Good morning, Roanoke.

Blue Ridge Kite Festival returns tomorrow at Green Hill Park.

The 24-year event draws about 6,000 to 8,000 people statewide and features kite demos by the Richmond Air Force Kite Club — free kite giveaways from United Healthcare, 30 vendors, and food trucks.

Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program, which has helped New River Valley residents since 1975, will celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 26 at its Christiansburg thrift store + the day-long event will include a food-collection drive, raffle and complimentary meal.

The nonprofit provided nearly $700,000 in aid last year + it continues offering essential support to seniors, students and low-income families.

Jacob Hudson, a 32 year old sentenced for drug possession, was caught trying to hide Suboxone strips in his body when officials searched him at Blue Ridge Regional Jail plus he admitted he had obtained the drugs before incarceration to pass them to other inmates, and authorities turned the evidence over to Amherst County Sheriff's Office.

RCPS Works will host a student job and transition fair—designed to connect students with employment opportunities and career resources.

Roanoke City Public Schools hosted its fourth annual RCPS Works Student Job & Transition Fair on April 17 from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at the Berglund Center Special Events Center; over 80 local employers met with students and families — the fair also featured Roanoke Summer Connect where families learned about summer camps and other programs while transition services were on offer for students with disabilities.

After extensive cleanup following Hurricane Helene in fall 2024, Claytor Lake is open for summer visitors with debris cleared from high-traffic areas in January.

Teams from FOCL, FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the largest debris removal mission since 2003—officials expect the lake to boost local tourism this season.

City of Roanoke residents were invited to join the Solarize Virginia program through LEAP and the City when it launched on Tuesday, April 15th—an effort to simplify solar installation by offering free solar satellite assessments and discounted rates.

Homeowners and businesses can sign up for the program until July 15 with ongoing support from LEAP.

Roanoke College hosted a bone marrow registry for Eddie Kaufman, a baseball player whose plans were halted when he was diagnosed with T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in October.

More than 275 students registered and the effort added to nearly 3000 regional registrants—supporting patients in need of a transplant.

Today at Salem Memorial Ballpark, Organ Donation Awareness Night honors Blair Hoke—Salem Red Sox Assistant General Manager who became a living transplant donor for a child she never met.

The event brings a personal story to light and aims to educate the community on organ donation.

High school athletes from local schools committed on Wednesday to continue their sports careers at various colleges after signing their letters of intent.

The athletes chose schools for sports like baseball, soccer and track — a key step in moving to college competition.

Longshot Comic & Toy Show

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — $5.00 admission, kids free — Explore comics, toys, collectibles, and enjoy some cosplay fun.

Star City Circlesongs

3:30-5 p.m. — Historic Fishburn Mansion — Free entry — Experience a spontaneous community singing event that invites everyone to express their inner voice.

The Great Gatsby Ballet

7 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the glitz and glamour of the 1920s in this dazzling ballet adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic tale.

Amos Lee Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Cost info not provided — Experience emotionally raw music with a magical quality from Amos Lee.

CoComelon Live! in Roanoke

6-7:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling live sing-along adventure with CoComelon's JJ and friends on stage.

Afro-Cuban Dance Party with Jstop Latin Soul

9:30-11:30 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — $10 Cover — Roanoke, get ready to move with vibrant Afro-Cuban rhythms and a lively dance floor atmosphere.

Music Road Co

5:45-7:15 p.m. — Black Dog Salvage — Ticket info available online — Enjoy a local music experience in a vibrant setting.

April Speed Dating Event

5-8 p.m. — Bubba's 33 — $20 cash at the door — Enjoy a fun evening of quick conversations and the chance to meet potential matches.

Spring Conference Showcase by Virginia Sheriffs' Association 2025

Apr 30- May 1 — The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center — Free entry — Discover integrated software solutions aimed at enhancing law enforcement efficiency and safety.

Miniatures on the Market

Come see miniature farm animals on the market outside Center in the Square. Petting Zoo, Pony Rides and Face Painting!