By whichever name you prefer: Earth, Lone Pine, or Tree Giveaway Day in Front Royal, Sunday, April 21, was a rousing success and then some! That is unless you got there much after 11 a.m. and were looking for one of those 450 native species trees being given away through a grant from the Department of Forestry. We’ll let Aces Committee supporting member Chris Rademacher, who was manning the tree distribution table when we arrived, explain:

“This was an awesome grant from the Department of Forestry. It was funded through their Virginia Trees for Clean Water Program. So, it was a $7,000 grant and we bought these trees and we’re giving them away to the community during our Front Royal Earth Day, Lone Pine Day Festival. And they’re all gone,” Rademacher observed shortly after 11 a.m. before we noted three lonely trees sitting somewhat obscured at some distance behind his table and over toward East Main Street.

Aces Committee member Chris Rademacher tells a citizen that available trees for giveaway are getting slim – you may have to take one helping advertise the ‘Native Tree Give-away’ table site. Below, Rademacher displays one of the final three trees available at 11:20 a.m. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

Wait, what — nearly 450 trees distributed to citizens attending the festival gone in just over an hour into the 10 a.m. event scheduled to run to 3 p.m. If we recall correctly, 250 trees were given away at last year’s event.

“We had a line of about 45 people waiting for trees at 10 a.m. It was pretty intense. And so we had this really nice flow throughout, I guess it’s only been an hour — And what time is it, 11:20, so about an hour and 20 minutes and all of our trees are gone except for three,” Rademacher said of the steady run on the grant-enabled tree give-away.

And while all trees appeared to have been claimed by about 11:30 a.m. there were still nearly four hours left for informational booth visiting, mingling with friends old or newly made, grabbing a snack at healthy food table displays or a food vendor booth, not to mention getting to know some of the Heavenly Heart Petting Zoo animals before the 3 p.m. final stop would be called.

Four perspectives of the Heavenly Hearts Petting Zoo and Animal Awareness site. In 3rd shot WayLynn the Guinea Pig wonders if any of that bagged food is coming its way. Marigold, the brown and white sheep surrounded by children in final shot, is blind, but loving the attention.

Of the Earth/Lone Pine Day event, we found this from an online search for Front Royal’s Earth Day event: “Whether you’ve been a part of previous events or are joining for the first time, kick off Spring with us and showcase your commitment to the environment! The event will connect you with diverse, nature-oriented conservation groups that showcase environmental stewardship at its best.”

So, in case you missed it, or just want to be reminded of all the fun you had by not missing it, enjoy this event photo run. And never forget, the earth we leave behind is a key portion of our generational legacy to all generations to come. Certainly something worth gathering to remember and recommit to annually.

Four of the environmentally themed informational tents set up in the Village Commons Park in Historic Downtown Front Royal, Va.

Two early-arriving citizens with their tree takes – don’t lose those on the way home, and plant them with care.

The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center display; and below some information on the instructional magic distributed at the American Gourd Society table.

A dinosaur-kid standoff; and below the plant lady wanted to make it perfectly clear that she was with this representative of the Stone Branch Center for the Arts located not far away on E. Main St. in downtown Front Royal.

And a final look around the Earth/Lone Pine Day scene in downtown Front Royal.

Front Royal is buzzing with excitement as the community prepares for the 9th Annual Family Fun Day, a cherished tradition that brings together families, local artisans, and performers to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend (May 11th) with flair and festivity. This year’s event promises a vibrant mix of activities, including a beloved local crawfish boil, bringing a taste of Louisiana to Virginia.

As the brainchild of local personalities William Huck (aka Crazy Wyllie) and his wife and partner Nina, Family Fun Day has grown from a simple gathering into a major community event. Now in its ninth year, the day is meticulously organized to foster community spirit and celebrate local culture. “Life is too short not to live it to the fullest,” says Crazy Wyllie, who is known for his energetic presence and deep community ties.

