On June 21 the streets of Downtown Blacksburg will be transformed into an old fashioned boardwalk, complete with 20 tons of white sand; a tiki bar; and carnival attractions for the first annual Summer Solstice Fest. The event is hosted by the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg and takes place from Noon to midnight. The “Coney Island” atmosphere and wide range of activities will appeal to people of all ages.

A Coney Island-style midway will feature three live performances of the Alberti Flea Circus, which has captivated audiences for over 20 years. “For those who have not seen a flea circus before, they should expect to see fleas doing fabulous circus feats,” says Ringmaster Jim Alberti. Audience members will be amazed to see Captain Spaulding shoot out of a canon, Merlin perform in a child’s hands and the lovely Dardenell spring from the high dive!

Animal lovers will enjoy the dog parade, beginning at 2 pm. All canine participants will receive a free goodie bag and prizes will be awarded to dogs with the best costumes. Participants will also be furnished with plenty of drinking water.

Throughout the day, live bands will perform on the main stage including Blacksburg’s award winning steel drum orchestra, the PanJammers.

To keep you on your feet, the members of the Star City Shaggers will perform and teach lessons on how to shag and line dance. The talented ladies of Hill & Veil and Mandara will demonstrate the art of belly dancing.

Those who love to compete are encouraged to participate in one or all of the competitions at the event. Awful Arthur’s is sponsoring an Oyster Slurping Contest. The Clash of the Church Ladies Cooking Contest challenges contestants to vie for top honors in three categories: Best Use of a Boxed Cake Mix, Best Food Landscape, or Best Fruit Monster. The winner of the cooking contest gets a $1,000 purse, provided by Bollo’s and Gillie’s Restaurants, to donate to a charity of his or her choice. Festival-goers can also play midway games such as a dunk tank and ring toss, which are sponsored by local non-profits.

The Downtown Sundown 5k Run will begin at 8:30 pm. Proceeds of the race will go toward the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The Summer Solstice Fest will be a great way for local residents to celebrate the longest day of the year. For more information and contest registration forms please visit downtownblacksburg.com.

The Summer Solstice Fest will be a great way for local residents to celebrate the longest day of the year. For more information and contest registration forms please visit downtownblacksburg.com

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