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ACCE April Column

ACCE April Column

Memories Made at the Muddy ACCE Race

 

Muddy Acce Race day
Jennifer Hockl Mar b- Sitting in a mud pit was better than falling in at the Muddy ACCE Race. The 2017 event will be just as muddy!

Giles County, VA- The weather is warming up and participants of the Muddy ACCE Race are reflecting back on the fun times at the inaugural event. Well over 300 participants made lasting memories at the 5k, obstacle course mud run, held on the banks of the New River Water Trail in Glen Lyn. Each month we bring you a story about either the ACCE, Access to Community College Education program or the Muddy ACCE Race event. As warm weather approaches we are thinking to the 2017 event and Jennifer Hockl of Pearisburg, shares some fond memories of her first time participating.

Q: Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A: I have been a resident of Giles County all my life, 39 years and love the outdoors! I went to school in Narrows & reside now in Pearisburg where both my kids go to Giles High School.  However my oldest son is now a student at Virginia Tech after he completed 2 years at New River Community College.

Q: How did you participate in the ACCE Program? A: I was a parent, but I also ran the event with friends.

Muddy ACCE Race 2016
Jennifer Hockl MAR 2016- Jennifer and friend trudge through one of many mud pits at the 2016 event.

Q: Why did you get involved with the Muddy ACCE Race? A: A few friends of mine thought this was a good way to show our support for our kids and community.  Also a great way to see how much endurance we could put ourselves through!

Q: What is the one thing you’ll take away from the ACCE program or MAR event? A: It is definitely something to reminiscence about!! Especially our facial expressions before, during and after the race!!

Q: If you could share a sentiment to those considering the program, perhaps as a student or parent, or considering running in the 2017 event- what would you tell them? A: It is a great way to spend a day with family and friends and a very great way for our kids to get an education with the money raised! I have recruited many others to come join the fun this September!

If you are interested in learning more about the NRCC ACCE program in Giles, please visit www.gilescounty.org. For more information on the 2017 Muddy ACCE Race, www.muddyaccerace.com.

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Apr 22- VIRGINIA’S OUTDOOR LOVERS EXPO featuring the NRWT

VIRGINIA’S OUTDOOR LOVERS EXPO

The 2017 Virginia’s Outdoor Lovers Expo to be held April 22nd at Bisset Park in Radford, Virginia.

From our friends at the New River Valley Regional Commission.

Radford, VA – The Virginia’s Outdoor Lovers Expo is coming to the New River Valley, April 22nd. This free, family-friendly event will be held at Bisset Park in Radford from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The event will host a 300-foot zip line, paddleboard demonstration pool, outdoor gear raffle and gear swap, local food, brews and live music all staged alongside the New River. Appalachian inspired entertainment such as County Connections and RYZ are scheduled to perform on the main stage.

The Kid Zone with a rock wall and bounce house, and demonstrations such as; chainsaw carving, outdoor survival tips, and Leave No Trace outdoor ethics awareness will round out the event. This year’s expo will have upwards of 100 outdoor related businesses, organizations and attractions including the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard, Cabela’s, Virginia State Parks, and many more. Come celebrate Earth Day with all of Southwest Virginia as you browse interactive booths and demonstration areas.

The Virginia Outdoor Lovers Expo began in Abingdon in 2014 and for the first time ever, will be held in the New River Valley. The event’s focus is to raise awareness of the diverse outdoor recreation opportunities that are abundant across Southwest Virginia while providing a platform for businesses, clubs, organizations, and communities to form and strengthen ties throughout the region. This event promises to be the perfect opportunity to connect, explore and plan your next outdoor adventure. Brought to you by generous sponsors including the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Blue Ridge Outdoors, Carilion Clinic, and Mountain Lake Lodge.

Outdoor related vendor applications will be accepted until April 1st. Registration can be accessed on the website. The Expo planning committee will also continue to accept sponsors. For information on sponsorship and applying for a vendor booth contact James Jones at jjones@nrvrc.org or call 540-639-9313. More details on the event and how to participate, along with updated information can be found at www.swvaoutdoorexpo.com.

For more information or to set up an interview, contact James Jones, 540-639-9313 or jjones@nrvrc.org

 

