ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Friday, December 27, 1996              TAG: 9612270025
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1    EDITION: METRO 
COLUMN: the tipoff
SOURCE: ALMENA HUGHES

THE TIPOFF

STRAIGHT 'N UP: Straight Street Roanoke Valley will hold a youth night Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the downtown YMCA at Fifth Street and Church Avenue in Roanoke. The event for children in grades six through 12 will include basketball, volleyball, swimming, racquetball, board games and other fun activities.

Straight Street is an interdenominational, nonprofit ministry. Admission will cost $3. Call 342-4971.

LOCK IN: For $60, Taekwondo America at Oak Grove Plaza in Roanoke, will supply a uniform, T-shirt, pizza, ice cream and cake, breakfast, games, two hours of Taekwondo training and 17 hours of baby-sitting for children ages 4 to 13.

Registration for the New Year's Eve karate party must be received by Dec. 30. Call 989-6765.

RING IN: First Night Roanoke - the alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration in downtown Roanoke - will include more than 60 performing and visual arts, ice skating, dancing, games, carriage and hay rides, various entertainers and other fun. The festivities will start at 6 p.m. and end with a Chinese dragon procession and fireworks at midnight.

Once you buy your admission button - $7 in advance, $9 at the gate for adults; or $3 in advance, $5 at the gate for ages 2-12, - entry to most venues is free. Call 342-2640.

CURER OR KILLER: The Big Lick HillBillies say it depends on how you spent Tuesday night whether the club's annual mountain bike ride Wednesday will heal or harm your head.

The wheeled workout will start at 12:14 p.m. at the beginning of the Carvins Cove main boat dock parking lot. The longest ride will be 23 miles, with shorter, self-guided rides also planned. Riders of all skill levels are welcome, as long as they're wearing a safety helmet.

Take Reservoir Road off of U.S. 11 (Lee Highway) in Hollins (near Pepsi), which will lead directly to the parking lot.

KEEP TRUCKIN': Stop In Food Stores' Monster Truck Winter Nationals and Thrill Show will be held Jan. 3-5 at the Salem Civic Center.

Ticket prices range from $10 to $15 in advance for adults; $12.50-$17.50 on the days of the show. Children under 12 get in for half price. Call 375-3004 or (800) 288-2122.

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