Saturday, April 28, 2012

Presented by WSLS-10

Platinum Sponsor Cumulus Broadcasting

Blacksburg, Virginia, May 4, 2012 – The Blacksburg Partnership is proud to announce a very successful 2^nd annual    Can Do! canned food sculpture competition, food drive and 100% juice drive this past Saturday at the 4^th annual Blacksburg Fork and Cork.

In participation with Feeding America Southwest Virginia, the Can Do! competition generated over 5,250 food items for The Giving Tree Food Pantry operated by Fieldstone United Methodist Church. Donations came from six Can Do! teams and Blacksburg Fork and Cork attendees. The NRV Chapter of the American Culinary Federation contributed over 1,000 100% juice boxes for Micah’s Backpack, an afterschool meal assistance program, and over 100 more juice boxes were added to the final count from the sculptures and attendee donations.

The winners in each category of the Can Do! competition are as follows:

Most Nutritious Meal, Best Use of Labels, and Most Cans Collected (3 categories)

Feeders of Faith from Fieldstone United Methodist Church

“Rubik’s Cube” sculpture- A myriad of cans with colorful labels created an oversized version of everyone’s favorite brain teaser

Structural Ingenuity

Tuck Chiropractic Clinic

“Tuck Chiropractic Logo” sculpture- Carefully arranged cans recreated the Tuck Chiropractic logo

Juror’s Choice

Holi-CAN Inn from the Holiday Inn University

“Holiday Spirit” sculpture- A tribute to the day’s beverage of choice-wine! This 6 foot tall wine bottle canned food structure came complete with a wine glass and giant corkscrew.

People’s Choice

Curing CANcer from Intrexon Corporation

“BetterDNA™” sculpture- A 3-D double helix of DNA made almost exclusively of canned tuna and chicken breast

Honorable Mentions

Dairy Club at Virginia Tech

“A-MOO-RICA” sculpture- A patriotic display of soup cans and juice boxes

Rotary Club of Christiansburg-Blacksburg and Rotaract Club of Virginia Tech

“Rotary Wheel” sculpture- Macaroni and packs of noodles assembled the organizations’ logo

A special thank you to the following Can Do! participants and contributing organizations for their assistance in making this second annual event so successful:

• Dairy Club at Virginia Tech
• Fieldstone United Methodist Church
• Holiday Inn University
• Intrexon Corporation
• NRV Chapter of the American Culinary Federation
• Rotaract Club of Virginia Tech
• Rotary Club of Christiansburg-Blacksburg
• Tuck Chiropractic Clinic

Check out www.blacksburgforkandcork.com and “like” the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/forkandcork for more festival details. For more information please call 540.443.2008 or email info@blacksburgforkandcork.com.

The Blacksburg Partnership is a non-profit, independent economic development organization formed by the town, business and university communities. The purpose of the organization is to bolster the vitality of Blacksburg through projects that attract visitors and retail prospects. Partnership projects include development of property, the revitalization of retail districts, special events and the creation of marketing programs. For more information visit www.stepintoblacksburg.org

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Presented by WSLS-10

Platinum Sponsor Cumulus Broadcasting

Blacksburg, Virginia, April 24, 2012 – The Blacksburg Partnership will host the second annual Can Do! canned food sculpture competition at the Blacksburg Fork and Cork festival on Saturday, April 28. Canned food sculpture competitions are a fun way for friends, families, and work colleagues to collect food for families in need, while creating a unique piece of art. To supplement the competition, festival attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items and 100% juice boxes to the festival.

Local Can Do! teams collected non-perishable foods and have developed a concept for their sculpture. In the hours leading up to the festival, they will build their most creative sculptures. At the end of the festival, all canned foods will be donated to the The Giving Tree Food Pantry and monetary donations will benefit Feeding America Southwest Virginia.