 Vendors Participating in the Virginia’s Outdoor Lovers Expo

  1. Grillizza
  2. Till and Grill
  3. Bootleg BBQ
  4. Foothill Guide Service
  5. New River Valley Bicycle Association
  6. Blue Ridge Discovery Center
  7. Giles Mountain Vineyard and Winery
  8. Back Country Ski and Sport, Inc
  9. Floyd Yoga Jam
  10. Arbor Real Products, LLC
  11. RU Outdoors
  12. Recreation, Parks and Tourism Department Radford University
  13. Virginia Tech – College of Natural Resources and Environment
  14. Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority
  15. Paul Tomorrow/St. Paul Main Street
  16. Dickenson County Chamber/Visitor Center
  17. Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau
  18. Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority
  19. City of Norton
  20. Tazewell County
  21. Blue Ridge Heritage, Inc.
  22. Montgomery Regional Tourism
  23. Clinch River Valley Initiative
  24. Scott County Tourism
  25. Town of Narrows
  26. New River Retreat and the Junction
  27. Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard Company
  28. Appalachian Horseback Adventures
  29. Crimper’s Climbing Gym
  30. Mountain Lake Lodge
  31. New River Conservancy
  32. Town of Pennington Gap
  33. Virginia State Parks
  34. Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum/ County of Bland
  35. Springhouse Community School
  36. Appalachian Trail Conservancy
  37. Good Samaritan Hospice
  38. Camp Alta Mons
  39. Massanutten Resort
  40. Virginia Department of Forestry
  41. Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers
  42. Breaks Interstate Park
  43. Wytheville Convention and Visitors Bureau
  44. Floyd County Tourism Office
  45. Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure
  46. JBR Vineyards, LLC
  47. New River’s Edge Inc
  48. City of Galax Tourism
  49. Chantilly Farm
  50. Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA)
  51. Across-the-Way Productions
  52. FloydFest
  53. Ferrum Outdoors
  54. Ferrum College
  55. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
  56. Damascus Old Mill Inn and Restaurant
  57. New River Outdoor Co
  58. Town of Pearisburg
  59. Smyth County Tourism
  60. On The Water
  61. Apple Ridge Farm
  62. Franklin County, Virginia
  63. Project Healing Waters, Roanoke/New River Valleys Program
  64. Appalachian Voices
  65. Southwest Virginia Mountain Rescue Group
  66. Pulaski Bikes
  67. American Chestnut Foundation, Virginia Chapter
  68. Tangent Outfitters
  69. Woodchuck Woodcarving
  70. Venture Out
  71. Dick’s Sporting Goods
  72. Walkabout Outfitters
  73. Giles County Tourism
  74. Real Time Pain Relief
  75. Town of Pulaski
  76. Pulaski County
  77. HK High Kicks, LLC
  78. Friends of Claytor Lake
  79. Mountain Shepard Survival School
  80. Primland
  81. Cabela’s
  82. Visit Bedford Virginia
  83. com
  84. Trailhead ATV Resort
  85. New River Outdoor Adventures
  86. Mount Inspiration Apparel
  87. GoJourni
  88. Fat Bean Taco
  89. Narrows Trail Club
  90. ReNew the New

Sponsors for the Virginia’s Outdoor Lovers Expo

Virginia Community Capital

Montgomery County Regional Tourism

Walkabout Outfitter

New River Outdoor Adventures

WMEV FM94

WVTF / RADIO IQ

Virginia Tech – College of Natural Resources and Environment

Y-100.5 FM

Carilion Clinic

Backcountry.com

Giles County Tourism

City of Radford

Floyd County Tourism

Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce

Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard Company

Trailhead ATV Resort

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Bristol Herald Courier

Virginia Tourism Corporation

Blue Ridge Outdoors

Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure

GearHead Moto Tours

Virginia Tech’s Venture Out Program

Visit Bedford Virginia

Cabela’s

Union Bank & Trust

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CategoriesEvents, News by

Sep 17- New River Water Trail Poker Float

September 17- New River Water Trail Poker Float

Giles County is hosting the first New River Water Trail Poker Float! Ever heard of a Poker Run? Well, this event is the same amount of fun with just a bit more water. Whether you are a pro in the water or are just starting to get your feet wet, our Poker Float is the perfect place to get outside in the sun, explore the New River Water Trail, and have an great time!

The day starts off at the Eggleston Fire Department where you can leave your car and register. The fee to preregister is $25 and a Free T-shirt is included! To register the day of is $3o. All proceeds go to the Pembroke, Eggleston, and Newport Volunteer Firefighter Stations.

The float: Your exciting trip down the beautiful New River begins at the Eggleston Boat landing (Wide Spot), and you can float and relax while letting the river work for you while you take in the New River’s unforgettable scenery or paddle yourself into an adventure to the three stops planned and grab your cards! As the New River Water Trail sweeps you to the new Ripplemead Boat Landing its time to get out, dry off, and see who has the best hand!

There will be lots of opportunities to win something! The grand prize for the best hand will be a new kayak! 2nd place prize is $250. 3rd place prize is $150. 4th and 5th place prizes will be sponsored prizes. Didn’t have anything good? That’s okay, lowest hand gets there money back! If you didn’t do good enough for a prize or bad enough for your money back there will be T-shirts for sale so everyone can take something home!

Don’t have a way to float? Don’t worry! Our partner, Tangent Outfitters, will be there with options to rent for the fun day ahead of you! Tangent will also be providing a shuttle to the loading site and take out site back your cars.

Ready to try your luck on the New River Water Trail?  Register Today! This event is hopefully the start of a date you’ll schedule on your calendars for years to come, so get outside and try your hand on the New River Water Trail with us!

