Good morning, Roanoke.

The Society of St. Andrew and the Roanoke Police Department hosted their second Crop Drop at William Fleming High School on Saturday + volunteers gave away free fresh produce, including North Carolina-grown potatoes, to local residents.

A mother in Roanoke dedicated an oak tree at Horton Park to her son Antonio, who died after suffering injuries from a 2010 shooting.

The new Planting Peace initiative honors victims of unresolved violence with six trees—each symbolizing a life lost—and offers her a place of healing and remembrance.

Cleanup is underway at the City Market building downtown after a fire on Friday started in the ventilation system above Fork in the Market—officers quickly evacuated patrons and nearby restaurants like Scrambled have reopened while Fork in the Market remains closed for a few days.

Friends gathered on Downing Street to remember Meagan Martin, a caring mother found dead in her home Tuesday + her partner, Joshua Presley, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

The annual Roanoke Pride March took place in Downtown Roanoke on Saturday — sponsored by the Roanoke Diversity Center — as participants marched from Elmwood Art Walk to Historic Market Square carrying signs and flags.

Natural Bridge State Park’s Children’s Discovery Area became a certified Nature Explore Classroom, making it the second state park in Virginia to earn the certification—its play space along the Skyline Trail offers hands-on learning for families.

Opened in October 2020, the area features the interactive Kids in Parks Track Trail and natural play elements that engage visitors.

The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center received a two-week-old beaver kit last weekend after canoers on the Sandy River Reservoir ended their trip when the kit swam toward them in distress after flooding washed away its den.

The rescued beaver is underweight and suffering pneumonia and will enter a two-year rehab project with care including feeding seven times daily (a sign of ongoing efforts to help local wildlife).

Twin County Regional Healthcare opened its new mental health facility on June 21st to provide expanded care for local patients.

The center will offer various services to meet growing mental health needs in the community.

Summer officially began Friday night and a heat wave has raised concerns as local health officials urged residents to take measures to avoid heat-related illness.

They advised wearing loose clothes, drinking water every 15 to 20 minutes during outdoor activities, and staying indoors with air conditioning—steps that are especially important for the elderly—while local cooling centers may open for relief.

Artistic Encounters: Meet the Artist

4-7 p.m. — Blue Ridge PBS — Fundraiser event — Enjoy art, live music, and support local PBS initiatives while exploring new creativity.

Ledbetters & Superunknown

6-7:30 p.m. — Dr. Pepper Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy tributes to Pearl Jam and Chris Cornell by The Ledbetters and Superunknown.

WDBJ7's Star City Slide

10 AM – 10 PM on June 28 & 12 PM – 8 PM on June 29 — 2nd Street Bridge in Downtown Roanoke — $35 for adults, $10 for children 4-12 — Experience a thrilling ride down the slide with stunning city views.

Freedom Festival & Fireworks

4-9:30 p.m. — River's Edge Park — Free entry — Enjoy live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate freedom.

Virginia Electric Live Concert

10 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — No Refunds — Enjoy two sets of electrifying music at one of Roanoke's top venues.

Annual Floatilla to Starr Hill

1-6 p.m. — Roanoke Mountain Adventures — Bring your own float — Float down the Roanoke River to Starr Hill Brewery with friends and family.

Them Dirty Roses Concert

5-7:30 p.m. — Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges — Ticketed event — Enjoy southern rock vibes from Bama's own Them Dirty Roses.

Minka with The Big Debbies

6:30-11 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Check for ticket prices — Experience a funky night with Minka and the debut of The Big Debbies, promising an energetic musical blend.

Summer Discovery Days at the Museum

10 AM — O. Winston Link & Roanoke History Museum — $5 per child — Interactive summer learning themed around local history and hands-on adventures.

Weekly Club Meeting

12:30-1:30 p.m. — Charter Hall at the City Market Building — Registration required — Attend this weekly meeting in person or virtually via Zoom.