Blue Ridge Country January/February 2024 - 36

art at the center and shop for merchandise
authentic to a variety of Hispanic
culture countries. For example, superb
examples of Viva Oaxaca tin art and
alebrijes (finely crafted wood figures/spirit
animals) reveal what only human hands
can create. And authentic imports from
Central and South America (bags, dolls
and more) are also available. Throughout
the year, movies, discussion groups and
events welcome everyone. For the latter,
the annual HoLa Festival and Parade of
Nations are enjoyed by thousands of attendees.
holahoralatina.org
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Irish Spring Festival, Ireland, West
Virginia.Dress up in green and travel
to this small unincorporated community
in the foothills. Named for the
ancestral roots of the first immigrant
settlers and home to the community's
Shamrock CEOS Club, this town has
celebrated each spring for more than 40
years. Attendees include locals and others
from around the area for the multiday
festivities.
Take a trek to BlarTOP
LEFT: Irish Spring
Festival is held in
Ireland, West Virginia.
TOP RIGHT:
Roanoke (Virginia)
Greek Festival has
celebrated the
culture for 30 years.
RIGHT: Spartanburg
(South Carolina)
International Festival
brings to life the
cultures of more than
75 nations.
36 BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
ney Rock on the Vernal
Equinox to ring in the
first day of spring. Enjoy
Stone Soup, compete in
the Fried Potato Contest
and taste
Irish-themed
food and drinks. Participate
in the 5K run, field
games, kite flying, scavenger
hunts and bike tours.
Play bingo, sign up for
the talent contest and be
sure to attend the harp
concert. Also, take the opportunity to try
your skill at Irish Road Bowling. Yes, it is
bowling on country roads with a small,
solid iron cannonball! Info and details on the
Facebook page, " Irish Spring Festival. "
Roanoke Greek Festival, Virginia.
Celebrate, learn about culture and
taste the flavors of Greek heritage at
this three-day festival. What began over
30 years ago as a gathering to enjoy an
authentic Greek meal has grown into a
destination event. It is presented by the
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church,
an active member of the Roanoke community
for more than 100 years.
Visitors can take a guided tour of
the historic sanctuary, enjoy traditional
Greek music and dances, order delicious
gourmet Greek cuisine from a full menu
of choices and shop for imported specialty
groceries. This celebration has earned
accolades as the best food festival in the
southwestern part of the state. In addition
to the fun and festivities, the event
and the church support a slate of philanthropic
nonprofit organizations in the
community. roanokegreekfestival.com
" Unto These Hills " outdoor drama,
Cherokee, North Carolina. Witness
the struggles and triumphs of the
First Nation Cherokee at this renowned
theatrical production. For more than
70 years, audiences have come to the
Mountainside Theater to see the second
longest running outdoor drama in the
country. Music, dance and storytelling
are expertly crafted to recreate the history
of this First Nation culture with new
elements added each year.
Choose from three ticket levels-general
admission, reserved seating or a VIP
ticket, which includes a backstage tour
IRISH SPRING FESTIVAL IRELAND WV FACEBOOK
SPARTANBURG INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL SC
ROANOKE GREEK FESTIVAL FACEBOOK
2024
TRAVEL
GUIDE
http://www.roanokegreekfestival.com http://www.holahoralatina.org http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
Blue Ridge Country January/February 2024

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