Miette Veldman. Photo courtesy of Gerhard Veldman

Miette Veldman. Photo courtesy of Gerhard Veldman

Miëtte Veldman plays for the Greenfield Flash at the Botetourt Sports Complex.

– Submitted by Gerhard Veldman

The Town of Buchanan has been busily preparing for the 60th annual carnival conducted the previous 59 years by the Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department. In January, the town assumed the now defunct incorporated BVFD activities with the carnival. It has been renamed the Buchanan Community Carnival because, “It is a community event that reaches across the county and into other localities as well, ” said Mayor Larry Hall. He along with Town Improvement Manager Harry Gleason and Carnival Committee Chairman Cletus Newcomb, described the upcoming carnival preparations. Indeed the hours of time expended are evident in the accomplishments of the committee. Many people and businesses have contributed to the efforts of the carnival preparation.

“We have over 200 volunteers ready to help with the week long event which takes place from June 27- July 6 on the carnival grounds on Lowe street in the heart of Buchanan.” said Hall.

Cole Rides will provide the amusements rides and the town will man the french fry and food stands that are so popular with the visitors. The Midway will open nightly at 6:30 p.m. Chili Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and Fries with vinegar and  for dessert ice cream treats are among the food staples offered.

“Along the lines of upgrades and updates, much has been done since January including building, electrical, health and food safety improvements and painting, too. “The Ladies room has some fixture upgrades,”  Newcomb noted. “The French friers and hamburger have new hoods, cleaned and spruced up stands fill the bill for the safety and health concerns.” Even the yellow lights over the walking area are encased in safety cages. “We will have state of the art  weather reports from Twin Rivers Outfitters so no chances will be taken. People will be told to go to their cars or home if weather is a problem, “said Hall recalling last year’s Derecho.

Every school child in Botetourt took home a “five dollar off ” unlimited ride coupon in backpacks on the last few days of school. The Town is also offering an unlimited ride ticket for advanced ticket sales that will be only $17 if purchased by credit card by phone or dropping by the Town Office. The number to call is 254-1212.Advanced sales  are through June 27th.

“Games operated by our volunteers with better stuffed animals are also on tap,” said Newcomb.

Raffle tickets are also on sale for daily big prizes including cash, a gift card, a  pair of gas grills, a riding lawn mower and the top prize is $5,000 on the last night. The Town offices and local businesses like Buchanan Stop In, Bank of Botetourt branches and committee members.

Bands performing are another big item for the yearly Carnival. Here is the schedule of performers this year. Burning Bridges, June 27; Glenn Shelton, June 28; Justified, June 29 and Rebels of Rhythm Cloggers June 30; Moonshine Express, July 1, True Cadence, July 2; Virginia Carolina and New Corner Grocery Gang with High Voltages Cloggers July 3; Seven Mile Ford, July 4; Diamond Back, July 5th; Jason Harris and Friends and Rebels of Rhythm Cloggers, July 6th. Be sure to bring lawn chairs!

Fire Chiefs and Captains from over the years will be honored during the 60th anniversary Carnival this year. ( More to follow) The annual 4th of July Parade  at 5 and fireworks at 10 p.m.will also take place on July 4.

On three days including two Saturdays, new events for the daytime have been added:

June 29  at 4 p.m. there will be a demonstration of Fireman’s Skills on the carnival grounds beginning at 4 p.m.

July 4 th  the first annual Canoe and Kayak Race will be held at 2:30 p.m. for a 6 mile race to Arcadia. Twin Outfitters has partnered with the town for the event. Call 254-1212 04 540-261-7334 toregister in advance. Cost is $10 with own river vehicles or rent for $25 for a Kayak and $50 for a canoe. Registration online is www.canoevirginia.net.

July 6 Community Carnival Corn Hole Competition at 2 p.m. on the Carnival grounds. $5 per person -$10 per team. Prizes will be awarded.