The festival kicks off with a parade featuring local groups and colorful floats, setting the stage for a day filled with music, dance, and family-oriented activities. Among the highlights are the crawfish boil, which sells out annually, and various workshops and demonstrations ranging from Frisbee golf to blacksmithing.

This year, approximately 55 vendors, most of whom are from Warren County, will showcase their crafts, contributing to the event’s local flavor. This focus on local talent is a pivot from past practices, aiming to promote community-based economic growth and celebrate regional artisans.

The entertainment lineup is as eclectic as it is exciting. It includes performances by the Jig and Jive Dance Studio and Music Mountain School, promising a day filled with dynamic entertainment. “I love to dance,” admits William, who also participates in the dance performances, adding a personal touch to the festivities.

Family Fun Day is more than just a celebration; it’s a philanthropic event that gives back to the community. Proceeds from the day are donated to local non-profits, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the local community that extends beyond a single day of fun.

“The stronger we are together, the stronger we are unstoppable,” William reflects on the community’s cohesion. This sentiment echoes through the event’s planning, emphasizing inclusivity and mutual support.

As Family Fun Day continues to grow, so does its impact on Front Royal. From revitalizing local traditions to fostering economic and cultural growth, the event is a cornerstone of community engagement. With each passing year, it weaves deeper into the fabric of local life, promising to be a source of joy and community pride for years to come.

The Valley Chorale presents “Wishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hope”, a spring concert exploring aspirations of love, home, spirituality and compassion that unite and uplift us all. With styles ranging from light classical and sacred to vocal jazz, spirituals and pop, The Valley Chorale strives to capture the hopes that unite us.

The Valley Chorale is known throughout the Shenandoah Valley for innovation and excellence, with piano, cello and percussion accompaniment, and their concerts are often a heart-warming experience for all. They welcome babies and tots, so no need to hire a babysitter.

Tickets can be purchased on their website TheValleyChorale.org — $15 for age 21+ (free under age 21) or at the door for $17.

SATURDAY, MAY 4, 3:00 – 4:15 PM
Belle Grove Plantation (Bank Barn), 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA

SUNDAY, MAY 5, 3:00 – 4:15 PM
First Baptist Church, 14 W. 1st Street, Front Royal, VA (Community Reception to follow)

For further information, visit the website: TheValleyChorale.org: follow them on Facebook; email them at TheValleyChorale@gmail.com or call at 540-635-4842.

Courtesy Royal Examiner File Photo of The Valley Chorale during the Christmas season. Get ready for their spring concerts ‘Wishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hope’ the first week of May.

(From a Release by The Valley Chorale)

The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, are scheduled to participate in the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday May 4^th, 2024. Additionally, Virginia Eagle Distributing will be hosting a meet and greet at their local warehouse on Wednesday May 1^st, 2024. The public is invited to get up close and personal with these gentle giants from 6-8pm. The warehouse is located at 3425 Valley Pike Winchester, VA 22602.

The Clydesdales’ appearance in Winchester is one of hundreds made annually by the traveling hitches.  Canadians of Scottish descent brought the first Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800’s. Today, the giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show.

Horses chosen for the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch must be at least three years of age, stand approximately 18 hands – or six feet – at the shoulder, weigh an average of 2,000 pounds, must be bay in color, have four white legs, and a blaze of white on the face and black mane and tail. A gentle temperament is very important as hitch horses meet millions of people each year.

A single Clydesdale hitch horse will consume as much as 20-25 quarts of feed, 40-50 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day.

Each hitch travels with a Dalmatian. In the early days of brewing, Dalmatians were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries.

The Budweiser Clydesdales can be viewed at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Grant’s Farm in St. Louis, MO. They also may be viewed at Warm Springs Ranch, the 300-plus acre Clydesdale breeding farm located near Boonville, MO.

