🌱 High School Lockdown Lifted + 'The Best Weekend Ever' Event

Welcome back, Harrisonburg. I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 74 Low: 51.
• Thursday: Partly sunny. High: 69 Low: 39.

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Here are the top three stories in Harrisonburg today:

1. The strawberry fields at Overlook Produce, Bakery and Deli in nearby Mount Crawford were opened on May 15, but a week later, owner Joe Ulmer claimed the harvest is already nearing its end. Due to a bug called a tarnished plant bug, the harvest is ending prematurely as the berries didn't swell in size. Ulmer, who has been farming strawberries for a decade, expressed astonishment at the bug destroying almost 80 percent of the crop and plans to scout for them next year and implement preventative measures to avoid a recurrence. (WHSV)
2. Harrisonburg High School was placed on lockdown on Monday morning, according to a statement from Harrisonburg City Public Schools (HCPS). A fight between kids allegedly occurred, and HPD interviewed all parties involved in the incident. There was no immediate threat to the school’s campus or the surrounding community. Michael Richards, HCPS superintendent, stated police swept the building and parking lot to investigate if an alleged weapon was on campus. (WHSV)
3. Mark your calendars! Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance is hosting “The Best Weekend Ever,” a downtown-wide block party with music, entertainment, and activities for all ages on Jun. 17. The streets will close so people can roam with a drink in hand and enjoy a wide variety of entertainment, local arts, and family-friendly activities all day. For more information, visit bestweekendever.org. (Downtown Harrisonburg)

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Today and tomorrow in Harrisonburg:

Wednesday, May 24

• Ribbon Cutting At Nothing Bundt Cakes (3:00 PM)
• Game Night At Three Notch’d Valley Collab House (5:00 PM)
• Karaoke At Ruby’s Lounge (10:00 PM)

Thursday, May 25

• Keva Lab At Central Library (4:00 PM)
• Singo At Pale Fire Brewing Company (7:00 PM)
• Trivia At Sage Bird Ciderworks (8:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Starting on May 30, registration opens for the 2023 Youth Tackle and Flag Football seasons, catering to different grade levels. Interested participants can register online at http://harrisonburgva.gov/online-registration, with grade placement based on the player's school year for 2023-2024. (Harrisonburg Parks via Twitter)
• Come out and attend Harrisonburg's 85th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby on May 27 to support young racers in a variety of age ranges. Watch as the cars, which local students created and built, race toward the SRI International finish line. For more information, visit the link. (Soap Box Derby)
• The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center is looking for someone to fill their administrative services program specialist job opening. This position will allow you to use your administrative expertise and make an impact in the community. To apply, visit here. (Harrisonburg, VA - Government via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! I'll see you soon.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.