🌱 Popeyes Open At Tanglewood + Soapbox Racers Compete For World Title

Hello, neighbors! It's me, Ian, back at the helm after a much needed vacation! Keep reading to find out what's happening around town, including updates on:

• Barge overturns at Smith Mountain Lake.
• Dawgs mascot surprises lemonade stand operators.
• South County Farmers' Market a great local option.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny. High: 90 Low: 69.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Popeyes, the popular fried chicken fast food chain, opened a new location in Tanglewood Mall on Monday, July 24. The mall announced last week on its Facebook page that the eagerly anticipated restaurant would be opening its doors on the 24th, marking the latest addition in Tanglewood's ongoing expansion and redevelopment efforts. As Roanoke County leaders continue to execute the 419 plan to revitalize the mall, fried chicken fans can now look forward to enjoying Popeyes' signature spicy chicken and sides at the new Tanglewood location. (WDBJ)
2. On Saturday, July 22, the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs' mascot Diesel made a surprise visit to a local lemonade stand run by kids who were fundraising to purchase Rail Yard Dawgs hockey season tickets. The stand was organized by children in the community who wanted to earn money to buy tickets to cheer on the Dawgs during the upcoming season. Diesel showed up to show his support and pose for pictures with the young hockey fans. The event was covered by WFXR Sports reporter Ryan Moye, who shared the heartwarming story of the community rallying around the local minor league hockey team. (WFXR)
3. On Monday evening, Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire Rescue issued a warning on Facebook to boaters about an overturned barge that is causing safety concerns in the area between mile markers B-34 and B-40. A barge had overturned and dumped large debris, including wooden pilings up to 35 feet long, into the water. SMLMFR is asking boaters to avoid that section of the lake through Tuesday to prevent dangerous collisions with the heavy, floating pilings. They strongly warned that traveling between B-34 and B-40 would likely result in hitting the large, solid wood pieces. The rescue aims to clear the accident site and make it safe for boaters again in the coming days. (WSET)
4. The South County Farmers' Market in Roanoke County is a great local option for fresh, seasonal produce and goods this summer, featuring vendors every Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Shoppes at West Village parking lot. All of the vendors are local small businesses and farms selling items like peaches, meats, baked goods, flowers, and vegetables. Farmers and shop owners enjoy the sense of community at the market, building relationships with regular customers and other vendors. The market aims to support local growers and makers, so money spent stays right in the hometown community. (WDBJ)
5. Three young soap box racers from Roanoke — Brianna Waldron, Blake Gardner, and Brayden Patterson — traveled to Akron, Ohio, last week to compete for a world championship at the legendary All-American Soap Box Derby. They qualified by winning local races in Roanoke. Though none won the overall title, they gained valuable experience at the famous downhill gravity-powered racing event that has run since 1934. The week provided special memories, new friendships, and exciting races for the local qualifiers and their proud family members. Even without a global win, the trip reinforced bonds and created moments they will never forget. The racers plan to use this year's event as motivation to come back stronger and vie for victory again next year. (WFXR)

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Today in Roanoke:

Tuesday, July 25

• Salem Red Sox vs. Lynchburg Hillcats at Salem Memorial Ballpark (7 p.m.)
• The R.E.A.L. Funny Comedy Show at The Spot on Kirk (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "The Virginia Opossums are here again! We haven't even finished releasing our almost ready to go opossums, but new ones keep piling in again! This older batch came in after their mom was hit by a car and killed." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "Recognized by USA TODAY Travel as one of the 'most spectacular hikes in the United States,' McAfee Knob is a must-experience in Virginia's Blue Ridge! 😍 It's a stunning 270-degree panoramic view of the surrounding valley and mountains!" (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Our 5th grade RCPS+ students had a blast last week exploring potential career and technical education courses during 555! This program gives students who just completed 5th grade and are in RCPS+ the opportunity to sample five different career paths." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• The Grandin Theatre: "Money can’t buy happiness but it can buy you a Cherry Coke at the Grandin Theatre ❤️ #TheMagicOfGrandin" (The Grandin Theatre via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. It's good to be back! I'll see you tomorrow morning!

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman. To connect with Ian, you can visit him on Facebook and Instagram. He doesn't bite. Except on full moons.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Patch newsletter? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com