Fork And Cork Is Coming Back For A Second Round

People all over Blacksburg and Roanoke are preparing to be merry and socialize with fellow residents. Saturday, May 1 starts the Blacksburg Fork and Cork, the food, wine and art festival.

The Blacksburg Partnership, a local promotion and development group, is pleased to announce this event for a second consecutive year.

“This is a community event,” said Diane Akers, president of the Blacksburg Partnership. “And as such, we want to encourage our local creative folks to get involved and contribute to our success.”

All funds raised at the festival will be invested back into the community. Akers said, “Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in Blacksburg through commercial development and quality events.”

This festival currently has 36 sponsors, 23 artists, 19 wineries and three live bands participating. Dan Dunlap, member of New River Valley’s band “3 Minute Lovin’”, says, “We have had excellent experiences working with the organizers of this group over the past few years, and we are looking forward to another exciting and successful event.”

Dunlap looks forward to seeing a wide audience gather in the town of Blacksburg for the Fork and Cork. “Many have commented about how well our music fits with this venue, and we absolutely agree,” Dunlap said. “ We expect nothing short of a fun-filled afternoon with great food, drink, and good ole’ fashioned rockin’ honky-tonk.”

John Gardner, member of Roanoke’s local band “Monkey Fuzz”, said he feels the same way as Dunlap. "When our good friend, Diane Akers, approached us about playing at the Blacksburg Fork and Cork, we jumped at the chance,” said Gardner. “We've only played in the New River Valley a handful of times and are looking forward to bringing our variety party show back to Blacksburg for the first time in almost two years.”

Many locals and residents of the New River Valley look forward to volunteering for this festival. It is a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon and evening, browsing local artists selections, participating in wine tastings from local wineries and dancing to some live tunes. The Blacksburg Partnership looks forward to another successful Fork and Cork festival.