On Friday, April 26, the Front Royal Rotary sponsored a downtown Front Royal “Pub Crawl” featuring a Phony Ponies “horse race” ticket holders could bet on to add to the Rotary fundraiser, and a little reward for their knowledge of the relative prowess and breeding of the involved Phony Ponies. Or as one pre-race announcer informed the crowd, “We’ve got three stallions and two old mares in this race,” which was met by some boos from the filly-supporting contingent.

And it was one of those two filly mares that led the five-horse field across the finish line after three laps around the Gazebo in the in the Main Street Downs Raceway shortly after 7:30 p.m. — that was “Blazin’ Botox” (Warren County Sheriff Crystal Cline), followed in order by “Money for Nothing” (Front Royal Rotary President Ken Evans), “Closing Real Fast” (Front Royal Police Chief Kahle Magalis), “Bullseye” (Warren County Rotary President Michael Williams), and “The Old Gray Mare” or was that “Mayor” (Front Royal Mayor Lori Cockrell).

The Rotary Pub Crawl stops at the Buckle and Belle Boutique ‘Hat Bar’ in time to dress for the occasion, as in Kentucky Derby fancy hats. Why Kentucky Derby fancy hats? Well, it’s almost post time for the Phony Ponies, one of which is taking care of some pre-race unfinished business as you often see the real horses do on the way to the gate. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

It was a highly competitive race with some post finish line challenges offered by runner up Money for Nothing, whose jockey Evans noted an unapproved by the Racing Commission pre-race change into borrowed running shoes by the winner, as well as some out-of-my-lane territorial elbow-bumping by Blazing Botox to keep him in his 2nd place position. WAIT, do horses have elbows? I guess phony ones do.

Race fans grew anxious as post time approached. All five Phony Ponies are at the starting line. Might that inside post position drawn by Blazin’ Botox prove a difference maker in the long run? And they’re OFF and the cameras are popping.

Jockey Cockrell explained her disappointing 5th place finish, noting she had locked in behind Bullseye/Williams early in the running. However, it ended up being a bad spot to draft, as Bullseye appeared to be having an equipment break-down in front of her, as in a drooping “saddle” threatening that stallions stability and which she had to pull back from for caution’s sake.

On the more serious side, the second annual Talk Derby To Me Pub Crawl fundraiser was in support of Rotary International’s eradicate polio worldwide effort. More information about Rotary’s efforts to end polio can be found at this website: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/ending-polio

Involved and supporting downtown businesses included Vibrissa, the On Cue Sports Bar & Grill, Buckle & Belle Boutique, sponsor of the “Phony Ponies” race, C&C Frozen Treats, Pavemint Smoking Taphouse, Honey & Hops, Catamount Lounge, and Garcia & Gavino. Hope we didn’t miss anyone, and we’ll update as necessary if we did.

And in a late update, individual sponsoring of the Phony Ponies was provided by: Ken Evans, ReMax Reality sponsoring Evans on “Money For Nothing”; CSM Aesthetics sponsored “Blazin’ Botox” and jockey Cline; Clint Pierpoint, Next Home Reality Select sponsored “Closing Real Fast” with Chief Magalis on the saddle; Lori Cockrell for Mayor sponsored “The Old Grey Mare” with the mayor riding; and Shenandoah Valley Axe Throwing Co. sponsored the saddle-failing “Bullseye” with Williams keeping his stallion upright.

And if you missed the fun and excitement, here are a few more shots.

Jockeys try to get a handle on their situation during a warm-up lap. Wonder where that inside post position horse is? Uh oh, 3 racing laps around the Gazebo and there she is crossing that finish line in the lead, and it’s straight to the Winner’s Circle.

And a final look at this year’s Phony Ponies leader of the pack Blazing Botox, out of the WCSO stables. Second place Money for Nothing jockey Ken Evans gives a congratulatory nod to the winner, even with those late-acquired un-sanctioned shoes. And a final nod to the crowd from the winner.

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is pleased to announce that festival fans can watch the Hang 10 Car Wash Firefighters’ Parade and the Glofiber Grand Feature Parade on several local television channels and stream it on the festival’s website at www.thebloom.com.

