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The Roanoke Valley Chess Club brought its popular “Chess-tival” event once again to the annual Festival in the Park in downtown Roanoke. This major celebration takes place every Memorial Day weekend in Elmwood Park, and attracts many thousands of participants. The Chess Club convened on Saturday, May 27th, at its customary area along Elm Avenue.
We found the weather at Festival very pleasant, as usual. Just a gorgeous late spring afternoon-- partly sunny, not too hot, with strong breezes at times. Our trees had been cut down, but we had a large canopy-type structure, furnished at no extra cost, to protect us from the sun and rain. (The forecast mentioned thunderstorms, but they missed us!)
We had plenty of avid chess lovers among our visitors, some of whom played very well. The games were intense (and in tents). The RVCC, represented by Rusty, Club President Mike Huff, Treasurer Ray Megginson, former President Richard White, Ben DuBuque, and Ansel Steele, offered games and information to Festival-goers, and collected a total of eight e-mail addresses for our recruitment drive.
We want to thank all of the volunteers who helped make Festival 2017 a success. A SPECIAL shout-out goes to Ed Gig, Pat King, and all the other fine folks of Roanoke Festival, Inc. who helped us have a great event.
We all enjoyed the food, the music, and the scenery-- especially all the lovely ladies. Of course, we also really liked the all-day, non-stop CHESS!
This event is part of the Roanoke Valley Chess Club's ongoing commitment to promote the great game of chess in the region, and-- as always-- is 100% FREE to the general public.
( Submitted by Mike Huff )