Santiago Rodriguez, his parents Mirla and Jose Santiago and his grandmother from Venezuela. Photo courtesy of Jason Cohen

Santiago Rodriguez, 7, of Daleville, performed his second piano recital at The Blue Ridge Academy of Music’s Recital Hall and Theatre on Sunday, June 9.  His audience enjoyed his 30-minute performance which included several challenging pieces played flawlessly.  Santiago introduced every piece himself, explaining why he chose it to be included in his program.  Here he is at the conclusion of his recital with his parents, Mirla and Jose Santiago, and his abuela Sra. Rodriguez, who was visiting all the way from Venezuela.

– Submitted by Jason Cohen, The Blue Ridge Academy of Music

The photo that Steven N. Nicely, Jr of Northern Botetourt won first place in the Fx2 photography contest  is of the Nickel Plate 765 Steam Locomotive. “It is one of the two steam locomotives that have been running special excursions in VA, TN, PA , WVA and NC with the Norfolk Southern Rail Road. Steven took this photo while chasing it in Williamson, WVA, ” said his friend and fellow photographer DeeDee Bruce. He also won an Honorable Mention in another photo.

The subject of the photo, the 765 Steam Locomotive is a WWII era train and is used on excursions. It is based in Fort Wayne, Indiana and retired from N&W service in 1958.

An artist reception was held on Monday, June 17, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. DeeDee Bruce of Eagle Rock also has  several of her works in the show including an outstanding portrait of Louis K. “Kerry” Campbell, a retired General District Court Judge in Botetourt.

For more information on the Fx2 contest contact Chuck Almarez kidpix2000@ntelos.net.

The show continues at The Alleghany Arts Center in downtown Clifton Forge.

Alleghany Highlands Arts Center

Hours Monday – Sat  10:30a.m – 4:30 p.m.

LOCATION:  

From the website. “We are in Virginia’s  scenic Western Highlands, in the heart of  downtown Clifton Forge, VA, near the intersections of I-64 and Rte 220. The Arts and Crafts Center is next to Vic’s Italian American Restaurant, across from True Value Hardware. SonaBank is diagonally across from us; there is a handicapped parking space at the stop light in front of the building.”

Brian Howard and his fishing trophy.

4H is often in the news and a young man by the name of Brian Howard came by with news to share on June 12. Here in Botetourt, The 4H Shooting Club is open to youth over the age of 9. Two young men from the county, Jacob Van Ness of Eagle Rock placed 1st and Brian Howard of Eagle Rock 3rd in the State 4H Air Shooting Contest held at the W.E. Skelton 4H Center earlier this year. The duo placed in Air Pistol Silhouette.

Howard also won a trophy recently in the Parks and Recreation Fishing Carnival. The young sportsman is a rising 5th grader at Breckinridge Elementary School. He said, “I like to hunt and fish, but I like hunting better than fishing.” He has been part of The 4H Shooting Club since he turned 9 years old and had been hunting with his father prior to that age. He said, “I do eat what I hunt.” In his spare time, Howard also likes to watch Duck Dynasty on TV and “Uncle Si,” is his favorite on the show.

For more information on joining the shooting club contact Katherine Carter at 473- 8260.

Howard with Jacob Van Ness and the State 4H Shooting Club Trophies.

Second Team:

Third Baseman Keith Yancey, James River 12, Designated Hitter Josh Jones, James River 10,   Honorable Mention: Pitcher Bayard Stevens, James River 12, Outfielder Justin Stevers, James River 12.

–submitted by Sheila Proffit

Jenna Sprinkle JR IF 1st team

Jessica Simmons JR P 1st team

Kayla Hannah JR DH 1st team

Casie Hill JR IF 2nd team

Alexis Breeding JR IF 3rd team

Payton Hatcher JR OF 4the team

Player of the Year -Jenna Sprinkle JR

Pitcher – Jessica Simmons JR

D2 Coach of the  Year – Kasey Phillips JR

First Team:

Kendall Moyer, Valentina Donni, Teresa Theimer, Baylee Coleman

Second team:

Hyla Meredith, Heidi Ward, Emily Amos, Amanda Bell, Dana Fair

Honorable Mention:

Yana Conrad, Lauren Fleming, Rachel Asbury, Alex Wolfe

* Lori Ballard of Troutville, who can be reached at lballardmomof3@yahoo.com

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