On April 13, 2024, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution conducted two commemorations to honor events from the Revolutionary War era.  The ceremonies were held at the Wayside Inn, Middletown, VA.

The first event was a commemoration of Patriots Day. On April 19, 1775, approximately 700 British Regulars were sent to Concord, via Lexington, looking for arms and ammunition, as well as leaders of the patriot cause. The intentions of the British were passed to Joseph Warren who dispatched Paul Revere and William Dawes to warn the countryside the “Regulars are Coming!” In response, the Minute Men grabbed their weapons and headed towards town.

SAR participants in the ceremonies. Front row, left to right: Jim Simmons, Allan Phillips, Sean Carrigan, Dale Corey and Brian Bayliss; Back row, left to right: Steve Gahr, Paul Christensen, Marc Robinson, Barry Schwoerer, Doug Hall, Paul Parish, Bryan Buck, Richard Tyler and Kelly Ford. (Photos courtesy of Larry Clowser Webb)

When the British arrived in Lexington, they were met by 77 militiamen gathered on the town green, led by Captain John Parker. British Major John Pitcairn called to the militia to “Throw down your arms!” Captain Parker ordered his company to disperse. At some point, a shot rang out and the British fired, eight of the militia were killed with 10 wounded. The British then continued on to Concord. They were met by roughly 500 colonials with more on the way.

A British company of 220 men was sent to cover the Concord Bridge where they were met and outnumbered by the colonial Acton Company, led by Captain Isaac Davis. When Davis’ company came within range, the British opened fire, killing Davis and one other with four wounded. The British lost three killed and nine wounded. It was the battle at the North Bridge which is considered the “Shot heard round the world!”

The British formed the troops to begin a retreat to Boston. This began a rout of the royal forces as the colonials attacked from all sides along what is known as Battle Road. The British were pursued for 16 miles until they reached Charleston where they met with reinforcements and came within range of the British ships cannons. All total, there were 3,960 colonial militia involved against 1,500 British. The Americans suffered 93 casualties with the British losing 300. After a presentation on the battle, wreaths were presented to honor the event and a three round musket salute was fired.

Wreath presenters, from left to right: Paul Christensen, Paul Parish, Bryan Buck, Barry Schwoerer, Michelle Phillips and Doug Hall.

After that event, a celebration to honor Thomas Jefferson’s 281st birthday. Jefferson was a true renaissance man. He was a politician, farmer, lawyer, scientist, architect, family man and prolific writer. He was the son of Peter Jefferson and Jane Randolph, born April 2, 1743. In 1752, England moved from the Julian Calendar to the Gregorian Calendar, which added 11 days, moving his birthday to April 13.

His father owned a plantation of 5,000 acres known as Shadwell, located in central Virginia. When Jefferson was 14, his father died and he inherited the plantation. In 1768, he cleared 250 square feet of land on top of a 868 foot mountain on the property and built a brick one room house with basement. This named Monticello. The house became the south portico of the mansion that was built over a 40 year period. In 1772, he married Martha Wayles Skelton, producing six children. Only two of the children reached adulthood. Martha died in 1782, he lost what he considered “the cherished companion of my life.”

Best known as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, he served in a multitude of public service offices, including as President, Vice President, first Secretary of State, Minister to France, Virginia Governor, Member of the House of Delegates and the House of Burgesses, covering almost five decades of public service. In 1774, he authored a draft for Virginia’s delegation to the First Continental Congress, “Summary View of the rights of British America.” In addition, he and James Madison combined to right the Statute for Religious Freedom in 1786. A prolific writer, he wrote over 19,000 letters during his lifetime and was an avid reader.

In 1815, he sold his 6,500 volume library to the United States which replaced the books lost when the British burned the National library during the War of 1812.  During his Presidency, he was responsible for the purchase of the Louisiana Territory. This added 529 million acres of land to the United States. He was responsible for sending Meriweather Lewis and William Clark to explore the new territory and find a northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean.

