ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, August 7, 1996 TAG: 9608070069
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOE KENNEDY STAFF WRITER
THE ALL-AMERICA CITY Week kicks off Monday with entertainment and open houses to mark Roanoke's fifth award - a tie with Cleveland for the most ever.
High tea at the Hotel Roanoke, performing arts at Jefferson Center and light lunch at Tinker Creek Trash Transfer Station will kick off Roanoke's All-America City Week beginning Monday through Aug. 17 and lead into a Saturday night celebration for the entire valley at Roanoke City Market.
The free events will mark the achievement and help explain an award that many people may not understand, said Linda Wyatt, Roanoke's vice mayor, during a news conference Tuesday at the Jefferson Center.
Mayor David Bowers was out of town.
Scenic beauty, a low crime rate and other city assets did not cause the National Civic League to choose Roanoke among its 10 award winners in June, Wyatt said. Instead, three recent projects - the reopening of the hotel, creation of the Jefferson Center and placement of the trash transfer facility - brought the recognition.
"All three of the projects were truly regional projects that encompassed the entire Roanoke Valley," Wyatt said. For that reason, residents from across the region will be welcome at the trio of open houses and Market festivities.
A city delegation traveled to the awards ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, in June. The award, Roanoke's fifth, tied the city with Cleveland for the most ever.
The alcohol-free Market event will begin Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. with a restaging of the All-America City presentation and patriotic music from two church choirs. Pat McGinnis, a graduate of Patrick Henry High School who was an All-America City judge, will speak. Also on the bill:
* Shag dancing, E. Laban Johnson Amphitheater, 7:30 p.m.
* Children's activities, storytelling and appearances by Miss Virginia and Miss Roanoke Valley, 7:30 to 10 p.m., from the Market to Elmwood Park.
* Cake and ice cream, 7:45 p.m., Fire Station No.1.
* Music by Cimmaron and country line dancing for families, Market, 8 to 9:30 p.m.
* Fireworks from the Williamson Road Parking Garage roof.
* Music by Wildwood, 10 p.m. to midnight, Market.
Rain date for the Market activities is Aug. 18, from 2 to 6 p.m. There would be no fireworks.
Valley businesses are underwriting most of the expenses, said Michelle Bono, the city's public information officer.
Campbell Avenue will be reduced to one lane Aug. 17 beginning at 11 a.m. After 6 p.m., Campbell will be closed from just east of the Center in the Square parking garage to Williamson Road. Market Street between Salem and Church and Wall Street between Salem and Campbell also will close at 6. Partygoers are encouraged to park free in the First Union Tower garage.
The open houses will feature these free activities:
* Aug. 14, 2 to 5 p.m. The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center will offer both hot and cold tea, lemonade, cookies, apple tarts and other desserts. Jimmy Landry will play the piano, and hotel tours will be given to those who make reservations by calling 853-8210. Tours are limited to 75 people per hour. Free parking will be available at the First Union Tower garage on Norfolk Avenue. Tickets will be validated at the hotel.
* Aug. 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Jefferson Center will present refreshments, giveaways and performances by the Roanoke Ballet Theater, Opera Roanoke, members of the Roanoke Symphony and Youth Symphony, the Shakespeare Festival and the Campbell Avenue Child Development Center.
* Aug. 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Tinker Creek Trash Transfer Station will serve refreshments similar to dining-car fare, display old train menus and show a video of the Waste Line Express project. Railroad caps, whistles and Frisbees will be given away.
Visitors to each open house may register for a prize of one night in the Hotel Roanoke's Governor's Suite plus free breakfast for two. The drawing will occur during the Market celebration.
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