Fall festival canceled in Virginia due to virus concerns

By The Associated Press
May 1, 2020 | 6:17 AM

FERRUM, Va. — A fall festival in Virginia has been canceled due to virus safety concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Organizers for the 47th annual Blue Ridge Folklife Festival said Thursday on Facebook the October festival in Ferrum has been rescheduled for next year.

Organizers say they will host a virtual event that same month.

Officials say in a news release reported by news outlets that they canceled the festival since they don’t know what the state’s guidelines on the virus will be in the coming months.

The Roanoke Times reports the event draws nearly 12,000 people to Ferrum College and features a host of talents.

For first time, Chuck Brown Day will go on without Brown family

By Jimmy Alexander
August 20, 2026 | 7:38 PM

For the first time in its 12-year history, Chuck Brown Day in D.C. will go on without the support of the family of the "Godfather of Go-Go." The Brown family announced it has withdrawn its support for Saturday's celebration at Fort Dupont Park, saying it no longer believes the event reflects the collaboration and respect Chuck Brown's legacy deserves. Chuck Brown's son, Nekos Brown Sr., told WTOP the issues are primarily with the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation. "It's been three years of issues we've been having with them as far as staying on par with proper communication, just overall professionalism and the ability to take our stance seriously," Brown said.

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