Fernando
Fernando
Floyd Center for the Arts brings back Taste of Floyd
Diners graze at this undated fundraising gathering.
Art demos are part of the Taste of Floyd event.
A patron samples some of the local cuisine.
Floyd Center of Arts will host a tasty annual fundraiser this weekend.
Taste of Floyd, a fundraiser that brings some of Floyd’s favorite restaurants and bakers together under one roof, is set for noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 22.
The culinary and cultural event celebrates the region’s vibrant food and arts scenes.
Guests will enjoy a curated selection of small bites and flavors from participating businesses including Big Indian Farm / Gather, Bread Basket, Chantal Coffee, Cocoa Mia, Copper Dog and Co, Deer Park Farm, DJ’s Drive In, Dogtown Roadhouse, El Charro Mexican Restaurant, Harvest Moon, Pantoufle’s Bistro, Rising Hills Bakehouse, Slaughter’s Grocery, Thai & More and Villa Appalaccia.
Attendees are also invited to explore the Floyd Center for the Arts’ galleries, enjoy live painting demonstrations and experience the creative energy that defines this unique community.
“Creativity in Floyd extends far beyond the studio,” said Keela Dooley Marshall, Executive Director of the Floyd Center for the Arts. “Taste of Floyd celebrates the incredible talent of our local food community while supporting the arts programs that bring people together year-round.”
Proceeds from Taste of Floyd directly support the Floyd Center for the Arts’ mission to provide arts education for youth and adults, scholarships, exhibitions, and accessible creative programming.
Tickets are $45 and are available for purchase online in advance. Tickets will also be available at the door if space allows, though advance purchase is encouraged as the event is expected to sell out.
Tickets are available at https://www.floydartcenter.org/event-details/taste-of-floyd-2026 or by calling 540-745-2784 for more information.
Double purple Perfecto Mundo azalea brings bright color to spring and late summer-fall gardens.
Double purple Perfecto Mundo azalea brings bright color to spring and late summer-fall gardens.
Meet the author of ‘Susanna's Midnight Ride’
We’ve all heard of Paul Revere. But have you heard of Susanna Bolling?
On Saturday, March 28, readers of all ages are invited to discover the true story of a teenage girl whose courage helped change the course of the American Revolution. Join Virginia author and historian Libby McNamee for a special Meet the Author events at both the Blacksburg and Floyd locations of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library celebrating her historical novel for young readers, “Susanna’s Midnight Ride.”
Set in late May 1781, Susanna’s Midnight Ride is based on the remarkable true story of 16-year-old Susanna Bolling of Virginia. As British General Cornwallis and his officers dined in her home at City Point, Susanna overheard their plan to capture French General Lafayette and crush the American rebellion. Under cover of darkness, Susanna escaped through a secret underground tunnel, canoed downriver, borrowed a neighbor’s horse, and rode ten miles to warn Lafayette, helping pave the way for the decisive Battle of Yorktown. The question that haunted her daring mission was simple and dangerous: could she make it home before sunrise without being discovered?
During the program, Libby McNamee will share Susanna’s extraordinary story, discuss the historical research behind the novel, and invite audiences to ride along with a young heroine whose bravery rivaled that of far more famous patriots.
Libby McNamee is a Virginia author and speaker whose work has helped restore Susanna Bolling’s place in American history. Based on McNamee’s research, the Virginia General Assembly designated Dec. 5 as “Susanna Bolling Day.” A historic marker now commemorates Susanna’s courageous ride, and a new musical based on Susanna’s Midnight Ride premiered in Virginia Beach in 2025.
McNamee is the author of numerous acclaimed histories for young people, including Dolley Madison and the War of 1812: America’s First Lady, The Epic Story of 1776: 25 People, 13 Colonies, and 1 War, The Epic Story of 1777–1779: Trials, Turning Points, and Triumphs, and her new 2025 title The Union Spymistress: The Story of Elizabeth Van Lew.
This event is presented in partnership with Historic Smithfield and is an official Montgomery County 250 and Virginia 250 event.
You can meet the other on Saturday, March 28 at 10:30 a.m. at the Blacksburg Library at 200 Miller St., and at 2 p.m. at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library in Floyd.
These events are free and open to the public.
For more information,contact Library at (540) 382-6969.
