Artful Bicycle Racks Installation Ceremony

Four “Artful Bike Racks” have recently been installed in locations around Downtown Lynchburg, an area designated as the James River Arts & Cultural District. An installation and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the project will take place on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at the 10th Street Entrance to City Hall.
The creation of creative, colorful bike racks was led by the James River Council for the Arts and Humanities (JRCAH) in order to contribute to the attractiveness of the downtown area and provide functional bicycle parking to serve residents living, working and visiting downtown businesses. The bike racks provide aesthetic points of interest, support increased bicycle u...se for short trips and liberate parking spaces for visitors from longer distances to access downtown businesses. The project complements the full range of beautification projects that have taken place in Downtown Lynchburg ad the City’s investment in trails and bike lanes.

More than 30 designs were submitted to the public Artful Bike Rack competition in Fall of 2014. By spring of 2015, the four winning designs selected had been created by Philip Gabathuler, Davy Hazelgrove, Matt Perkins and John Wilson.

One of the artful bike racks was fabricated at no cost by AREVA (Mt Athos division), while the remaining three were commissioned to local artist Paul Clements, who also produced the public LOVE statue downtown.

Bike racks are located at the Bank of the James plaza, the Community Market, City Hall and on the corner of 5th Street and Madison.

“The arts, including public art play a vital role in stimulating society and developing vital communities”, said Kim Soerensen, president of the James River Council. “They lift our quality of life, have a crucial impact on our economy, foster creativity, heighten our cultural intelligence and deepen our collective sense of humanity. We hope the Artful Bike Racks will stimulate our community in being active and riding bikes while delighting all with unique public art”.

“Public art gives a City personality. An arts-oriented, bike-friendly City creates a vibrant community with positive effects on business development and social and physical connectivity,” said Marjette Upshur, director of economic development for the City of Lynchburg. “The James River Arts & Culture District program is proud to support projects like this that advance both the arts and economic development.”

Development of the Artful Bike Rack project was made possible through numerous partnerships:

• Lynchburg’s Office of Economic Development facilitated a grant from the James River Arts & Cultural District Program.
• Lynchburg departments of Community Development and Public Works contributed staff time towards location and installation services
• AREVA and its staff, David Roberts and Scott Evans, provided material and fabrication services for one of the racks
• RIDE Solutions contributed funds for the fabrication of racks and provided staff project assistance
• The James River council for the Arts & Humanities contributed funds for the fabrication of racks and provided project leadership.

For more details about the event, visit the James River Council for the Arts & Humanities Facebook page.

About the James River Council for the Arts & Humanities
The mission of the JRCAH is to promote and facilitates public art projects and cultural experiences through the medium of art. Our goal is to enrich the lives of the citizens of our community, always free to the public.
Current and previous projects include:
• Permanent visual installations such as the LOVE sculpture and the Artful Bike Racks
• Temporary visual and multimedia installations such as Keys for the Hill City
• Upcoming photography installation in partnership with Miriam’s House “Through the eyes of the Homeless” to raise awareness and funds for the organization.

We are an all-volunteer organization, working on an entrepreneurial model to enrich the cultural lives of citizens; Our public projects are not limited to any creative medium or genre, and may include fundraising, design competitions, project management, promoting, documentation/permit guidance or other roles requested by project creators and/or artists

GET! DOWNTOWN~SEPT. 11, 2015

Lynch's Landing presents the Seventh Annual Get! Downtown Street Festival on September 11th!

On Friday, September 11th from 6-9PM, Main Street will be closed from intersections of 13th Street to 7th Street, welcoming over 10,000 festival goers to the 2015 Get! Downtown Street Festival. As the largest street festival in Lynchburg, Get!Downtown will once again welcome six blocks of downtown businesses, and vendors, artists, crafters, live music and performance on three stages, dancers and street performers, and taste local cuisine all along Main Street.

This year boasts musical performances on each of the three stages with a line up of the MG Experience and DJ Ed at the Community Market Stage; Exodus and Alma Hesson at the 7th Street stage, and WhoaBear, Mystic Alpacas, Blackout, LCCP and Ben Browne on the Sun Trust Stage. Activites on the blocks include skate demos, chalk art, and an arcade trailer, plus a kids zone at the Community Market with magic performances, face-painters, jugglers, and balloon artists. Visit your favorite food trucks at the BBT lot Food Truck Round up, toss your name in for grand giveaways at various vendors, and get to know downtown Lynchburg.

New this year, a shuttle service will be available from the James River Conference Center parking lot to the festival.

Be mindful of your furry four legged best friends! For the safety of them and other festival goers, please leave them in the comfort of their own home. Pets are no longer allowed at the festival.

