🌱 4th Of July Parade Needs Participants + VT Lands Four-Star Recruit

Hi all. It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Blacksburg Patch newsletter. Follow along to find out everything you need to know about what's happening around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: A p.m. shower in places. High: 74 Low: 56.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 76 Low: 55.

Here are the top three stories in Blacksburg today:

1. The Mount Tabor Ruritan Club is currently searching for people to participate in this year’s Fourth of July parade that will be running through downtown Blacksburg. The parade’s route will begin on Eheart Street, running through downtown Main Street and conclude on Alumni Mall, the parade will begin at 2:00 p.m. A variety of different entries are accepted for the parade, whether they are floats, marchers, classic cars, sports teams, and more. To learn more about how to enter it; click here, reach out on Facebook, or call 540-449-6178. (NRV News)
2. On Monday, cornerback Marcellus Barnes from Chattanooga McCallie School chose Virginia Tech, becoming the Hokies' second four-star recruit of the week. Barnes had his official visit on Jun. 2 and was sold on attending the university. Barnes is ranked the 132 player in the class of 2024 and he hopes to finish out his high school career building off of what got him this far. (Virginia Tech Hokies)
3. In case you missed it - Saturday in downtown Blacksburg, the 2023 Summer Solstice Fest will be taking place from early morning to late night. Over 50 vendors will be in attendance providing food, drinks, art, and more to keep attendees entertained. Various streets downtown will be closed off due to the festival, if you plan to travel in the area be mindful that you may have to take an alternate route. (NRV News)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Blacksburg:

Wednesday, June 14

• Blacksburg Farmers Market At Market Square Park (2:00 PM)
• Mingle At The Market At Market Square Park (4:30 PM)

Thursday, June 15

• Tech & Toast: Protecting Your Data In A Hybrid Work World At University Club, Lane Stadium (8:00 AM)
• Farmers Market At Christiansburg Farmer's Market [Christiansburg] (3:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know a Blacksburg dad whose texts make you smile? This Father’s Day, celebrate him with a shoutout on Patch. Just fill out this simple form and we’ll do the rest!

From my notebook:

• Once a Hokie always a Hokie - Virginia Tech is proud to congratulate alumni Ed Reynolds from the class of 1985, who was named by TIME magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2023. Ed is well known for leading a team and ultimately helping to protect the Earth from future space debris. (Virginia Tech via Facebook)
• On Thursday the Montgomery County Business After Hours will take place after the Bocce Ball Tournament. This event will be focused on networking and will feature food, fun and a 50/50 raffle. (Montgomery County VA Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door this Wednesday. I'll see you around!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.