Upcoming programs at Jessie Peterman Memorial Library
March 19 -Scrabble at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Thursday, March 19th at 1:30 pm. Enjoy a challenging and fun game of Scrabble with other word enthusiasts!
March 19- Living with Black Bears in Virginia at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Thursday, March 19th at 5:30 pm. Join the NRV chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists to learn about bear biology, what attracts bears to our yards, how to reduce human/bear conflicts, and what YOU can do to keep bears wild.
March 21- Ukes for Kids! at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Saturday, March 21st at 10 am. It's time for the kids to join in the fun! Floyd's favorite ukulele lady, Mim, will be leading this program. No experience necessary. Bring your own instrument. If you don't have a uke, we will have limited loaners for this program. Ages 6 and up.
March 21-March 22 - Seed Swap at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Saturday, March 21st at 2 pm – Sunday, March 22 at 2 pm. Join us for a two-day Community Seed Swap at the Library Pavilion.
Bring your extra flower and vegetable seeds, gardening tools, pots, or seedlings to share, or simply take what you need to help your garden grow. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Floyd gardeners and nature lovers, exchange tips, and celebrate the growing season together. Free snacks will be provided.
If the weather does not cooperate, the program will be held in the Mark Hollingsworth Community Room.
March 23- Meditation at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Monday, March 23rd at 4 pm. Welcome to all: people who have never tried sitting meditation and people who have some experience in meditating and would like to share the experience and space with others. After a period of saying "hellos" and getting settled, we'll start a twenty- minute period of seated silence. After that, everyone is free to socialize and share if they wish. Chairs are available for folks who aren't comfortable sitting on the floor, but you're welcome to bring a yoga mat and/or cushion.
March 24-Volunteer Income Tax Assistance at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Tuesday, March 24th from 11 am to 1 pm. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is provided in the New River Valley by New River Community Action. We give assistance to our community by providing free tax assistance for anyone making less than 75K a year. The taxes we prepare cannot be overly complicated and must be within scope.
March 25- All Ages Storytime at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Wednesday, March 25th at 10:30 am. Share stories, rhymes, music, and movement, and a craft as a family. Develop early literacy skills and encourage a love of reading.
March 25- Big and Little Social Club at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Wednesday, March 25th at 11:15 am. Hang out and socialize after our regular story time with other caregivers and the little ones in their care. We'll put out toys for the tots although adults are welcome to play too!
March 25- Bingo at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Wednesday, March 25th at 2 pm. Fun and Prizes!
March 26- DMV Connect at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Thursday, March 26th from 10-4. The DMV closes from 12:30-1:30 pm for lunch. DMV will be at the library providing most of their services. Walk-ins welcome!
March 26 -Scrabble at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Thursday, March 26th at 1:30 pm. Enjoy a challenging and fun game of Scrabble with other word enthusiasts!
March 26- Not Just Anime Club for Teens at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Thursday, March 26th at 5 pm. Watch Anime shows and movies with friends, listen to music, talk about Manga, and learn about Japanese culture and language. Snacks and activities provided Optional: Bring something anime or manga related for "show and tell." For ages 11+. Meets the 4th Thursday each month.
March 28- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Saturday, March 28th from 11 am to 1 pm. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is provided in the New River Valley by New River Community Action. We give assistance to our community by providing free tax assistance for anyone making less than 75K a year. The taxes we prepare cannot be overly complicated and must be within scope.
March 28- Meet the Author: Libby McNamee, Author of Susanna’s Midnight Ride at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Saturday, March 28th at 2 pm. We’ve all heard of Paul Revere, but have you heard of Susanna Bolling? Susanna’s Midnight Ride is a historical novel for young people based on the true story of a 16-year-old girl from Virginia who saved French General Lafayette from capture, paving the way for the decisive Battle of Yorktown. Join author Libby McNamee to ride along with Susanna as she makes history.
Almost five years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution hung in the balance. In late May 1781, General Cornwallis invaded City Point, VA, and quartered his army there. As 16-year-old Susanna Bolling served the British general and his officer’s dinner, she overheard their plans to capture General Lafayette and crush the American rebellion once and for all. Under the cover of darkness, she snuck out of her house through a secret underground tunnel and canoed downriver. Then she grabbed a neighbor’s horse and rode ten miles to warn Lafayette. But would she make it back home by sunrise without detection?
Presented in partnership with Historic Smithfield. A Montgomery County 250 and Virginia 250 Event.
