“61st Annual Ernest ‘Pig’ Robertson Fishing Rodeo” at Lake Springs Park: Nursing Home Patient’s from 10 am-noon, on the 1st and ages 9-12 years from 9 am-noon on the 4th. To register call 540-375-3057.

86th Annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. Featuring crafters, dances, carnival, parades, band competitions, and circus. Also Fire fighters events, fireworks, and lots more. 540-662-3863.

Virginia Horse Center Events: Spring Encore “AA” on the 1st-5th; Hunter Jumper Derby on the 3rd; Bonnie Blue National Horse Show “A” on the 8th-11th;  “Hear the Beat”, therapeutic riding fund-raiser horse show on the 12th; Old Time Music Jam on the 12th; VA Classic Walking Horse Show on the 17th-18th; Dressage Rosinburg event on the 18th-19th; Shenandoah Valley Senior Expo on the 21st; House Mountain Horse Show on the 25th-26th. 540-464-2950.

Glen Maury Park, 101 Maury River Drive, events: Guy Carawan’s Bluegrass Jam on the 2nd-4th; 8th Annual Showdown in the Park Car Show on the 10th-11th; “Fridays in the Park” with Southpaw on the 24th. For times, admission fees, or camping call 540-261-7321.

Riverbend Elementary School 4th Annual Spring Carnival is Friday May 3rd, 2013, from 5-8p.m. at the School, 14556 Rockingham Pike, Elkton, VA. We invite the community to come out and join in the fun. We will be having a Classic Car show, several moon bounces, and petting zoo. There will be a lot of games including corn hole, a cakewalk, Angry Birds, soda ring, football, and pie toss just to name a few. Fresh hickory smoked BBQ, pizza, hotdogs and drinks will be for sale. Class plate auction begins at 6 pm followed by themed baskets and a gift certificate basket. Cake donations are needed. Please drop off in main office the day of carnival. Sponsored by the RBES PTA. All proceeds benefit the students of RBES. For more infomation please  contact.rbespta@gmail.com

American Cancer Society’s “Relay For Life” at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds. Get a group of friends together to form a relay team and join us for overnight

fun, excitement, and an all-around good time. Team members are encouraged to raise funds for cancer before the event.  Also when you register ask about the auction and how you can help. 540-434-3360 or 1-800-227-2345.

33rd Annual Strawberry Festival at Elm-wood Park. In addition to all the different handmade strawberry desserts there will be arts, crafts, children’s activities, and live entertainment. Admission is free. All proceeds from the festival go to the Community School. 540-563-5036.

May Day Festival at the Frontier Culture Museum from noon-5 pm. A Spring Celtic Festival featuring music, food, crafts. Admission fee. 540-3327850.

7th Annual Village Fair starts at 10 am until after the Firemen’s chicken BBQ dinner and the Firemen’s Parade in the late after-noon. Live local acoustic bands, over 90 demonstrators, exhibitors, a wide variety of arts and crafts. 540-280-3651.

The 38th Annual Road and River Relay is a four leg event for teams and individuals. The event is part of the Appalachian River Race Series. www.sunriserotarylexva.org.

33rd Annual Virginia State Championship Chili Cook-off, at Railside Plaza. This event is a family affair with activities for all ages. Fresh chili and salsa tastings, with patrons voting for their favorite Chili. Live entertainment, music, crafters, and a beer garden. Also the jalapeno pepper eating contest, and the “Chili Slurp” contest. Admission fee. All proceeds go to support Greenvale School’s scholarship tuition fund. 540-342-4716.

23rd Annual Wildflower Weekend in Shenandoah National Park. See how flowers rely on butterflyes, bees, birds and others pollinate them and their seeds. Activities are free with park admission. No registration is necessary. 540-999-3500.

Augusta Expoland events: Indoor/Outdoor Market and Yard Sale on the 4th; Heritage Promotions Antique Show on the 10th-11th; Poultry Sale on the 18th; Roller Derby on the 24th; Augusta County Fair’s Tractor Pull on the 24th-25th. 540-337-2557.

May 5–Fishersville.

An Evening at Barren Ridge Vineyards, 984 Barren Ridge Road is Augusta Art Center’s fund-raiser. Featuring dinner and fireworks. Reservations required by calling 540-885-2028.

Rockingham County Fairgrounds events: Railroad Club Model Train Show on the 5th; ABGA Goat Show and Mangled Metal Demo Derby on the 11th; Brethren Disaster Response Auction on the 17th-18th; Memorial Day Horse Fair/Auction and Steve Wingfield Ministries Memorial Celebration on the 27th. 540-434-0005.

Annual Spring Festival at the Town Park. Featuring live music, good food, rides, bingo and more fun for the whole family. Hosted by the Volunteer Fire Department. 540-249-5911.

Page Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Fundraising events: Uniform Sale on the 9th; Golf Tournament at Luray Country Club Resort. For information call Wanda Foltz 540-743-4811, Janet Tate 540-743-4240.

New Market Battlefield State Historical Park programs: Sewing Circle, at the Bushong House. Experience fabric items being made for the home the way it was done 150 years ago on the 9th and Home Cookin’ from 10 am-4 pm. Experience home cooking 19th century style on the 30th. Admission fee. 540-740-3101.