This event is hosted by Lynch's Landing and made possible by our generous sponsors;

Genworth, the City of Lynchburg, Greater Lynchburg Transit Company, Discover Lynchburg and media partners; Lynchburg Radio Group, Live Stream Lynchburg and ABC-13, plus college sponsors: Central Virginia Community College, Miller-Motte Technical College, Liberty University, Lynchburg College, Sweet Briar College and Randolph College.

Main Street will close to traffic from 7th Street to 13th Street beginning at 5:30PM, creating a fun, entertaining, free event open to the general public.

For more information concerning this year's event, contact Cameo Hoyle at the information above. Also please visit www.getdowntownlynchburg.com  for information on participating vendors, performers and entertainers. You can also like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/getdowntownfestival .

Lower Bluff Walk Official Opening~August 11th

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Downtown Block Party ~ August 7th

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Community Market Launches "Lynchburg is for Locavores" campaign

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On Saturday, June 13, the Lynchburg Community Market will launch "Lynchburg is for Locavores," a grant-funded campaign aimed at encouraging people in the Hill City to eat more locally grown foods.

“We have some amazing farmers in our community, and they produce some of the most nutritious, exciting and tasty food in our region,” Market Manager Jennifer Kennedy said. “Some people might be surprised at the variety of foods available at the Lynchburg Community Market, everything from local honey and golden beets to fresh goat cheese and grass-fed beef — all from within a 100-mile radius of Lynchburg.”

Lynchburg is for Locavores will kick off at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 13, with a cooking demonstration by Jeanell Smith, of Greens & Grains Personal Chef Service. Smith will cook up three dishes featuring the market’s “item of the week,” Swiss chard. The recipes will be available to marketgoers.

Upcoming demonstrations will feature local chef Marisa Jones, cooking with radishes on June 20, and West Manor’s Stephanie Fees, cooking with berries on June 27. Demonstrations will be held each Saturday morning through September. In addition, the campaign will include photography competitions, seasonal recipes, a recipe contest, and T-shirts, bumper stickers and other “Lynchburg is for Locavores” merchandise.

Visit www.lynchburgcommunitymarket.com for Community Market information!

$1 million gift to Amazement Square for Education Center

Amazement Square Announces $1 Million gift in support of the Education Center expansion project

A commitment to re-investing in downtown Lynchburg and enhancing the educational opportunities for a better community.   

Amazement Square Education Center Vision

LYNCHBURG, VA – June 5, 2015 – Amazement Square today announced a major gift from an anonymous supporter in the amount of $1 million to the Museum’s recently launched capital campaign for a new Education Center opening in 2016. With a total of $4.1 Million raised, there is still $2.7 Million left to complete a $6.8 Million Campaign that includes an endowment, to bring this much needed regional resource to the families of central Virginia.

Read the full press release HERE

FRIDAY CHEERS KICKS OFF MAY 29

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Free Clinic of Central VA 11th Annual Downtown Loft Tour

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AMAZEMENT SQUARE NATIONAL MEDAL WINNER

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http://www.amazementsquare.com/national-medal-winner/

KEYS FOR THE HILL CITY 2015

7 Pianos are back in downtown this First Friday, May 1! Come play and entertain others at the piano jam from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

DOWNTOWN CIVIL WAR WALKING TOUR

Take the Downtown Civil War Walking Tour. This is a wonderful tool for all to utilize during the upcoming sesquicentennial festivities and beyond! ENJOY!
 http://www.lynchburgcivilwartour.com/

LYNCH'S LANDING RECEIVES VIRGINIA MAIN STREET MILESTONE AWARDS

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Executive Director, Heather Kennedy, accepted two Virginia Main Street Milestone Awards in Richmond, VA on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at the 30th Anniversary Milestone Achievement Awards Ceremony.

Lynch's Landing was presented awards for Volunteer Investment and Private Investment.

Lynchburg, Virginia Civil War Sesquicentennial

Civil War events occurring in Lynchburg to coincide with the 150th Appomattox Court House Commemoration--Tuesday, April 7-Sunday, April 12, 2015:

Tuesday, April 7 & Saturday, April 11--Lynchburg Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau will offer a free one hour walking tour of downtown Lynchburg at 2pm. Beginning at the Lynchburg Visitor Center, 216 12th Street, the tour will focus on the importance of Lynchburg during the Civil War. The tour is limited to 20 persons. Those interested in taking part are encouraged to call the Lynchburg Visitor Center at 434-485-7290 as soon as possible to reserve their spot. Visit www.discoverlynchburg.org for additional information on other local Civil War events and activities.

Wednesday, April 8--Fort Early, corner of Fort Avenue & Memorial Avenue, museum and grounds open from 10am-2pm. Call 434-209-8054 for additional information.

