There is an air of excitement in Roanoke on the first Friday of December as kids and parents line Main Street anxiously waiting for Santa to arrive! He makes his grand appearance at 5:45pm on the town fire truck with lights flashing, plenty of “Ho-Ho-Hoing” and Mrs. Claus at his side. They lead the children to Zent Commons on the corner of First and Main where they all sing Christmas carols and then – like magic – light the town Christmas tree!

Then it’s on to the Town Hall across the street where the evening passes quickly with hot chocolate and cookies, a chance to chat with Santa about Christmas lists, and special fun with holiday arts and crafts. The local Roanoke Library shares a tale or two about old Saint Nick, and then the kiddies are packed off home for dreamland…or so the parents hope.

Saturday morning brings more excitement with a breakfast with Santa at the Cornerstone Alliance Church on Lafayette Center Road. The breakfast goes from 9:00-11:00 am and features home-made pancakes and sausage with a freewill donation and, of course, SANTA. Businesses are open downtown Roanoke for shopping and the local churches will be participating as well. For complete information about the events, go to the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce website at: www.discoverroanoke.org or call Valerie at 494-0222. Christmas in the Village-Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3.

Download and read the Roanoke Chamber August 2011 Minutes

The Taste of Roanoke on Saturday August 20 celebrates its 18th year as a popular night-on-the-town in Roanoke.  Sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce, the Taste of Roanoke features local restaurants, non-profit organizations and civic groups serving specialty food items outside on downtown Main Street.   The event has the feel of a neighborhood block party with families and attendees of all ages enjoying their food and renewed friendships. With grills going, food cooking and live music filling the air, Main Street is alive with action and fun for dinner.

Items served for the evening include: Breaded tenderloin sandwiches from Nick’s Junction; Grilled tenderloin sandwiches and barbecued ribs from the Roanoke Village Inn, gumbo, Wagyu (Kobe) beef burgers and brats from Joseph Decuis and gelato and ice cream from Moose and Mollies.  There will also be fruit smoothies, sloppy Joes, root beer floats, apple dumplings, apple crisps and loads of baked goods and goodies.  The prices range from $1.00 to $7.00 and there is no admission charge.

The entertainment this year is the big band style Conglomernotes, a 17 piece musical group headed up by Don Pearson.  With their swing music and the upbeat big band sound, this musical group is full of fun and dancing in the street is encouraged.

The Taste of Roanoke runs from 5-8pm on Saturday, August 20 and proceeds from the event go to the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce scholarship fund.