In addition to the Can Do! sculpture contest, The Blacksburg Partnership will conduct a 100% juice drive benefiting Micah’s Backpack, a program administered by St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. The New River Valley Chapter of the American Culinary Federation has also joined the effort, having already donated 1,000 juice boxes.  Teams have been encouraged to include juice boxes in their sculptures as well.

Donations are encouraged and will be accepted right outside the gates of Blacksburg Fork and Cork. Festival attendees may vote for their favorite sculpture by donating either one can or $1 per vote, or a multi pack of 100% juice boxes for 3 votes. Awards will be given in various categories, including “People’s Choice,” “Most Nutritious Meal,” and “Most Cans Collected.” Coupons for $1 off a bottle of wine will be given to anyone making a donation, adding even more reason to contribute to a great cause!

“We’re very excited to be partnering with Feeding America Southwest Virginia, The Giving Tree Food Pantry, and Micah’s Backpack,” said Diane Akers, President of The Blacksburg Partnership. “We look forward to building on the success of last year’s drive and contest and are thankful for the participation by the six teams. It is a fun, interactive opportunity to draw awareness to hunger relief in this area.”

Be sure to check out the sculptures from the following teams:

• Dairy Club at Virginia Tech
• “Feeders of Faith” from Fieldstone United Methodist Church
• “Holi-CAN Inn” from Holiday Inn University
• “Curing CANcer” from Intrexon Corporation
• Rotary Club of Christiansburg-Blacksburg and Rotaract Club of Virginia Tech
• Tuck Chiropractic

Blacksburg Fork and Cork and the Can Do! Competition will be held at the First and Main Shopping District, Saturday, April 28, 2012, noon to 6:00 pm. This is a rain or shine event. Bring your chairs, bring canned food and juice, and bring your dancing shoes; it is going to be a great day at the fourth annual Blacksburg Fork and Cork.

For festival details and online ticket sales, visit www.blacksburgforkandcork.com. Tickets may also be purchased at both Blacksburg Kroger locations. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Admission for designated drivers and ages 13-20 is $5, and those under 13 are free.

Check out www.blacksburgforkandcork.com and “like” the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/forkandcork for festival updates. For more information please call 540.443.2008 or email info@blacksburgforkandcork.com.

The Blacksburg Partnership is a non-profit, independent economic development organization formed by the town, business and university communities. The purpose of the organization is to bolster the vitality of Blacksburg through projects that attract visitors and retail prospects. Partnership projects include development of property, the revitalization of retail districts, special events and the creation of marketing programs. For more information visit www.stepintoblacksburg.org

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Presented by WSLS-10

Platinum Sponsor Cumulus Broadcasting

Blacksburg, Virginia, April 22, 2012 –Want to enjoy a full day of wine tasting, delicious food, and cool art at Blacksburg Fork and Cork but don’t want the hassle of driving and parking? Let Blacksburg Transit or SmartWay Bus be your ride.

Riding is Simple

From Roanoke or Christiansburg, ride the SmartWay Bus – All day on Saturday, April 28, the SmartWay bus will have special stops on Main Street in front the First & Main shopping center. It’s that easy! The cost is only $4 per person each way.  The bus will stop in front of First & Main at 12:55 pm, 2:25 pm, 3:55 pm, 5:25 pm, 6:55 pm, and 8:25 pm. Please visit their site at www.smartwaybus.com for more information.

In Blacksburg – The Blacksburg Transit (BT) will offer FREE fare from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm on the Main Street route.

From Kent Square to First & Main:  Park in the Kent Square parking garage and catch the bus outside the Municipal Building at 300 S. Main Street. The stop is located directly in front of the building facing Main Street.  BT will pick up every 30 minutes at approximately :15 and :45 after the hour.  When boarding, tell the operator your destination is the First & Main Shopping District.

From First & Main back to Kent Square: Catch the bus on Main Street at any stop across from the First & Main Shopping District heading downtown. Arrive at the stop 30 minutes after the hour or at the top of the hour and the bus will be there shortly. When boarding, tell the operator your destination is the Kent Square parking garage.