Wednesday, April 8--Lynchburg Civil War Round Table meeting at The Hill City House Grille, 7001 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, 24502. Social hour begins at 6pm, followed by a buffet dinner at 7pm, and then at 8pm the guest speaker, Chris Kolakowski, will present a program on the Battle of Missionary Ridge, TN and its connection to the military MacArthur family. $20 for dinner and the program, or $5 for the program only. The public is invited to attend! Contact Kevin Shroyer, 434-947-2244 x106, for more information and to make dinner reservations.

Friday, April 10--The Taylor-Wilson Camp #10 Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War will offer a free two hour narrated trolley tour of Civil War sites in Lynchburg. The tour will begin at 11am at Historic Sandusky, 757 Sandusky Drive, the headquarters of Union General David Hunter during the June 17-18, 1864 Battle of Lynchburg. Seating is limited to 24 and is on a first-come basis. Reservations may be made by calling the Lynchburg Visitor’s Center, 434-485-7290. Visit www.discoverlynchburg.org for additional information on other local Civil War events and activities.

Friday, April 10--Presbyterian Cemetery, 907 Bailey Street, Lynchburg, 24504, will offer a free Civil War tour of the cemetery at 3:30pm. Call 434-845-0551 or go to www.presbyteriancemeteryva.com for additional information.

Saturday, April 11--Presbyterian Cemetery, 907 Bailey Street, Lynchburg, 24504, will offer free Civil War tours of the cemetery at 10:30am; 1:30pm; and 3:30pm. Call 434-845-0551 or go to www.presbyteriancemeteryva.com for additional information.

Saturday, April 11--Old City Cemetery, 401 Taylor Street, Lynchburg, 24501, will host a free archaeology open house from 9am-5pm. Call 434-847-1465 or go to www.gravegarden.org for additional information.

On-going exhibits include:

The Legacy Museum of African American History, 403 Monroe Street, Lynchburg, 24504, will offer free admission that weekend as they continue their exhibit "Trouble Don't Las Always: African American Life in Central Virginia During and After the Civil War, 1860-1890." Call 434-845-3455 or go to www.legacymuseum.org for additional information.

The Lynchburg Museum, 901 Court Street, Lynchburg, 24504, will continue their exhibit "Experience the James: Lynchburg's Pathway to the World", which includes Civil War naval activity on the James River. The Museum also has exhibits on Lynchburg during the Civil War and memorabilia from General Jubal Early, the flag of the 11th Virginia Infantry, and much more. Call 434-455-6226 or go to www.lynchburgmuseum.org for additional information.

Other Civil War sites of interest include:

Historic Sandusky, 757 Sandusky Drive, Lynchburg, 24502. Union General David Hunter's headquarters during the June 17-18, 1864 Battle of Lynchburg. Call 434-832-0162 or go to www.historicsandusky.org for additional information.

National Civil War Chaplains Museum, 1971 Liberty University Drive, Lynchburg, 24502. Call 434-582-2087 or go to www.chaplainsmuseum.org for additional information.

Point of Honor, 112 Cabell Street, Lynchburg, 24504. During the Civil War, Point of Honor was home to Col. Robert Owen and his wife Narcissa. Owen was president of the vital VA and TN Railroad and the story of Narcissa and Union spies during the Battle of Lynchburg is provided on site. Call 434-455-6226 or go to www.pointofhonor.org for additional information.

Downtown Lynchburg Wedding Giveaway ~ Deadline March 23, 2015

One lucky couple will win a dreamy prize package of wedding must-haves! The Academy has partnered with several of Downtown Lynchburg's finest wedding service providers to deliver you a head start on the ultimate wedding. 

This giveaway, estimated at over $4000 in prizes, includes:

• Reception Venue at the Academy of Fine Arts on Saturday, November 7, 2015
• $400 towards a Wedding Dress from Church Street Bridal
• Engagement Photo shoot with Sam Stroud Photography
• A $240 "Wedding Package" of Dance Lessons from The Red Shoes
• $200 towards chocolate favors from Cao Artisan Chocolates
• Honeymoon suite overnight with breakfast for two at the Holiday Inn
• All entry forms and videos must be submitted by Monday, March 23rd at 11:59 p.m. Contestants will be notified on or about March 30
  *Entering acknowledges the couple's agreement with the Rules & Eligibility, Liability Release & Terms and Conditions of this giveaway.

So how can YOU win?

Check out all the details at http://www.academyfinearts.com/events/Downtown-Wedding-Giveaway.asp

 

2nd Annual Museum After Dark

Why should kids have all the fun? This adults only night at Amazement Square, welcomes those age 21 and older to embrace their inner child while enjoying food and refreshments, exploring the museum and participating in fun and innovative programming. The night features food from local restaurants, beer and wine tastings, and other entertainment. Experience the museum in a whole new way while raising money to support the museums exhibitions and educational programs!! Purchase tickets online at www.amazementsquare.org!

