Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, May 13, 1994 TAG: 9405130069
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Donna Alvis Banks
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The men and women who settled America were strong-minded and strong-willed.
The folks in the little Pulaski County community of Newbern will celebrate the self-reliance and staying power of their ancestors Saturday with their annual "Heritage Day." The event always attracts visitors to Newbern, the only entire town listed in the Virginia Register of Historic Places.
The celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Wilderness Road Regional Museum. Craftsmen will demonstrate such time-honored skills as quilting, basketry, chair caning, needlework, spinning, candlewicking and candy making. Cornhusk crafts, homemade wreaths and "dream catchers" are some of the Colonial decorations on display.
Hubert Workman of Williamsburg, W.Va., is one of the visiting craftsmen. He will show how the settlers shaped flints and how the American Indians perfected bows. Workman also has a display of all kinds of Indian weaponry, knives, arrowheads and jewelry.
John Gregory of Covington will bring his "Over the Mountain Men" Saturday for a portrayal of long rifle and black powder tactics and techniques used by pioneers of the early 1800s.
At 1 p.m., some of Newbern's residents will put on their costumes and stage a drama about pioneer life and events that shaped their town.
The Fresh Air Band of Floyd will be performing for the event, and visitors may purchase a home-cooked lunch while they enjoy the entertainment.
Maps of Newbern's old village are available for self-guided tours. Visitors may pick them up at the Wilderness Road Regional Museum.
The Newbern Promotional Bureau is the sponsor for "Heritage Day."
To get to Newbern from I-81, take Exit 98 and follow the brown signs.
PLANTS TO GO: The Virginia Tech Horticulture Club is having its annual spring plant sale at the greenhouses on Washington Street in Blacksburg. Now's the time to dig in!
The club will offer perennials, annuals and hanging baskets at the sale. Hours today are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The sale will be closed Saturday and run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Proceeds benefit the Virginia Tech Horticulture Club, a student service organization that does lots of good work in the community as well as on campus.
YEE-HA! Skyline Manor Nursing Home in Floyd is putting on a jamboree Saturday to raise money for the local fire departments and rescue squads. The fun runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Gospel music, country music and bluegrass music is the order of the day. Several bands are donating time and talent for this benefit.
You'll hear the B&H Bluegrass Express, Blue Country, The Friday Nite Bluegrass Band, New Beginnings, The Joy Makers and The Belchers.
Other events include dancing, games and an auction. The bidding starts at 2 p.m.
If you're a jamboree attendee, remember to bring your lawn chair or a blanket for the outdoor seating.
For more information, call the activities department at Skyline Manor at 745-2016.
MEMORY LANE: The Blacksburg High School Jazz Band is offering a trip there tonight.
The band will play popular tunes of the "Swing Era" for a dance just like the ones you remember from the '40s and '50s.
The event runs from 8 to 11 p.m. in the commons area at the school.
Tickets for tonight's dance are $5 for adults or $2.50 for students. You can get them at the door.
The admission fee includes refreshments - a must after all that swinging and swaying!
ASPIRING TOUR DUPONTERS: The big race breezed through Blacksburg earlier this week, leaving behind some wide-eyed kids with dreams of biking.
Gilbert Linkous Elementary School is having a bicycle rodeo Sunday so young riders can learn all about bike safety. The event is open to all kids with a bike helmet, a bike and a Mom or Dad. (Participants must be accompanied by a parent.)
The rodeo runs from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the school on Toms Creek Road in Blacksburg. Activities include a bike safety check, a helmet demonstration and check, cycling safety courses and prizes. The Blacksburg Police Department will offer a bike registration service, too.
Admission to the event is free. Lunch will be available for $2.
The school's PTA is sponsoring the event, along with the Blacksburg Police Department, East Coasters Bike Shop and Sub Station II.
SPEAKING OF RODEOS: The Christiansburg-Montgomery County chapter of the Izaak Walton League is having a fishing rodeo for children Sunday. It's open to youngsters, ages 4 to 12. All they need is a fishin' pole and a squirmy worm.
This rodeo runs from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Izaak Walton Park. It's off Den Hill Road in Montgomery County near Christiansburg Mountain.
Admission is free. Kids also receive a free hot dog and a drink. Prizes will be awarded to those who catch the largest fish.
by CNB