Parking

If you prefer to drive, there will be free parking at First & Main and in the overflow parking lot in Blacksburg Square in front of the Virginia Tech Surplus building. You can also park in Kent Square parking garage downtown and ride Blacksburg Transit to First & Main. Just hop on the bus in front of the Municipal Building at 300 South Main Street.

At the end of the day if you’ve had a little too much to drink, contact one of these local taxi services – Hooptie Ride (540-449-3748), Blacksburg Taxi (540-552-6671), or Fat Taxi (540-999-8294).

“We’re very excited to be teaming with the Smartway Bus to provide a bus stop directly outside the festival area,” says Diane Akers, President of The Blacksburg Partnership. “We hope that will encourage more attendees from the Roanoke area to join us.  With the Smartway connection and our great partnership with Blacksburg Transit, April 28 will be a fun day and a safe ride for everyone.”

For more information about the festival and to purchase tickets online, visit www.blacksburgforkandcork.com. Tickets may also be purchased at both Blacksburg Kroger locations. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Admission for designated drivers and ages 13-20 is $5, and those under 13 are free.

Check out www.blacksburgforkandcork.com and “like” the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/forkandcork for festival updates. For more information please call 540.443.2008 or email info@blacksburgforkandcork.com.

The Blacksburg Partnership is a non-profit, independent economic development organization formed by the town, business and university communities. The purpose of the organization is to bolster the vitality of Blacksburg through projects that attract visitors and retail prospects. Partnership projects include development of property, the revitalization of retail districts, special events and the creation of marketing programs. For more information visit www.stepintoblacksburg.org.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Presented by WSLS-10

Platinum Sponsor Cumulus Broadcasting

Blacksburg, Virginia, April 17, 2012 –Back by popular demand, several cooking and wine demonstrations are lined up throughout the day at Blacksburg Fork and Cork. Festival goers will be entertained and engaged throughout the day as they experience the talents of local celebrity chefs and knowledgeable wine experts. The 4^th annual Blacksburg Fork and Cork, a food, wine, and art festival will be held at the First and Main Shopping District on Saturday, April 28 from noon – 6pm.

The schedule of events is as follows:

Chef 2 Chef – features local celebrity chefs preparing and sampling signature dishes paired with wine

1:30 – Chef Randall Spencer of Blue Ridge Mountain Catering and Chef Michael Behmoiras of The Bank Food and Drink- Ahi Tuna

2:30 – Chef Chris Martin of Kroger Bistro and Chef Gabriel Averill of Poor Billy’s Small Plates- Pork Tenderloin

3:30 – Chef Jeremy Webb of Blackstone Grill and Chef Jason Smith of Preston’s Restaurant- Chicken Breast with Plantains and Mangoes

Chef Showcase – “go big or go home” with mega masterpiece demonstrations. Sponsored by US Foods

1:00 – Chef Nazim Khan, Personal Touch Catering- Molecular Gastronomy; Xantum Gum and Agar Agar

2:00 – Chef Jim Ziesler, VA Western Community College- Flaming Shrimp and Grits

3:00 – Chef Michelle Carder, Salem Terrace- Chocolate Art Piece

4:00 – Chef Tom Phelps and Chef Aaron Graham, Sheraton Roanoke- Steak au Poivre and Other Goodies

5:00 – Student Chimere Johnson, VA Western Culinary College Student Demo Team- Flaming Dessert and BIG

Cupcake

Everyday Gourmet – quick, easy and healthy recipes to wow your family and friends. Sponsored by Blackstone Grill

2:15 – Chef Jeremy Webb, Blackstone Grill - Pasta Amatriciana

3:15 – Rik Obiso, Attimo Winery - Easy appetizers for wine pairing parties

4:15 – Roya, The Gourmet Pantry- Pan-seared Scallops with Wine Sauce over Saffron Risotto     

5:15 – Barbara, The Gourmet Pantry - Vegetable Curry Stew

Wine Racket – John Boyer, aka “The Plaid Avenger”, and Rik Obiso, owner and winemaker of Attimo Winery, will lead FUN and informative discussions on the beverage of the day- wine! Sponsored by Attimo Winery

1:45 – Rik Obiso- Making Distinctive Wines: Clay, Concrete, and Orange-Colored 

2:45 – The Plaid Avenger- The Sip and Swirl: Why we do it, How we do it, Should we do it?

