Daily
Roanoke
Friday, November 21st, 2025
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Thanksgiving Day will host the Drumstick Dash run in downtown Roanoke to benefit the Rescue Mission, which provides over 200,000 meals annually to people facing hunger. Race organizers expect nearly 8,000 participants — registration opens on the morning of the race. WDBJ7
- ➤ Two major community events will soon take place in Roanoke. The Drumstick Dash is set for Thanksgiving morning as a five-mile run/walk to support the Rescue Mission’s crisis intervention center—while Cranksgiving will start at Golden Cactus Brewing at 11 a.m. on Sunday to benefit local groups including LEAP. WSLS 10
- ➤ Healing Strides of Virginia on Naff Road in southwest Roanoke County has supported veterans since 2011 and announced new programs after Veterans Day—efforts aimed at better helping veterans facing crisis. WFIR News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Over 650,000 lights will dazzle Explore Park as Illuminights begins this weekend. Thursday’s Grand Illumination—where a new park logo was unveiled and over 35 local artisans offered unique gifts—set the stage with tickets at $18 for those 16 and older and $8 for children. WSLS 10
- ➤ Last night, the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation met and gave its Kegley Preservation Awards to The Grove on Patterson, Aspen Hill/Peck-Figatt House in Fincastle and Colony House Motel—its meeting location—and honored heritage programs at local libraries, Roanoke College and the Bent Mountain Center History Room along with a Pub Crawl & History Scavenger Hunt fundraiser. WFIR News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Virginia Western Community College named Dr. Laura Treanor as its new president in July after a nationwide search following Dr. Bobby Sandel’s retirement — she explained her return to the area and outlined plans for the CCAP program to help cover tuition for qualified students during a live studio interview. WFIR News
- ➤ High school students attended a career training event at New River Community College as the Community Foundation and Virginia Tech work to recruit future child care teachers to help ease local worker shortages. Officials say low wages and limited funding have long caused staffing struggles in child care centers + new scholarship and tuition programs are offered to encourage more students to enter early childhood education. WVTF
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke Circuit Court Judge Leisa Ciaffone ordered the Western Virginia Water Authority to release full copies of two contracts detailing water usage estimates for a potential Google data center in Botetourt County. The authority said it may appeal the ruling—potentially delaying public access to the records. The Roanoke Rambler
- ➤ Roanoke County administrative offices will close at 12 noon on November 26 and remain closed through November 28 for Thanksgiving—other services such as trash collection, parks, libraries, and CORTRAN have adjusted hours for the holiday. Roanoke County
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Carilion Clinic is now offering GammaTile® therapy, the first targeted brain tumor treatment in the region. The treatment implants a collagen tile during surgery — it delivers radiation directly to the tumor site to protect healthy tissue and may reduce side effects like hair loss. The Roanoke Star
- ➤ Virginia Tech neuroscientist Dr. Brittany Howell won the 2025 Charles Crowder Jr. award for advancing rural maternal and infant health at a Virginia Rural Health Association conference — she leads a team that recruits pregnant women in central and southwest Virginia for a national study on early brain and child development and helps them access essential resources. The Roanoke Star
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Virginia Tech will host Miami tomorrow with gates opening at 10 a.m. and kickoff at noon—officials advise fans to use the assigned gate based on ticket type and follow safety guidelines. The Roanoke Star
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The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight
8-9:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a mesmerizing fusion of iconic rock anthems and classical music in a stunning candlelit setting.
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Paint Your Pet 15
2-4 p.m. — Big Lick Brewing Company, LLC — Ticket required — Unleash your inner artist while painting your furry friend in a fun-filled atmosphere.
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Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
7-8:30 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices apply — Experience a spectacular holiday tradition featuring an international cast and enchanting puppetry.
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Champions of Magic - Holiday Spectacular
7-8:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Tickets required — Experience an enchanting evening of dazzling illusions and festive surprises for the whole family.
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The Rescue Mission Drumstick Dash
5 AM – 11 PM — Elmwood Park — Registration fee applies — Participate in a festive 5k run and family walk to support the Rescue Mission's meal services.
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Phat Laces Concert
8-10 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Cost not specified — Celebrate a post-Thanksgiving night with a vibrant hip-hop tribute featuring rap and funk influences.
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The Darkside Experience - Pink Floyd Tribute
8:00-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Cost Info Not Provided — Immerse yourself in the iconic sounds of Pink Floyd with a heartfelt tribute performance.
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Holiday Pops Spectacular by Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
7:30-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — $31-$56, Children 12 & under $12 — Experience a heartwarming celebration of holiday classics with LaTetra Lewis and the Pops.
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Peen: A Tribute to Ween
8:00-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — $ — Experience a lively tribute to the eclectic band Ween featuring The Big Debbies with their unique blend of groove and energy.
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Fayetteville Marksmen at Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
7:05-8:35 p.m. — Berglund Center — $3 beers all game long — Kick off the weekend early with Thirsty Thursday while cheering on the Rail Yard Dawgs.
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