Newest River Water Trail Poker Float

Find more on their Facebook Event Page

Or Virginia.org at New River Water Trail Poker Float

GilesLogo-long-NRWTb

2016 Pembroke, Eggleston, Newport Volunteer Fire Departments Canoe & Kayak Poker Float Rules and Regulations

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 10:00 a.m. launch time will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2016, and – Cost is $25 pre-register (includes t-shirt and ticket pack ); $30 register day of (includes ticket pack); $15 for extra hand; $10 extra card (Mulligan Card)

Pre-registration ends Monday September 5, 2016. All entries postmarked by September 5, 2016 are considered pre-registered and the participant may pick up their preregistration packet at the registration tent at The Eggleston Vol. Fire Department between 08:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. on September 5, 2016.

All entries must abide by Virginia Boating Laws. Safety comes first!

More than 1 entry per CRAFT will be permitted.  More than one entry per person will be permitted.

The “owner” of an entry shall be the individual who signs the waiver on the entry form.  The owner will be required to provide a state issued photo ID when they pick up their original packet.  The owner may then designate another individual to draw their cards at the designated points along the river.  All prize money will be made payable.  There will be no exceptions to this rule.

There will be no limit on the number of entries accepted.

Any evidence of tampering with scorecards will result in disqualification and forfeiture of fees.

An owner of a hand (entry) must be 18 years of age.

The run will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will end at 4:00 p.m.  You may complete the run at your leisure as long as you have drawn all 5 cards by 4:00 p.m. (6 cards if Mulligan card is purchased).

The 5th and final card will be drawn at the boat ramp at the Whitt Riverbend Park.  Any participant who is not in line for check-in at the Park by 4:00 p.m. will forfeit their entry fee and cannot continue to the check-in table. NO EXCEPTIONS!

After receiving your final card at the Whitt Riverbend Park, you will inform the judges of what type of hand you are turning in to compete for the prizes. (Example: If you have A,2,3,4,5 you may inform the judges that you are playing a straight. Another Example may be that you have drawn a 3,5,7,9,J so you may want to play your hand as the lowest hand to compete for the $100 prize).

All entrants will draw their Mulligan (6th) Card if they purchased it, at registration.  The 1st and 6th cards will be drawn at the same time on Saturday at the registration tent on September 17,2016. Cards from all pick-up locations must be picked up by 4:00 p.m.—NO EXCEPTIONS!

All entrants must check-in at Eggleston Volunteer Fire Department between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.  Any participants not checked in by 10:00 a.m. will forfeit their entry fee—NO EXCEPTIONS!

You will draw your 1st and 6th (Mulligan) cards when you receive your registration packet at Eggleston Volunteer Fire Department and may draw your second card at the first pickup spot along the river between Eggleston River Road to Whitt Riverbend Public Boat landing You will draw your cards from the Water Teams that are stationed along the river throughout your float. They will be easily identifiable.

Hands will be scored upon completion beginning at 4:00 p.m. At Whitt Riverbend Park Boat ramp.

Prizes will be awarded according to the rules of 5 Card Stud. If at any time you draw a duplicate card of the same suit, you must give that card back to the dealer and draw another card. You will need to draw from that deck of cards until you draw a card that you do not already have stamped on your punch card.

The total number of entries will determine the prizes given away.

Prizes:

A grand prize will be awarded to the highest five card stud hand entered.

Second through fifth prizes will be awarded to the next highest five card stud hands (ex. Straight Flush, 4 of a Kind, Full House, etc.)

The lowest hand of the contest will receive entry fee pay back ($30)

Mulligan Cards:

A Mulligan Card works much like a Mulligan in golf.  Upon check-in at the Eggleston Volunteer Fire Department you will draw your Mulligan Card if you purchased one. Each participant will use ONLY 5 of the 6 cards to make the best possible hand.  Each entry will be allowed to purchase only one Mulligan Card.

Mulligan cards will be sold for $10.00 and must be purchased before the run begins.

50/50 Tickets:

You may purchase 50/50 tickets at the registration table at the Eggleston Volunteer Fire Department, or check in stops or the judges’ check-in table (Whitt Riverbend) at the end of the float.  Ticket sales will be complete by 4:00 p.m.  The Winning ticket will be drawn during the awards presentation.

50/50 tickets are sold in $10.00 lots.  You may purchase as many lots as you desire.

All tickets sold will be combined into one hopper.

One ticket will be drawn and the winner will receive half of the money collected.  You must be present to win.

In case of a tie for the Grand Prize, the judges will determine the winning hand by using the high card.  The winner as determined by the judges will be the Grand Prize winner, the other player will be awarded 2nd place.

In the case of a tie for 2nd or 3rd place, a high card will be drawn by each participant.

A tie for 4th place will be decided by the judges based on the high card.  The loser of the tie will move into 5th place.

A tie for 5th place will be decided by the judges based on the high card.  The winner of the tie will retain the 5th place position.

All prizes will be awarded immediately after the completion of the 4:00 p.m. Closing Deadline