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Traffic-jams in downtown Floyd? Yes, Thursday, starting at about 11 a.m., miles of vehicles were headed toward the Floyd-Fest Family Affair event, Southward just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Festival goers most often had to use "satellite" parking, operated by the Floyd Cares group. About 300 units were parked there as of noon; by nightfall, over 1,000. The Virginia State Police and Floyd Fest security ensured safe travel and site environment, while volunteer rescue squads from as far as Blacksburg were on-site to help.
The serene countryside was transformed to a special country-delight, with colorful decorations, fountains, antique fencing, and more. 50 acres were beautifully landscaped, with provisions for a crowd predicted to total 12,000 by the closing on Sunday night. Vendors offered jewelry, massages, alligator nuggets, vegan dishes; one could find most any service, product, or activity. The newly-installed ATM's were busy, as was the internet-link podium.
It is legendary that many styles of music are offered at the festival, as well as activities for children. From mountain-climbing, sand-pits, swings, face-painting, to various sports, kids find much to do. Thursday was truly a "Family Affair;" all age groups were brought by their parents and guardians. Jugglers, spring-loaded leg hoppers, violinists performing on their homemade instruments; one could be surprised every few minutes. "Everything is spectacular," said Bob Foreman, Security Chief. "It's a happy, beautiful site. The customers, vendors, and entertainers are great. We have worked since last year's event to make this one better than ever. Once folks get the Floyd Fest vibe, they return. Many of our visitors have been here before. This feels more like a Saturday; I've never seen a first-day opening so large. I believe we might set records beyond our 20% increase that we targeted." Foreman also works on the planning team, with Erika Johnson, Linda DeVito, and others.
Floyd Fest continues through Sunday evening, with several stages offering varying entertainment, simultaneously. From 8 a.m. yoga, to midnight music, one will find this year's Floyd Fest Family Affair to be unique and entertaining. Photos by Larry Middleton
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Queen Elizabeth, England's last Tudor monarch, came to the throne during a turbulent period in the nation's history. Although she has been described as vain, miserly, and fickle, she was remarkably successful as queen. During her reign, England pursued a policy of expansionism in commerce and geographical exploration, literature, and the arts flourished. The Elizabethan era saw the defeat of the Spanish Armada and the colonization of North America. Which US state is named after Elizabeth?
