Focused on our daily lives and caught up in our busy everyday routines, it is sometimes easy to develop tunnel vision and to take the environment around us (not to mention our families and friends) for granted. This past Saturday, I decided to break out of the old routine for awhile, to get away for a few hours to a beautiful place that I don't often visit, and to support a popular annual Patrick County event that I'd never attended. So I drove to the picturesque Kibler Valley between Claudville and Ararat to enjoy the annual Kibler Valley River Run, the so-called "Running of the Dan," sponsored by the Red Bank Ruritan Club. And boy did I enjoy it! It was a "Richard on the Road" outing that reaffirmed my belief that we live in the most wonderful place on the planet, Patrick County!
Blessed with a beautiful day, I enjoyed the warmth of the brilliant sunshine tempered by the cool breeze that always accompanies the flow of the scenic Dan River, and provides a much more satisfying relief from the heat than the air conditioners that we depend upon daily could ever match. Along with this ideal weather in a breathtaking setting, I really enjoyed the festival-like atmosphere that has become a traditional part of this annual canoe and kayak race that attracts hundreds of whitewater enthusiasts from throughtout the southeastern United States and, often, beyond. The smell of hamburgers and hotdogs simmering on the Red Band Ruritans' grill filled the air as well as good conversation by folks who enjoyed the fellowship that goes with this yearly get together in one of Patrick County's lovliest getaways, the spectacular Kibler Valley! Then there is the excellent canoeing and kayaking competition that this event is noted for around the country.
This was one of those times in life that are not easily forgotten, one that will linger on as a pleasant memory in my mind for years to come. It was an experience that bolsters my belief that we have truly been blessed to live in a place where we can enjoy on a daily basis what people travel hundreds (even thousands) of miles to experience as tourists and visitors to our country. So let's not be blinded by our daily diversions and routines to the fact that we, as Patrick Countians, have so much beauty around us to enjoy and so many blessings to be thankful for as proud inhabitants of the pretty little place that we lovingly call "God's Country"!
Open your eyes to a part of Patrick soon.
Another beautiful place in Patrick County is Dominion Valley Park. I had the honor of serving as emcee for the Friday evening part of the annual Summer Gospel Sing. There was a sizeable crowd on hand despite the threat of thundershowers just before show time and everyone really enjoyed a great evening of southern gospel music by a host of national, regional, and local performers. Cecil and Barbara Hall are to be commended for providing this outstanding venue.
After my day in the Kibler Valley Saturday, I emceed the Patrick County Music Association's July Jamboree, which drew a near capacity crowd to the large exhibit building at Rotary Field. The music, as usual, rivaled anything that Nashville, the Music City, can produce...the fellowship was terrific...and the food served by Hospice of Patrick County was great. Again the homemade ice cream for which Concord United Methodist Church is famous was a big hit as music fans gobbled up about 26 gallons in just a few hours. The church has sold out by 8:30! I'd also like to thank the Patrick County School/Community Partnership for the Arts which has started selling popcorn at PCMA shows to raise funds for improvements to the Patrick County High School auditorium. The popcorn was popular too! I am also proud to serve as a member of the board of the School/Community Partnership for the Arts.
I was going to attend the final day of FloydFest Sunday, but I heard it was raining at the Blue Ridge Parkway festival site, so I decided to wait 'til next year to make my debut at that event in our own backyard which attracts people by the thousands from all over the country and around the world. I am thankful for the nice weekend. Now, let me try to get a few hours of rest before Brewster's crow signals that it's time once again for "The Great Day in the Morning Show." I'll talk to you from 6-10 a.m. each weekeday morning on 1270 WHEO, the Heart of Patrick County. Feel free to call in and join my "Community Conversation" anytime at 694-3388.
With Patrick pride,
Richard Rogers
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