3:45 – The Plaid Avenger- The American “Democratization of Wine” and its Global Impacts

4:45 – Rik Obiso- What Every Host Needs to Know: How to Properly Open and Serve Wine

For more information about these events, a list of participating wineries, festival details, and online ticket sales, visit www.blacksburgforkandcork.com. Tickets may also be purchased at both Blacksburg Kroger locations. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Admission for designated drivers and ages 13-20 is $5, and those under 13 are free.

Check out www.blacksburgforkandcork.com and “like” the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/forkandcork for festival updates. For more information please call 540.443.2008 or email info@blacksburgforkandcork.com.

The Blacksburg Partnership is a non-profit, independent economic development organization formed by the town, business and university communities. The purpose of the organization is to bolster the vitality of Blacksburg through projects that attract visitors and retail prospects. Partnership projects include development of property, the revitalization of retail districts, special events and the creation of marketing programs. For more information visit www.stepintoblacksburg.org

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Presented by WSLS-10

Platinum Sponsor Cumulus Broadcasting

Blacksburg, Virginia, April 10, 2012 – The Blacksburg Partnership announces this year’s artists and vendors for the Blacksburg Fork and Cork festival to be held on Saturday, April 28^th at the First and Main Shopping Center.

Artists and Vendors Include:

Anne Vaughan Designs – Innovative jewelry designs

Art from the Heart – Hand-painted “sippy cup” wine goblets

Classy Glass – Upcycled art and fused glass

Cutco Cutlery – Cutco Cutlery, culinary tools, cookware, flatware, garden tools, scissors, and accessories

Gemdandies – Beaded servers and giclee prints of original paintings

Glass Wizard- Tie dye shirts and clothes, hand blown glass pendants and jewelry, bags, wallets, and scarves

Jessica Wertz Ceramics – Utilitarian, brightly glazed porcelain pottery

Juliette’s Jewelry  – Sterling silver and Rhodium jewelry

Kurious Koncepts – Feathered, beaded and paper jewelry and accessories, recycled tie purses

Let’s Wine – Embellished apparel with wine-related sayings, wine motif jewelry, Thirsty stone coasters

Mayan Beadwork – Handmade, fair trade beaded jewelry and accessories

Monica Vilhauer/Collin Daiber – Jewelry and cork banks

Promotions n’ Motion – Custom wine-related items: toppers, magnets, coasters, boxes and more

Random Found Objects – Fine art photography- framed and unframed, instant portrait booth

Simply Stones – Hand-cut and hand-polished free form cabochon pendants

Still Water Studio – Original jewelry & art designs using silver & copper

Sue Dille – Handmade ethnic-style jewelry using natural stones, beads, and charms

Susie Pool/Angie Nolen – Recycled wine bottle art, fused glass art, beaded wire with glass

Upcycled Gifts – Jewelry and household items “upcycled” from recycled materials

Virginia Glass Girl Studio – Stained glass panels, suncatchers, jewelry, etc.

Wild Rose Creations - Leathercraft – handmade leather goods with a Celtic flair

Keeping with the art theme, Blacksburg Fork and Cork will host and Art Stage featuring interactive belly dancing and clogging performances. Iron Tectron will also make an appearance at this stage and guests will have the opportunity to try on some of the creative Tron gear.

