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🌟Hot Dogs, Hot Days, Hotter Bands

🌟Hot Dogs, Hot Days, Hotter Bands

Fair rides, charity “Diggity Dawgs,” and live music

July 07, 2025

Good morning, Roanoke! It’s Monday, July 7, and summer is in full swing. The heat will be here this week, but so will great live music and fun times at the fair.

Let’s get into it!

Blue Ridge Brief

Mill Mountain’s New Sloth Lady🦥

Mill Mountain Zoo’s slow lane just doubled in charm: 11-year-old Lady, a laid-back Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth, now shares her branch with a one-year-old male who arrived in June. The youngster is the star of an open naming contest—drop a dollar at the zoo or submit online to vote—and he’ll join Lady in new conservation programs designed to show how sloths’ unhurried lifestyles help rainforest ecosystems.

Free Dawgs on the 4th🌭

KoolKids Diggity Dawgs turned their Fourth-of-July weekend into a block-party of generosity, rolling up the hot-dog cart to dish out free dogs, chips, and ice-cold drinks for dozens of Roanoke neighbors experiencing homelessness. Founder Melvin Ward calls it their “annual cookout with a purpose,” proving once again that a simple meal shared in love can light up the whole valley.

The Report

Adopt Pets

Looking for an instant mood-booster? Say hello to Lyric, a sleek young tabby (Domestic Short Hair) who chirps greetings like a tiny songbird and wants to compose his happily-ever-after chorus with you; and Chance, a bright-eyed tuxedo cat bouncing back from a rough patch and eager to turn his fresh start into a forever home.

House of the Week

2525 Timberview Rd, North County – Ever wanted your very own Blue Ridge lookout tower? This 3-bedroom, 2-bath A-frame meets modern boasts a two-story wall of windows that frames the sunrise over 16.6 wooded acres. Hike your trails, spy wildlife from the deck, or send the kids to the backyard playhouse with walkie-talkies. Listed just under $750 k.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

July 8–13 – Salem Fair 🎡 keeps the midway whirling with towering rides, funnel cakes, and nightly fireworks at the Salem Civic Center grounds. Catch Virginia’s largest free fair before it packs up Sunday → https://www.salemfair.comsalemfair.com

July 11 – Taylor Swift Tribute: Let’s Sing Taylor ✨ turns Dr Pepper Park into a full-on Swiftie sing-along starting 6 p.m. Grab your friendship bracelets and belt every era live → https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/80705038 etix.com

July 11 – First Fridays at Five 🎸 jams downtown with The Delaneys, craft brews, and a street-party vibe benefiting local charities. Gates open 5 p.m.; $7 cover → https://www.firstfridaysroanoke.com

LIVE MUSIC

Monday – July 7
Big Lick Brewing | Irish Music Session | 6:30 PM

Friday – July 11
5 Points Music Sanctuary | Minka w/ The Big Debbies | 8:00 PM | $15–$27 | Tickets
Floyd Country Store | Friday Night Jamboree | 6:30 PM | $5–$12 | Tickets
Martin’s Downtown | GAK! (90’s Party Hits) | 10:00 PM | $10 | Tickets

Saturday – July 12
5PTS Outdoors @ The Dog Bowl | Tell Me Lies – Fleetwood Mac Tribute | 6:00 PM | $20–$50 | Tickets
Martin’s Downtown | Half Moon | 10:00 PM | $10 | Tickets
The Spot on Kirk | An Evening with Webb Wilder | 8:00 PM | Tickets
Twisted Track Brewpub | Joey’s Van (Pop Punk Tribute) | 6:00 PM

Weather

Monday
95 🌡️ 72 | 🌤️ | 30% | 💨 NW 6 mph (5 knots)

Tuesday
96 🌡️ 71 | ⛈️ | 60% | 💨 SW 6 mph (5 knots)

Wednesday
92 🌡️ 70 | ⛈️ | 80% | 💨 N 5 mph (4 knots)

Thursday
89 🌡️ 69 | ⛈️ | 90% | 💨 NW 8 mph (7 knots)

Friday
88 🌡️ 70 | ⛈️ | 70% | 💨 NE 6 mph (5 knots)

Saturday
90 🌡️ 70 | 🌤️ | 50% | 💨 E 5 mph (4 knots)

Sunday
91 🌡️ 71 | ⛈️ | 60% | 💨 SE 4 mph (3 knots)

💧🌡️ Smith Mountain Lake water temp = 78 ºF