Good morning, Roanoke.

Virginia Tech football players met with young patients from Carilion’s Children Hospital — they decorated t-shirts and shared smiles as the children will join the team on the field at the next home game.

The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office will host the second annual Safe Community Fair on Saturday, August 23 at 10:00 a.m. at the Berglund Center east parking lot, where visitors will enjoy free family activities, local vendor booths, a Project Lifesaver demonstration, a 50/50 raffle, and a car show with trophies.

A house fire in Vinton displaced seven residents and sent one person with minor injuries to a local hospital when heavy flames erupted from the garage on the 200 block of Gunn Avenue shortly after midnight, causing about $175,000 in damage and prompting help from the American Red Cross — with firefighters controlling the blaze in 15 minutes.

Roanoke College is set for the new school year with major campus changes that include a new biotechnology program in partnership with Virginia Western Community College, unconventional dorms called Maroon Village built from shipping containers, and a new Athletics Performance Center for student athletes—crews are also building a science center to add new labs and classrooms.

Virginia’s Excel Center at Melrose Plaza will welcome its first adult high school students next Monday—state leaders including Governor Glenn Youngkin will honor the students and faculty as they work toward earning a state-recognized diploma while receiving support like on-site childcare, personalized life coaching, and job placement assistance.

Franklin County students returned to class today with a new reading program using phonics lessons, according to Superintendent Dr. Kevin Siers.

The district will expand its Career and Technical Education when rezoning of an old facility is approved and school security upgrades are planned — promising more job training and safety improvements.

Mayor Joe Cobb gave his first State of the City address and said Roanoke made progress while still facing challenges—gun violence, homelessness, and substance abuse.

He noted that gun-related homicides dropped 65% and injuries fell 55% thanks to continued state funding and local community efforts.

2nd Annual Safe Community Fair

10 AM – 2 PM — Berglund Center — Registration fee required — Celebrate community spirit with music, food, and fun activities for all ages.

Train & Edwin McCain Concert

3:30-9 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of live music featuring the hits of Train and Edwin McCain.

Mackenzie Carpenter Live

7:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. — Sidewinders — Ticketed event — Experience soulful country melodies from rising star Mackenzie Carpenter.

Icons of Country Tribute Night

7-11 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Admission details on event website — Celebrate the best of country music with tributes to Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, and Miranda Lambert.

Tyler Hubbard Live

7:30-9 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with national artist Tyler Hubbard as part of the Budweiser Summer Series.

Chase Rice Concert

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges — Tickets required — Enjoy the energetic country sounds of Chase Rice live in Roanoke.

Southern Culture On The Skids Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Grandin Theatre — Tickets required — Experience an energetic evening with the legendary Southern Culture On The Skids, a band with Roanoke roots, delivering their signature rock and roll sounds.

Roanoke Valley Brick Convention

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM — Salem Civic Center — Tickets $15 online, $20 day of — Discover the ultimate LEGO experience with massive displays and hands-on activities.

Crash The Cove Paddle Race

8 AM – 2 PM — Carvins Cove Natural Reserve — Registration required — Compete in the inaugural paddle race featuring a 2 mile sprint and a 5 mile distance challenge.

K92 Laugh Lounge Comedy Show

7:30-11:30 p.m. — The Grandin Theatre — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of standup comedy with nationally touring comedian Jeremy Alder.