Wine and Wags Day at Lexington Valley Vineyard. Bring a picnic lunch or purchase snack baskets. Water and biscuits for Fido. Join other dog lovers for a waggingly good time. 540-462-2974.

Clifton Forge’s 8th “Magic In The Mountains”, is a festival of the Alleghenies held in conjunction with C & O Railway Heritage Festival. The festival will feature Pony Rides, jugglers, unicyclists, petting zoo, mini steam train rides, room sized model train layouts, live music, food, Native American dancers, arts/crafts, and much more. 540-862-2000.

Main Street Motorsports Show from 11 am-3 pm at Constitution Park. Rain date is the 12th. This event is open to all classes, old or new makes/models, cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Also food and music. To register call 540-942-6705.

This day is for the dogs. Join other dog lovers for the “Canine Carnival” at Sherando Park from 10 am-2 pm. New this year pet photos with a professional photographer, an agility course, vendors, treats and more. Proceeds to benefit Esther Boyd Animal Shelter. 540-665-5678.

18th Annual “Of Ale & History” Beer Festival at Belle Grove Plantation, 336 Belle Grove Rd., from 11 am-6 pm. Come and celebrate German and English heritage by sampling a great array of beers from the New and Old World. Delicious food by local restaurants, unique shopping experiences are available on the grounds. The historic Manor House and landscape are open for touring throughout the festival. Admission fee. Thank you for leaving your pets at home. 540-869-2028.

9th Annual Festival of Spring in historic downtown. During the festival, Main Street is alive with fine artisans, a wine garden and local musicians perform in an outdoor setting. Head over to the Beer Garden for live acts and a variety of food. Enjoy the Duck Race, at Hawksbill Creek. Children will be entertained with activities like a dog frisbee competition, face painting, bounce house and train exhibits. 540-743-7700 or 540-743-5511.

Garden Fair at Blandy Experimental Farm, 400 Blandy Farm Lane. Select vendors with perennials, small trees, fine items for garden/home, food, and much, more. Also walks, scavenger hunts, and hands-on activities. Family activities both days from noon-2 pm, are free with $10.00 per car admission fee. Proceeds support programs at the State Arboretum. 540-837-1758 or http:www.blandy.virginia.edu.

Mom deserves more than a phone call or a card on Mother’s Day. Do something  special and bring her to Shenandoah Vineyards. Admission fee of $10.00, includes a souvenir glass and cheese to pair with our wines. 540-984-8699.

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, 18 North Coalter Street, from noon-5 pm. In recognition of President Woodrow Wilson proclaiming the first Mothers’ Day in 1914, all mothers will be admitted free. Enjoy engaging guided tours of Wilson’s birthplace, explore the Woodrow Wilson Museum where his Pierce-Arrow limousine is a highlight, and experience the World War I Trench exhibit. Don’t miss the beautiful Victorian garden. For more information call 540-885-0897.

New Market Parade and Ceremony at the Virginia Military Institute Parade Grounds. Special full dress cadet parade and ceremony held in honor of the cadets who fought and died at the Battle of New Market. Free event. 540-464-7104.

North-South Skirmish Association’s National Competition commemorates the heroism of the men of both sides who fought in the American Civil War. Spring Nationals are held at Fort Shenandoah, 480 Chalybeate Spring Road. Come see men and women in period clothing and live firing of Civil War firearms and artillery. Activities include children’s programs, dances, cook-outs, and “Sutler Row,” where vendors display and sell Civil War firearms, accoutrements, and clothing. Free admission. 540-542-1326.

Myth, Magic and Medicine at Blandy Experimental Farm, 400 Blandy Farm Lane. Learn about spirtural and medicinal uses of herbs. We will walk out onto the grounds, so wear comfortable shoes. Admission fee is $10.00. Registration required. 540-837-1758 or www.blandy.virginia.edu.

Shakin’ at The Station every Thursday from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Wharf. Enjoy cool beverages and live music all summer long during another exciting season. All proceeds benefit local charities. 540-332-3867.

Annual Disaster Ministries Auction at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds. There will be lots of quality items such as handmade furniture, quilts, theme baskets, crafts, and even livestock to bid on and buy. Also children’s activites and food will be available for sale. There is something for everyone. 540-350-2298.

Strasburg’s 31st Annual Mayfest will kickoff on North Holliday Street with a street dance featuring “Souled Out” on the 17th. On the 18th Wes Iseli Magic, live music, crafters, food and a parade at 3 pm. Also on the 18th-19th food, crafters and much more. 540-465-3187.

Annual Memorial Day Festival events: Carnival on the 17th and 25th; Memorial day pageant on the 19th; Live music and food on the 23rd; Cruz In, DJ, live music, food on the 24th; On the 25th throughout Town there will be a memorial service for veterans, car/tractor/motorcycle/dog show, parade at 4 pm, carnival,  steamed shrimp and more. 540-652-8164.

Staunton Jams Festival will be held on Beverley Street, near the Baja Bean Company. Local bands will be performing and the event is free and fun for the whole family. Bands start at noon. 540-332-3867 or 540-885-9988.