 For more information about these events, a list of wineries, festival details, and online ticket sales, visit www.blacksburgforkandcork.com. Tickets may also be purchased at both Blacksburg Kroger locations. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Admission for designated drivers and ages 13-20 is $5, and those under 13 are free.

Check out www.blacksburgforkandcork.com and “like” the facebook page at www.facebook.com/forkandcork for festival updates. For more information please call 540.443.2008 or email info@blacksburgforkandcork.com.

The Blacksburg Partnership is a non-profit, independent economic development organization formed by the town, business and university communities. The purpose of the organization is to bolster the vitality of Blacksburg through projects that attract visitors and retail prospects. Partnership projects include development of property, the revitalization of retail districts, special events and the creation of marketing programs. For more information visit www.stepintoblacksburg.org

4^th ANNUAL BLACKSBURG FORK AND CORK FESTIVAL

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Presented by WSLS-10

Platinum Sponsor Cumulus Broadcasting

Blacksburg, Virginia, April 6, 2012 – To kick-start the festival excitement, The Blacksburg Partnership has paired up with two sponsors of Blacksburg Fork and Cork to create exciting wine-filled evenings. Attimo Winery, the Host Winery and Wine Rack Sponsor, will hold a Wine and Cheese Weekend on April 20-21. In addition, Preston’s Restaurant at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center will hold the second annual Wine Dinner on Friday, April 27.

Attimo Winery’s scrumptious weekend includes an array of cheeses from Alexandria’s famed  Cheesetique perfectly paired with Attimo’s finest wines on both Friday and Saturday, April 20 and 21 from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm. Prices vary for daily samples. A wine and cheese dinner will also be offered at the winery at 7:00 pm on Friday, April 20.  The four-course dinner is $50/person and tickets must be purchased in advance by calling Attimo Winery at 540-382-7619.

Building on last year’s popular event, the second annual Wine Dinner at Preston’s Restaurant is planned for the night before Blacksburg Fork and Cork on Friday, April 27. Preston’s has teamed up with Attimo Winery to create an evening to remember featuring four mouth-watering courses married with the best of Attimo’s wines. In between courses, learn from the experts about the evening’s food and drink from Attimo’s winemaker and owner Rik Obiso and Preston’s Chef Jason Smith. Tickets are $60 per person ($120 per couple) plus tax and gratuity. Space is limited. Call Preston’s Restaurant at 540-231-0120 for reservations or purchase tickets online at www.blacksburgforkandcork.com/event2.

For more information about these events, a list of all 18 Virginia wineries, festival details, and online ticket sales, visit www.blacksburgforkandcork.com. Tickets may also be purchased at both Blacksburg Kroger locations. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Admission for designated drivers and ages 13-20 is $5, and those under 13 are free.

Check out www.blacksburgforkandcork.com and “like” the facebook page at www.facebook.com/forkandcork  for festival updates. For more information please call 540.443.2008 or email info@blacksburgforkandcork.com.

The Blacksburg Partnership is a non-profit, independent economic development organization formed by the town, business and university communities. The purpose of the organization is to bolster the vitality of Blacksburg through projects that attract visitors and retail prospects. Partnership projects include development of property, the revitalization of retail districts, special events and the creation of marketing programs. For more information visit www.stepintoblacksburg.org

4^th ANNUAL BLACKSBURG FORK AND CORK FESTIVAL

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Presented by WSLS-10

Platinum Sponsor Cumulus Broadcasting

Blacksburg, Virginia, March 30, 2012 – Get ready for sipping, sun, and rocking music at this year’s Blacksburg Fork and Cork, a food, wine and art festival at the First & Main Shopping District. Two regional high energy bands are slated to take the Main Stage on April 28. PolyChrome gets the party started at noon, and Side Show closes out the day from 3-6pm.

