Jul. 28-The Annual Floydfest (Experience No. 10) is expecting to reach a record attendance of 18,000 people for a 4 day weekend near Meadows of Dan, VA, adjoining the National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway

(This news eye-witness news report has been prepared by Tom Bishop, Executive Director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce.) Things got kicked off with a bang even on the 1st day, Thursday, with heavy traffic at the entrance as festival goers flocked into the property. The music got going in the afternoon and evening with Old Crow Medicine Show starting things off at the Virginia Folklife Workshop Porch. They were followed by Linda and David Lay, with Meadows of Dan's own Sammy Shelor on the banjo. Both groups created a standing room only and excited crowd. Big Daddy Love got the attendees stirred up at the Hill Holler Stage, near the entrance. Big Daddy was the "2010 Under The Radar Winner". "Big Daddy brings a natural blend of grass, roots, sweet-sugary harmonies, authentic song-craft and undeniable musicianship," according to the program. The Roanoke Times says, "FloydFest Adds Cash to Region's Economy." July 28, 2011 - page 1 "Who gets the money? The festival's impact is diverse and diffuse, it seems, spreading money among small-time innkeepers and major hotels, local restauranteurs and itenerant vendors, local governments and little nonprofits." "And organizers say, FloydFest's greatest benefit is reaped beyond the week of the festival, when the concertgoers who discover the region this week return to look at fall leaves or go on spring hikes." "At the Woodberry Inn, just 3 miles or so from the concert site, Shep Nance is having a similar experience. Nearly every guest he had for FloydFest last year returned to the Woodberry this year. His inn was full last weekend, too, but Nance still thinks FloydFest is a "hugh" economic boon for the region" Woodberry Inn is situated in Floyd County and is a member of both the Floyd and Patrick Chambers of Commerce. I was there representing the Tourism industry from Patrick County and the surrounding region, with an information table with flyers and brochures advertising local lodging, entertainment, food and things to do for the visitors. The most popular advertisement materials are the Blue Ridge Parkway Guidebook, the Virginia Travel Guide, VA State Maps and Patrick County brouchures. FloydFest is always a great opportunity to meet and talk to our visitors from all over the United States and Canada.