The Hang 10 Car Wash Firefighters’ Parade will air starting at 5:30 pm on Friday, May 3, 2024, on the following:

Live streaming at www.thebloom.com

VA- Comcast – Channel 6

VA- Glofiber – Channel 7

WV- Comcast – Channel TV 10, Talk Radio WRNR

The Glofiber Grand Feature Parade will air starting at 2:00 pm on the following:

Live streaming at www.thebloom.com

DC NEWS NOW – WDVM

VA- Comcast – Channel 6

VA-Glofiber – Channel 7

WV- Comcast – Channel TV 10, Talk Radio WRNR

Parade goers can reserve seats from the Festival by visiting www.thebloom.com/events.  Reserved seat locations and prices are listed below:

Hang 10 Car Wash Firefighters’ Parade steps off at 5:30 pm on Friday, May 3, 2024

$10.00 Cork St

$10.00 Handley Library

$10.00 Handley Blvd

$15.00 Handley Blvd Queen’s Garden

Glofiber Grand Feature Parade steps off at 1:30 pm on Saturday, May 4, 2024

$15.00 Cork St.

$15.00 Handley Library

$15.00 Handley Blvd (North and South)

$25.00 Handley Blvd Queen’s Garden

In addition to the Festival seating options listed above, local youth non-profits will sell seating along the parade route at various prices. Seat sales by these organizations are great fundraisers for them, and we encourage you to consider supporting these groups.

Festival goers can learn about important information on the City of Winchester website at www.winchesterva.gov/news-happenings/events/apple-blossom.  Information includes road closures and detours, safety tips, parking, medical aid station locations, bag checks, and prohibited items.

Designated accessible parking is available at the John Handley High School parking lot along Handley Blvd. Only those with a handicap license plate or placard will gain access to this area. The parking lot can be accessed by traveling on South Stewart Street to West Cecil Street and Handley Avenue. A map of the designated accessible parking lot can be downloaded by visiting www.winchesterva.gov/news-happenings/events/apple-blossom.

For more information about the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®, please visit www.thebloom.com, call (540) 662-3863, or contact us at info@thebloom.com.

Dive deep into the poignant story of Judah, an enslaved cook at Belle Grove, in a special 30-minute presentation in the historic winter kitchen of the Belle Grove Manor House. This insightful program draws on rare primary sources from the Hite family archives, offering a unique glimpse into Judah’s life and her significant role within the manor until she died in 1836.

This is a pastel portrait of Judah by artist Megan Whitfield, who imagined her appearance based on historical context.

Program Details:

• Location: Winter Kitchen, Belle Grove Manor House (entry under the front porch)
• Schedule for 2024:
  • May 31, June 28, July 26, August 30, September 27, October 25
  • Time: 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Admission to this program is free; however, donations are greatly appreciated. For those interested in exploring more of Belle Grove, regular admission rates apply for tours of the Manor House either before the presentation at 1:15 PM or afterward at 3:15 PM. Tickets can be purchased at the Welcome Center upon arrival.

This presentation, a recurring event since 2016, also inspired Dr. Brian C. Johnson to write “Send Judah First: The Erased Life of an Enslaved Soul,” a historical novel that breathes life into Judah’s story. Published in August 2019 by Hidden Shelf Publishing House, the book is available in the Museum Shop or on Amazon.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with history in the very space where Judah once lived and worked. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a local explorer, or a visitor looking to understand the deeper stories of the past, this presentation at Belle Grove offers a profound and educational experience.

The Virginia Gold Cup, a beloved fixture in the Washington, D.C. region since 1922, is set to return on May 4, promising a day of thrills, fashion, and festive tailgating. Held in the heart of Virginia horse country, the event boasts stunning landscapes, making it the perfect backdrop for one of the area’s largest and most scenic outdoor gatherings.

This year, attendees can look forward to eight heart-pounding races with parimutuel wagering, one of Virginia’s sanctioned parimutuel race events, where the excitement of horse racing meets the elegance of Southern hospitality. Large hats, elaborate tailgates, and vibrant tented parties are the norms at this prestigious event, often referred to as Virginia’s answer to the Kentucky Derby.

