The boots, stockings, hat, pink backpack and out-of-place sofa make a statement.

Festival in the Park: The Diminished Craft Show

Roanoke's Festival in the Park began downtown yesterday with its annual craft show, one that seems to shrink annually. 

This should be parceled out from the overall festival, which used to feature the largest outdoor art show in the Eastern U.S. It remains good, but not quite as imposing as in past years. 

Here's some of what my friend Susan and I found yesterday (with its good stage shows for music and dance, a highlight for me) and one item of art at the end that I appreciate.

The end.

Local Colors, Roanoke's Glorious Festival

Among my favorite Roanoke events annually is the Local Colors festival, wherein Roanoke's immigrant and ethnic communities show off who they are in a very real celebration of diversity. Today's shining example of inclusion and embracing acceptance shown bright. Great fun and good people. I understand the food was pretty good, to, for those who wanted to wait in line for a very long time. Here is some of what it looked like.