Musket squad firing a salute.

His final public service was the founding of the University of Virginia, securing it’s location, designing the buildings, planning the curriculum and serving as first rector. Jefferson and John Adams died on July 4, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Ten days prior to his death, he wrote “All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man.” Jefferson wrote his own epitaph, designing the grave marker with the three accomplishments of which, he was most proud. The Declaration of American Independence, The Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom and Father of the University of Virginia. He was not a gifted speaker, but a shy, voracious reader and gifted correspondent. He wrote “I have no fear that the result of our experiment will be that men may be trusted to govern themselves.” He spent his life insuring that the great experiment would continue. A man among men, a patriot and founding father.

Wreaths were presented in memory of Thomas Jefferson with a musket squad firing a three round salute. Wreaths and honors were presented by the Colonel James Wood II, General Daniel Morgan, Sgt Maj John Champe, and Fort Harrison SAR Chapters; Pack House Ford West Virginia DAR Chapter and the Order of Founders and Patriots of America.

SAR members participating included Brian Bayliss, Bryan Buck, Sean Carrigan, Paul Christensen, Dale Corey, Chip Daniel, Kelly Ford, Doug Hall, Paul Parish, Marc Robinson, Jim Simmons and Richard Tyler. Color guard commanders were Allan Phillips from Colonel James Wood II and Barry Schwoerer from Sgt Maj John Champe. The DAR was represented by Michelle Phillips.

Archie Manning, of the Manning family quarterback legacy, philanthropist, football analyst, award winner will be welcomed as Sport Marshal of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® by Sharen Gromling, Festival president.

When people think of Archie Manning, they think football. But Archie’s appeal transcends his athletic achievements. People far and wide have been inspired by his warm personality, his drive and sense of humor. He currently serves in public relations and consulting capacities for several local, regional, and national companies. For 25 years he hosted four Archie Manning Cystic Fibrosis benefit golf tournaments in Louisiana and Mississippi and is active in a wide variety of charitable and civic causes.

Archie was born May 19, 1949, in Drew, Mississippi. He attended the University of Mississippi where he was named an All-American Quarterback and his #18 is retired. He was voted Mississippi’s Greatest All-Time Athlete in 1992 and was named Mississippi’s Most Popular Athlete of the Century. He was elected to the 50-Year All-South Team (1940-1990), named one of the Top 25 Athletes of the Century in Louisiana and he and his son Peyton were named among the 100 All-Time Greatest College Football Players. Archie was inducted into the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame and is a member of other Halls of Fame including the Gator Bowl and Sugar Bowl and Louisiana and Mississippi Halls of Fame. He was named an American Spirit Medallion honoree by the World War II Museum and received the SEC’s Michael L. Slive Distinguished Service Award. In December 2022, Archie was recognized by the National College Football Awards Association for his contributions to college football.

In 1971, Archie was the second player chosen in the NFL draft – the number one draft choice of the New Orleans Saints. He set Saints passing records, played in Pro Bowls, and was named the NFC Most Valuable Player in 1978. He concluded his 15-year career in 1985. He was the first player in Saints history to be inducted into the Louisiana Superdome Wall of Fame and was in the first class of the Saints Ring of Honor. He was named to the All 50th Saints team, recognized as one of the top 50 players in franchise history. He was also drafted four times by major league baseball.