Adding to the day’s festivities, the ever-popular Jack Russell Terrier races will return, beginning at 11 a.m. These races feature spirited little dogs navigating obstacles to chase a lure, providing entertainment that is especially beloved by children and families.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, May 4
• Location: Great Meadow, 5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains, Va.
• Gates Open: 10 a.m.
• Jack Russell Terrier Races: 11 a.m.
• Tailgate Contest: Begins at noon (To enter, send your name, contact information, and tailgate spot number to Victoria@bendurepr.com by May 2.)
• First Horse Race: 1 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now, with general admission priced at $50 per person for a wristband and $100 per vehicle. These include access to all the races and the day’s activities. Attendees can also experience the exclusive 1922 VIP tent, which offers premium race viewing and all-day food and drink.

For those planning to attend, purchasing tickets and parking passes in advance through www.vagoldcup.com is highly recommended, as sales will continue until 1 p.m. on race day. From Washington, D.C., guests can reach the venue by taking I-66 west to Exit 31 (Rte. 245 south) and following signs to Great Meadow, approximately a 50-minute drive.

Prepare for a spectacular day at the races, where the community comes together to enjoy the beauty of steeplechase racing, stylish gatherings, and the unbridled joy of outdoor sports in a picturesque setting. Don’t miss this celebrated spring tradition in Virginia horse country!

The picturesque Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce, Virginia, will host the 34th Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Fair, inviting enthusiasts to celebrate the beauty of spring amidst blooming flora. Scheduled for May 11-12, 2024, from 9 am to 4 pm, this enduring event coincides with the blossoms of the State Arboretum of Virginia, providing a perfect backdrop for families celebrating Mother’s Day.

Getting ready for the Garden Fair.

Attracting visitors from a radius of up to 300 miles, including those from Clarke, Frederick, Shenandoah, Warren, and Loudoun Counties, the Garden Fair is renowned for its wide variety of native plants, annuals, perennials, herbs, trees, and shrubs. Beyond plants, attendees can shop for garden tools and nature-inspired crafts and enjoy an array of children’s activities, music, and delectable food options. Melanie Mullinax, Communications and Events Manager at Blandy, emphasized the fair’s role as a seasonal highlight, drawing thousands of plant lovers eager to explore new and favorite vendors alike.

As the principal fundraising event for the Foundation of the State Arboretum, the Garden Fair plays a crucial role in supporting the Arboretum’s educational programs and the maintenance of its diverse plant collections. “Shopping at the Garden Fair is more than just making a purchase—it’s about enjoying and contributing to the preservation of nature,” Mullinax noted.

Rain or shine, the event promises a weekend of natural beauty and community spirit. Tickets are priced at $10 per car in advance, available through Eventbrite, or $15 at the gate, with each ticket valid for both days of the fair.

Blandy Experimental Farm, a 712-acre University of Virginia research facility, is devoted to enhancing the understanding of the natural environment. Its grounds, which house the State Arboretum of Virginia, are open to the public year-round, featuring walking trails, gardens, and a Native Plant Trail for educational tours.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Blandy Experimental Farm website at www.blandy.virginia.edu.

On April 28th, 2024, the Bethel Life Church invites community members to a special Seder Meal held at the Bethel Community Center in Front Royal, VA. This event is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. and offers an opportunity for great food and fellowship.

The Seder Meal is a tradition that commemorates the Passover, marking the Israelites’ liberation from Egyptian slavery. It’s a time of reflection and community, filled with symbolic foods and stories that resonate with themes of freedom and renewal. The Bethel Life Church’s event is open to all, aiming to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to share in this meaningful experience.

Located at 49 Kendrick Ford Road, the Bethel Community Center provides the perfect setting for this gathering. The event promises to offer a taste of traditional foods and a chance to connect with others in the community. It’s an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in experiencing a Seder and learning more about this significant historical and religious event.

For more information, visit the church’s website at www.bethellife.org or contact them directly at 540.635.1826. Whether you’re familiar with the Seder tradition or curious to experience it for the first time, Bethel Life Church welcomes you to join them for a day of remembrance, community, and celebration.