The 10th annual Summer Solstice Fest will take place June 17 and is a rain or shine event. The festival is free and open to all.

Fun-filled family activities will include the popular Alberti’s Fleas Circus, Water Wars, moon bounces, a doggie costume contest and, new this year, Circus Stella: a traditional family circus which features performing rescued dogs and amazing human feats like trapeze, aerial silk, rope-walking and acrobatics.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the event, Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. is bringing back some of the favorite bands from past festivals in addition to a few new faces to the stage. The PanJammers will kick off the line-up, which includes the J-Stout Trio, The Kind, Secondhand Jones performing a Beatles tribute, Badunkafunk and HopeHop.

From 1-11:30 p.m., the Summer Solstice Fest will take over Main Street and Lee Street with fantastic entertainment for all. From Alberti’s Flea Circus to the live music to the Downtown Sundown 5K Run, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Summer Solstice Fest is once again a certified Virginia Green Event. Please walk, bike, bus or ride-share to the festival.

Downtown Blacksburg businesses are also planning a schedule of activities leading up to the event starting June 8.

T-shirts may be purchased at Summer Solstice Fest, or online at http://www.downtownblacksburg.com/merchandise.shtml.

— Submitted by Laureen Blakemore