Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 20, 1995 TAG: 9506210079
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Virginia's Explore Park in Roanoke and Bedford Counties will host a week-long series of events, beginning today.
Highlighting the week is the re-enactment of the French and Indian War battle over Fort Vause, to commemorate the lives of the men and women who settled the Roanoke Valley in the 1700s.
``Colonial Defense of the Virginia Frontier,'' a conference at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, will take place in the park's administrative offices. Reservations are necessary as space is limited.
On Saturday,visitors will glimpse 18th-century life on the frontier as re-enactors present military encampments and demonstrations, children play colonial-period games, and storekeepers sell hand-crafted items.
At 1 p.m., Virginia State Sen. ``Bo'' Trumbo of Fincastle will deliver a keynote address. Dramatist and poet Tom Atkins of Troutville will narrate the story of the attack and fall of Fort Vause, once located in the Shawsville area and a gateway to the West. A French and Indian War battle will be re-enacted.
On Sunday, many of the activities will be repeated following a worship service at 10:30 a.m. The dramatic reading will begin at 1 p.m. and the battle re-enactment at 2 p.m.
Explore Park is located at milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The public entrance is on Rutrough Road, one half mile from the mile post.
The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday through Monday. Admission is $4 for adults, $2.50 for students and free for children under six. The Tuesday evening conference fee is $10.
For more information, call 427-1800.
Festival of Trees
The Mental Health Association of Roanoke Valley is accepting applications for the 13th annual Festival of Trees, to be held Nov. 24 through Dec. 23 at downtown Roanoke's Jefferson Center.
``A Roanoke Holiday'' is the theme for this year's display of evergreens decorated by area businesses and community organizations.
For more information, call 344-0931.
by CNB