Arts, Leisure and Sports

Rosie’s expansion is gaining momentum

Published August 6, 2021 | By Gene Marrano

They’ve had to get a bit creative with patron parking as a 3-story plus parking garage and an expansion that will enable Rosie’s Gaming in Vinton to go from 150 to 500 Historic Racing gaming machines takes place (not to mention a 40-seat bar and a live entertainment section), but Regional General Manager Ernie Dellaverson says they should be able to cut another ribbon by November:

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Hope springs eternal at the Virginia Tech Football media day

Published August 6, 2021 | By Gene Marrano

Hope springs eternal at the Virginia Tech Football media day earlier this week. Head coach Justin Fuente and Tech defensive coordinator Justin Hamilton weigh in.

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Roanoke restaurant set to host its first block party in 16 months

Published August 6, 2021 | By Ian Price

Image: Martin’s Downtown Facebook

A downtown restaurant and bar known for its block parties is getting set for its first such event in 16 months. “Martin’s Downtown” brings back block parties tomorrow with “a celebration of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead”

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Panthers gearing up for first preseason game

Published August 4, 2021 | By Gene Marrano

The Carolina Panthers play here on WPLY. Head coach Matt Ruhle yesterday on how training camp is going in the early stages. Their first game is next weekend at Indy:

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“Freewheelin” sculpture honors retired greenways coordinator

Published August 2, 2021 | By Gene Marrano

She’s now newly-retired but Roanoke Valley Greenways Coordinator Liz Belcher won’t be forgotten any time soon – in part because of a sculpture called “Freewheelin” that can be seen at Liz Belcher Plaza:

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Retiring Greenways Coordinator Liz Belcher is honored

Published July 30, 2021 | By Gene Marrano

Pete Eshelman (at podium) salutes Liz Belcher (seated). G Marrano photo

The Roanoke Valley Greenways Coordinator since that job came into existence in 1996 steps down in a few days. Well-wishers and those Liz Belcher has worked with as the greenway and natural surface trail system grew over the past 25 years celebrated that legacy on Wednesday, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:

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Botetourt first Tomato Festival set for Saturday

Published July 29, 2021 | By Ian Price

The inaugural Botetourt Tomato Festival is set for this weekend. WFIR’s Ian Price has details:

Rules for the tomato sandwich competitions can be found below.

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WFT head coach: not enough players are vaxxed

Published July 28, 2021 | By Gene Marrano

Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivers says he is “beyond frustrated” by the number of players that have not been vaccinated yet as training camp gets underway:

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Mill Mountain Theatre returns with “Million Dollar Quartet”

Published July 28, 2021 | By Gene Marrano

Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins come to life on the stage at Mill Mountain Theatre, tonight through August 22. More on the return to live theater and “Million Dollar Quartet,” from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

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UVA returnees gear up for football season

Published July 26, 2021 | By Gene Marrano

As the college football season draws closer UVA took part in the ACC Kickoff media event last week. 2nd year starter Cavaliers quarterback Brendan Armstrong was among those there:

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