Dubbed “The Original Cover Band”, the pop/rock trio PolyChrome will delight guests with lively favorites that appeal to the young and young at heart. This band was recently named “Best Local Band” by The Roanoke Times and City Magazine and has created quite a buzz since its inception in 2009. Side Show’s mix of mainstream rock covers spans over four decades, with an emphasis on ‘80s tunes. The bands are sure to have festival attendees groovin’ all afternoon.

A new “Art Stage” has been introduced this year, with an eclectic mix of performers taking the stage. Be the lookout for interactive belly dancing and clogging demonstrations. These upbeat art forms will have guests cutting a rug along with them, and in between acts, the Chocolate Brothers will spin dance hits to keep up the energy.

Outside the festival gates, the Grand Classic Cruisers and the New River Valley Jeep Club will showcase their vehicles. Bring the family and check out over 100 cool, classic cars and Jeeps as you make your way into the festival or shops.  To participate in the show, contact Dale Echols at djechols@aol.com for Grand Classic Cruisers or Chris Rutherford at nrvjeepclub@aol.com for the New River Valley Jeep Club.  There is no charge to see the car show.

For a list of wineries, day of event details, and online ticket sales, visit www.blacksburgforkandcork.com, or pick up tickets at either Blacksburg Kroger location. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Admission for designated drivers and ages 13-20 is $5, and those under 13 are free.

Check out www.blacksburgforkandcork.com and “like” the facebook page at www.facebook.com/forkandcork  for festival updates. For more information please call 540.443.2008 or email info@blacksburgforkandcork.com.

The Blacksburg Partnership is a non-profit, independent economic development organization formed by the town, business and university communities. The purpose of the organization is to bolster the vitality of Blacksburg through projects that attract visitors and retail prospects. Partnership projects include development of property, the revitalization of retail districts, special events and the creation of marketing programs. For more information visit www.stepintoblacksburg.org.

4^th ANNUAL BLACKSBURG FORK AND CORK FESTIVAL

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Presented by WSLS-10

Platinum Sponsor Cumulus Broadcasting

Blacksburg, Virginia, March 18, 2012 – Tickets for Blacksburg Fork and Cork, the New River Valley’s premier food, wine, and art festival, are on sale now. Pick them up at Blacksburg’s two Kroger stores, located on South Main Street and University City Boulevard. Advance tickets are also available online at www.blacksburgforkandcork.com/tickets.  Tickets including wine samples are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate.  Valid identification is required to purchase these, and everyone will be ID’d at the gate. Tickets for Designated Drivers and guests aged 13 to 20 are $5 both in advance and at the gate. Children 12 and under are free.

Live music will fill the air while attendees sample dishes from local restaurants, taste a variety of wines from Virginia wineries, and peruse arts and crafts from regional artisans. Festival attendees receive a commemorative wine glass and full access to festival activities including the Chef 2 Chef, Chef Showcase, Everyday Gourmet, and Wine Racket demonstration tents. In addition, the 2^nd annual Can Do! canned food sculpture competition will take place around the shops at First and Main, and a car show featuring Grand Classic Cruisers and the NRV Jeep Club will have their cool cars on display on the front lawn.

Get your tickets today and make plans now to spend a fun-filled spring day in Blacksburg at the 4^th annual Blacksburg Fork and Cork.

Check out www.blacksburgforkandcork.com and “like” the facebook page at www.facebook.com/forkandcork  for festival updates. For more information please call 540.443.2008 or email info@blacksburgforkandcork.com.

The Blacksburg Partnership is a non-profit, independent economic development organization formed by the town, business and university communities. The purpose of the organization is to bolster the vitality of Blacksburg through projects that attract visitors and retail prospects. Partnership projects include development of property, the revitalization of retail districts, special events and the creation of marketing programs. For more information visit www.stepintoblacksburg.org

4^th ANNUAL BLACKSBURG FORK AND CORK FESTIVAL

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Presented by WSLS-10

Platinum Sponsor Cumulus Broadcasting

Blacksburg, Virginia, March 6, 2012 – The Blacksburg Partnership, a non-profit economic development organization serving the Blacksburg area, is seeking volunteers for the 4^th annual Blacksburg Fork and Cork, an award-winning food, wine, and art festival. The festival will be held at the First and Main Shopping Center on Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, rain or shine.