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Community Market Renovations & Downtown Parking Meeting

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Thursday, February, 5 ~ 7:00 p.m.

Lynchburg Community Market

1219 Main Street, Lynchburg

The City of Lynchburg will conduct a public stakeholders meeting to discuss the upcoming renovations to the parking deck located at the Lynchburg Community Market, 1219 Main Street and to provide information regarding downtown parking.

You are invited to attend to learn about the project, ask any questions you may have about the temporary changes that will take place and to receive an update on the progress of the paid parking pilot program. 

Questions regarding the project may be directed to Dave Malewitz, Parking Manager at 455-3997 or Lee Newland, City Engineer at 455-3950

Visit

www.lynchburgVA.com

SONNETS AND CHOCOLATES~A Perfect night out in February

SOLD OUT ~ SOLD OUT

Join us for a night of delicious desserts, outstanding performances from some of your favorite Endstation performers, a live auction and more as we raise money for Endstation’s 2015 summer lineup.

Now in its 6th year, Sonnets and Chocolates is an Endstation tradition. A unique date night or simply an opportunity to gather with friends, this exciting event allows you to support Endstation while having an entertaining and chocolate filled evening.

After some time to sip local wine or Devil’s Backbone brew, nibble on chocolate and mingle, guests will be invited to join the evening’s live auction. The auction will feature some fantastic items, including performances by some of our fabulous actors.

Saturday, February 7 @7pm
Academy of Fine Arts Warehouse Theatre
Corner of 5th and Commerce Streets
Downtown Lynchburg

MISTELTOE MARKET DECEMBER 20

Lynchburg Community Market will have the last of the Mistletoe Markets this Saturday. We'll have all our wonderful specialty vendors, local holiday music, and a tasting table where you can sample market goodies to take home.

 They will be open extended hours from 7am-3pm-so you get an extra hour to shop and enjoy!

 Thank you to the Friends of the Market and Lynch's Landing volunteers who also helped with  The Clauses, Grinch and Horse & Carriage rides on the 6 & 13 of December. They will not be at the market on Dec. 20 but look forward to returning in 2015.

This year we are also staying open until 4 pm on Tuesday, December 23 to provide a great last chance shopping opportunity for you to grab the best local gifts around.

So bundle up and head downtown, and we will see you at the Market!

LYNCHBURG CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY PARADE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

The Lynchburg Christmas Parade: A Local Tradition

Central Virginians of all ages love the annual Lynchburg Christmas Parade. Every December they turn out along the streets of historic downtown Lynchburg for two hours of marching bands, colorful floats, antique cars and motorcycle clubs, equestrian and military units, beauty queens, emergency vehicles, and much more.

The Lynchburg Christmas Parade is the only annual parade in Lynchburg and it’s even more exciting when it’s held “under the lights” as dusk falls across Lynchburg.

A Proud History

The first Lynchburg Christmas Parade was held in 1959, hosted then by the Lynchburg Jaycees. In 2003, The Fire Foundation (formerly the Lynchburg Fire & EMS Foundation) became the host of the annual event in an agreement with the Lynchburg Jaycees and the City of Lynchburg.

The Fire Foundation remained committed to presenting a bigger and better parade each year. The parade committee was made up of Foundation officials and representatives of the City of Lynchburg and many businesses and organizations throughout Lynchburg, working with corporate sponsors to secure funding for insurance and promotion and for prizes to attract top high school bands. The leadership and commitment provided the parade’s continuation and vitality.

In 2013, the Fire Foundation and the City of Lynchburg officially granted the Retail Merchants Association the opportunity to serve as the host of the event. Because of the Association’s mission to support local businesses in the Greater Lynchburg area, it seemed like a natural fit for us to host and promote the Parade.

About the Retail Merchants Association

Established in 1907, the Retail Merchants Association has been involved in many aspects of the business community. We are a member-based association that supports and promotes independently owned small-medium sized businesses in the Greater Lynchburg area.

Benefits of Membership (not all-inclusive): Marketing Consultations, Co-op Advertising, Networking Opportunities, BUY LOCAL Campaign, RX Prescription Discount Program, Value Added Benefits Program underwritten by Anthem, Online Courses and Webinars, Various Workshops, Member Match / Referrals, Special Events (Meet Me in Lynchburg BUY LOCAL fundraiser in April 2013, Christmas in July BUY LOCAL event, Local Business EXPO), Good Benefits Package, Legislative Advocacy on a state and national level, visibility, Support of local non-profits though the RMA Foundation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THE WEBSITE AT http://lynchburgchristmasparade.com/

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY BY HEATHER C. KENNEDY ON WSET LHOV

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