thousands of spectators look forward to this annual event. All parade entries encouraged to be festive. We really encourage floats, or maybe come up with a unique theme. But remember get going now! If your entry stands out, the judges might just pick yours to win!
The categories for this year’s parade are:
Best Neighborhood
Best Celtic Theme
Best Overall
Most Patriotic
Best Commercial Business
Best Non-Profit
Be sure to get your parade application in early! We expect a full and amazing McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Visit the St. Patrick’s Day Parade website for parade application and more details.
2009 winners:
Best Celtic Theme: Annie Lin
Most Patriotic: Post 64, 29th Infantry Division Association
Best Neighborhood: Old Southwest
Best Business: Grandin Village Business Association
Best Non-Profit: Parrot Heads of the Blue Ridge
Check out photos from prior McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parades!
2nd Annual Derby Day Gala at Rockledge
January 26, 2010 by Larry
Filed under Our Events, Scholarship for the Arts
The “Run for the Roses” Derby Day Gala, on May 1, 2010, is not only a great reason to break out the gala hat or your seersucker suit (or buy a new one) but it is also a benefit for a worthy cause. Proceeds benefit Festival in the Park and its Scholarship for the Arts program. Doctors Nancy and Kevin Dye open their beautiful home, Rockledge, to host this
Our Derby winner with the view of downtown Roanoke behind
event each year. Built in the 1900s, Rockledge enjoys a rich history and sits just below the Mill Mountain Star. During the Gala, all guests are encouraged to enjoy the grounds and make themselves at home at Rockledge. Of course there’s the awe inspiring view, especially at sunset. Last year’s 1st annual event was a great success and we expect this year’s to be even better.
Winners of the "Best Derby Attire" Award
May 1, 2010 is Kentucky Derby Day, and in Roanoke VA, its also the Derby Day Gala. Invitations will be mailed to charter attendees from the inaugural year. Attendance capacity is limited but if you’d like to attend this year there may still availability. Email Debbie for information and tell her you’d like to join the fun, enjoy the great food, mint juleps and all the festivities. This promises to be a winning ticket!
See more photos from the 2009 Derby Day Gala
Festival in the Park’s – Youth Art Show
January 25, 2010 by Larry
Filed under Community, Our Events, Scholarship for the Arts
This annual portion of Festival in the Park is a great opportunity for Roanoke area elementary and middle school students to showcase their artistic talent – and one of our favorite parts of Festival in the Park! Each year during Festival in the Park the students’ artwork is displayed in a high traffic area and a great location for festival patrons to enjoy. This year the artwork will be on display Saturday and Sunday May 29-30, 2010 from 11:00a.m. to approximately 5:00p.m. The are a total of $1,950.00 in awards in the form of art supplies for partcipating students and their school . There will be three People’s Choice and two judged award winners for each grade; a $50 gift certificate for the student and $100 gift certificate for their school. This contest is only open for grades 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th. All entries must be received no later than May 20, 2010. For more details, rules, and and an application please visit the Festival in the Park website.
Kroger Cabin Fever Series – Bring on The Band of Oz!
January 8, 2010 by Larry
Filed under Music, Our Events
Over 650 fans were on hand Friday Jan. 22 to hear The Embers, and boy they’ve never sounded better! So now that the winter has settled in on us we look forward to The Band of Oz on Feb. 19. Tickets to the Kroger Cabin Fever Series are now on sale and they are sure to warm the soul and cure the winter blues!
The Band of Oz
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets for the Kroger Cabin Fever Series dance parties, powered by EventZone
Don’t miss one of the most popular bands in our entire region The Band of Oz. “Making it groovy since 1970,” The Band of Oz is always a big time Roanoke favorite. Be sure and get your tickets early.
The Holiday Band blends the sound of soul, blues, funk, and Carolina Beach music, into one band of unique entertainment. Join us at the Roanoke Civic Center – March 26, 2010.
The Entertainers are a first timer at the Cabin Fever Series will appear on Friday April 16, 2010! One of the reasons we invited The Entertainers this year is because their range of dance music is so broad – you’ll get your beach music fix, and so much more!
Beach Bands….Oldies….Motown….Soul….It’s a dance party!
Roanoke’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
November 21, 2009 by Larry
Filed under Our Events
Mark your calendar for Sat. March 13, 2010. Join us for one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the Mid-Atlantic region, and it grows larger every year!
Break out the green and bring the entire family to be part of this annual Roanoke, VA tradition! Whether you’re Irish or just Irish for a day – it’s sure to be your lucky day because all the festivities are FREE!
The festivities take place every year on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day.
Click here FOR MORE INFO on the Roanoke St. Pat’s Celebration powered by EventZone. The The Celtic Festival runs from 10:00am – 5:00pm. The McDonald’s St. Pat’s Parade starts at 11:00am. The entire Celebration will proceed rain or shine so make plans and dress accordingly.
Be one the thousands of people who come to enjoy the award-winning McDonald’s St. 
Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade features over 100 entries that range from clowns to dogs to Harleys to llamas; there is something for everyone to say the least including pipe and drum bands from throughout the region! Come enjoy the Celtic Festival featuring traditional Irish pipe and drum bands and dancers. Plus, Corned Beef & Co. will be cooking up some mouth watering Irish inspired dishes. There’s more! Dozens of vendors will feature traditional Celtic goods including jewelry, handmade sweaters, and countless other crafts and products.
Also in 2010 the folks at Roanoke Catholic have a great way to get your St. Patrick’s 
Day off to a great start with the annual Shamrock Hill 5K Run which will be fun for the entire family. New in 2010 will be the traditional Irish Breakfast during and after the run. Check back as more information becomes available.