Habitat Jam at Devils Backbone Outpost Brewery, 50 Northwind Lane, from 4-10 pm. Live musical entertainment from “Super Hold”, “Loose Gravel”, Marla Palma Band, Coprolite Band, and the “Luddites” while enjoying food, beer, and wine. Bring the kids for ice cream, face painting, games, and more. Admission fee is $25.00 adults, $10.00 children 12 and under, and children 5 and under are free. Fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. 540-462-6200.

Annual First Fruits Festival from 3-7 pm at Our Community Farm, 18794 Mountain Valley Road. Family fun with live music, food, kids activities, baby alpacas and more. 540-740-2951.

The 4th Annual Wine and Food Festival will be held on the front lawn of the Vinton War Memorial, 814 Washington Avenue, from 1-6 p.m. Be prepared for a day of pure enjoyment as you eat, drink, and sway to the sounds of our local entertainment. Don’t worry though, if you are not a fan of the “grape”, we will have some “wheat and barley” available for your taste buds too. Attendees must be 21 or older. No pets, food, coolers, or beverages. This is a fundraiser for the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce. 540-343-1364.

23rd Annual Local Colors Festival is a international festival that celebrates the heritage of more than 75 countries. A free, family-friendly, festive day of celebrating, sharing, and learning through music, arts, crafts, food, language and goodwill at Elmwood Park, downtown Roanoke.  The day festival includes the Parade of Nations and the International Fashion Show. 540-904-2234.

27th Annual Virginia Wine & Craft Festival. Enjoy tastings from 20 Virginia wineries. Covering more than seven blocks and featuring over 100 vendors, artists, crafters from all over the east coast. Antiques, and the list goes on. There won’t be anything you can’t find to fit your style, mood, or need. 540-635-3185.

149th Anniversary of the Battle of New Market is held at the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park which is the original 1864 battle site. Experience Civil War soldier life, demonstrations and living history prior to and after the battle (2 p.m. on the 18th and 1:30 p.m. on the 20th). There will be food, music, and more.  1-866-515-1864.

Join the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, 54 S. Loudoun Street, from 1-4 pm. You’ll be amazed at all the fun you will have and all you can learn about the geography, plants, animals and people of Russia. Enjoy samples of traditional food, Russian instruments, and dancing. 540-722-2020.

Outdoor Fundfest Concert held on the grassy lot across from the Daily News Record from 5:30-8 pm, featuring the “Hackens Boys”. There is a $2.00 admission donation. There is no seating, so please bring your own. Proceeds benefit various charities. 540 434-5270.

Newtown Heritage Festival is a free family festival which includes a parade, car/craft shows, artisan demonstrations, fireworks, races and more. Also the Stone House Foundation Museum and Argenbright House will be open. 540-869-3087.

P. Buckley Moss Collectors’ Convention at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, 110 Shenandoah Avenue. There will be cocktails and hors d’oeuvres reception on the 24th. Dinner dance and a fundraiser for the P. Buckley Foundation for children’s education on the 25th. Also exhibits. Admission fee. Tickets may be purchased from your local Moss gallery or more details at www.pbuckleymoss.com/convention.html.

13th Annual ValleyFest Beer and Wine Festival at Massanutten Resort. Featuring “Sons Of Bill”, “Cazhmiere”, the “Hackens Boys”, Bryan Elijah Smith and the “Wildhearts”. Sample regional wines/microbrews and delicious food while browsing the wares of crafters and artisans. Rain or shine event. No food, beverages, pets. Admission fee. 540-434-3862.

Cork and Blues Fest at Glen Maury Park from 4-9 pm. Featuring the Harvey Dalton Arnold Band, and Dennis Mcclung Blues Band. Also various Virginia wine makers.  Admission fee. 540-261-7321.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church will host the Delaplane Strawberry Festival  for it’s 20th year at Sky Meadows State Park. There will be live entertainment, children’s activites, animal encounters, antique cars, food, and lots more. Leashed pets are welcome, NO alcohol whatsoever is permitted. Admission price provides you and everyone in your car access to the festival. 540-364-2772.

47th Art in the Park at Gypsy Hill Park is a Staunton Augusta Art Center event from 10-5 pm on Saturday and Sunday noon-5 pm. Juried art/craft show, live music on the bandstand and a wide variety of food vendors. No admission fee. 540-885-2028.

The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum in honor of those who serve our country, are offering free admission to all active duty military personnel and five members of their families. They can enjoy guided tours of President Wilson’s Birthplace and self-guided tours of the Museum, which includes the immersive World War I trench exhibit and the President’s 1919 Pierce-Arrow limousine. Stroll through the historic gardens and visit the President’s Shop for unique gifts. 540-885-0897.

“Friday’s Alive” featuring “Fatty Lumpkin & the Love Hogs” at Davidson Park, 200 E. Nelson Street, from 5-9 pm. This is a free concert. No outside food, drink or pets are allowed: a All proceeds from sales go to benefit local charities. 540-588-2931 or lexingtonjaycees.org/main/fridays-alive/