His community activities include Louisiana Special Olympics, the New Orleans Area Boy Scout Council, the Salvation Army, United Way Speakers Bureau, Allstate Sugar Bowl Committee, New Orleans Sports Foundation, and is Chairman of the Board of the National Football Foundation. While in pro football, Archie received the Byron “Whizzer” White Humanitarian Award, the Bart Starr Humanitarian Award, the Spirit of Good Sports Award from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association and the U.S. Jaycees named him one of 10 Outstanding Young Americans. In 2005 Archie received the Legends award from the Davey O’Brien Foundation and the Aspire award, a tribute to life’s coaches, from the Cal Ripken Foundation. Archie was honored by the United States Sports Academy with the 2006 Distinguished Service Award. He was selected Father of the Year by the National Father’s Day Council. Also, he received the Silver Buffalo, the Boy Scouts of America’s highest award. Archie received the Reds Bagnell Award from the Maxwell Football Club, was the 51st winner of the Bert Bell Award, and was honored at the Super Bowl in New Orleans with the Pat Summerall Award. He was honored by the American Football Coaches Association and received the Distinguished American award from the Walter Camp Foundation. Archie and his wife Olivia were recipients of the National Pathfinder Award for their work in post-Hurricane Katrina. Archie received one of the highest honors in football, the Gold Medal Award, presented by the National Football Foundation. This award has gone to seven Presidents, Admirals and Generals, corporate CEOs, and other distinguished Americans.

Archie and Olivia reside in New Orleans and have three sons, Cooper, Peyton, and Eli. They are the proud grandparents of four boys and five girls.

Cooper was an all-state high school athlete and his football career at Ole Miss ended with a spinal cord injury. He is Senior Managing Director at the hotel/real estate firm, AJ Capital Partners. He is also the host of “The 2 Cooper Manning Hour (minus 58 minutes)” on Fox Sports. Cooper’s son, Arch, was rated the #1 high school player in the country in 2022. He is currently a quarterback at the University of Texas.

Peyton is a former All-American at Tennessee where his #16 is retired. He and Archie are the only father/son duo in the College Football Hall of Fame. He was the first player chosen in the 1998 NFL Draft and spent 18 years in pro football. He was named one of the top 10 pro football quarterbacks of all time. Peyton was selected to 14 Pro Bowls and named the NFL MVP five times. He retired as the NFL all-time leader in yardage, touchdown passes and wins. He quarterbacked the Colts and the Broncos to Super Bowl championships. Peyton was the NFL Man of the Year in 2006. Indianapolis unveiled a statue of Peyton in front of Lucas Oil Stadium and retired his #18. He has hosted the ESPYs and received the Lincoln Award from the White House. He was named one of the top 100 players in college and pro football. Tiger Woods and Peyton teamed up to win The Match, raising $20 million for COVID-19 relief. He was recently elected to the NFL Hall of Fame.

Eli was also an All-American at Ole Miss and has had his #10 retired. He won the Maxwell Award as the top player in college football. He was the first player chosen in the 2004 NFL draft. He was selected to four Pro Bowls and led the Giants to world championships in Super Bowl XLII (42) and XLVI (46) and was named MVP of both games. He was named the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. Eli won the 2020 Bart Starr Character and Leadership Award and the “Good Guy” award, selected by the Pro Football Writers of America. Eli retired after 16 years with the Giants and his #10 was retired by Ole Miss and New York.

Archie, Cooper, Peyton and Eli were inducted into the inaugural class of the National High School Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

Archie and Peyton wrote a book entitled “Manning: A Father, His Sons and A Football Legacy”. Peyton and Eli also wrote a children’s book entitled “Family Huddle”. Archie and his boys have operated the Manning Passing Academy, a summer camp for high school quarterbacks and receivers, for 27 years. Archie is an owner of Manning’s, a sports-themed restaurant on Fulton Street in New Orleans.

In honor of the Mannings’ college football accomplishments, the Sugar Bowl has created the Manning Award to go to the nation’s best college quarterback. The Manning family was named the second most inspiring family in America by Town & Country Magazine. They were featured in a highly rated documentary on ESPN entitled “The Book of Manning.

Manning will be the keynote speaker at the Partlow Sports Breakfast in the Tolley Dental Zone at the James R. Wilkins, Jr, Athletic and Events Center on the Shenandoah University campus on Saturday, May 4 at 8 a.m.  That afternoon he will be riding in the glo fiber Grand Feature Parade, which will step off at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events