Over 150 volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks before and during the festival.  Positions include parking attendants, ticket sales, ID checker, Can Do! attendants, VIP sponsor hosts and many more. Outgoing personalities are needed to help in the many cooking and wine demonstration tents, while volunteers with good organizational skills are needed for the ticketing area and wine holding tent.  Organizations wishing to volunteer as a group are welcome as well.

All volunteers should be 21 or older and will receive a Blacksburg Fork and Cork Volunteer T-shirt, souvenir wine glass, and full access to the festival before or after their shift.  To submit a volunteer application or for more details, please visit our website at www.blacksburgforkandcork.com/volunteer.

Check out www.blacksburgforkandcork.com and “like” the facebook page at www.facebook.com/forkandcork  for festival updates. For more information please call 540.443.2008 or email info@blacksburgforkandcork.com.

The Blacksburg Partnership is a non-profit, independent economic development organization formed by the town, business and university communities. The purpose of the organization is to bolster the vitality of Blacksburg through projects that attract visitors and retail prospects. Partnership projects include development of property, the revitalization of retail districts, special events and the creation of marketing programs. For more information visit www.stepintoblacksburg.org

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Presented by WSLS-10

Platinum Sponsor Cumulus Broadcasting

Blacksburg, Virginia, February 24, 2012 – The Blacksburg Partnership, a non-profit economic development organization serving the Blacksburg area, announces the 2^nd annual Can Do! canned food sculpture competition to take place at the Blacksburg Fork and Cork festival on Saturday, April 28. Teams from all walks of the community will collect canned foods, develop a design, and build their most creative sculptures at the festival. Awards will be given in the categories of “People’s Choice,” “Most Nutritious Meal,” “Most Cans Collected,” and more. At the end of the festival, all non-perishable food used in the sculptures will be donated to Feeding America Southwest Virginia and The Giving Tree Food Pantry, managed by Fieldstone United Methodist Church. Teams are encouraged to incorporate 100% juice boxes in their designs as well, which will benefit Micah’s Backpack, a program administered by St. Michael Lutheran Church.

Can Do! is a free competition open to anyone wishing to be involved in the community and fight local hunger. Businesses, clubs, churches, Greek organizations, family and friends are all encouraged to register a team.  Each team must collect and/or purchase their own canned goods to be used for the sculptures. Rules and entry forms are available at www.blacksburgforkandcork.com/cando.

Festival guests are also encouraged to help the cause by bringing non-perishable food items or juice boxes to the festival. Monetary donations benefitting the three organizations will be collected at the festival, and anyone making a contribution will receive a vote for the “People’s Choice” award.

“Based on the popularity and success of the inaugural Can Do! in 2011, we have very high aspirations for this year’s event. We hope to grow the number of participating teams and increase donations from festival attendees,” said Diane Akers, President of The Blacksburg Partnership. “The Can Do! is a very unique fundraiser and is a fun, engaging way to bring attention to a growing need in our community.”

Blacksburg Fork and Cork and Can Do! will be held at the First and Main Shopping District on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from noon to 6:00 pm. This is a rain or shine event.

Check out www.blacksburgforkandcork.com and “like” the facebook page at www.facebook.com/forkandcork  for festival updates. For more information please call 540.443.2008 or email info@blacksburgforkandcork.com.

The Blacksburg Partnership is a non-profit, independent economic development organization formed by the town, business and university communities. The purpose of the organization is to bolster the vitality of Blacksburg through projects that attract visitors and retail prospects. Partnership projects include development of property, the revitalization of retail districts, special events and the creation of marketing programs. For more information visit www.stepintoblacksburg.org