Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 23, 1994 TAG: 9409240013
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PETER S. WILLIS CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Nashville recording artist Hal Ketchum, who is appearing Saturday evening at Bissett Park, will be the major entertainment.
Ketchum, who recently was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, is known for country hits including "Mama Knows the Highway," "Hearts are Gonna Roll," "Every Little Word" and, of course, "Small Town Saturday Night."
His appearance is sponsored by Radford University Student Life and is the first active participation the university has taken in the festival's six-year history.
"There's been a tremendous number of strides made in the city and university working together in long-range planning and community activities," said Bud Jeffries, head of the Main Street program and project manager.
The two-day festival will showcase other musical performances, street vendors, entertainments and exhibitions along Norwood Street and at Bissett Park.
Previous Septemberfest festivals have focused mainly on attracting Radford University students into the Norwood Street area, Jeffries said. This festival, with its wide variety of entertainment and activities, is an attempt to draw from the surrounding communities as well.
"We feel we have a lot of things to appreciate here in Radford and to share with others," Jeffries said.
This year's Septemberfest is the largest in the festival's history and represents close cooperation among the community, businesses and Radford University. Crestar Bank, Radford Community Hospital and Radford University contributed $9,000 to the festival's success.
Septemberfest '94 begins at 6 this evening with a "Jazz Night" in the courtyard of Central Depot in the West End. It also will include a fashion show sponsored by Sew Biz, wine tasting and a catered dinner. No admission will be charged.
The festival continues Saturday beginning at noon. Saturday's activities and entertainment will be split between Norwood Street and Bissett Park.
Norwood Street (between Tyler Avenue and Third Street) will host a wide variety of craft booths and food vendors. Many shops on Norwood Street will also participate in the festival.
"There will be a lot of vendors from out of town, but the idea is to get the [Norwood Street] shops and retailers involved too," Jeffries said.
A stage located on the street will host musical groups ranging from country and western's Broken Reins and bluegrass group Fescue 911 to the '60s group Don and the Deltones. Line dancing with instructor Tina Hicks, aerobic dancing and a magic performance will round out the entertainment.
At Bissett park, bluegrass music from Crossties and country music from Blackwater will be featured during the day.
The David "Pud" Pannell Memorial Car Show will be one of the highlights at Bissett Park on Saturday. Awards will be presented for original and modified cars as well as trucks and fire equipment. The deadline for entries is noon Saturday with a $15 entry fee.
A chili cook-off sponsored by Hot Chili's, a river raft race and a Norfolk Southern railroad exhibit also are planned.
This year's festival is a new attempt to develop it's full potential as a citywide event. "Right now we're changing direction. ... Hopefully, this can provide a foundation to build upon," Jeffries said.
by CNB