Latest news with #BedfordCountyFair
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Roanoke bookstore ‘Book No Further' seeking new owner
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Book No Further, an independent bookstore located in the heart of downtown Roanoke, announced plans to close its brick-and-mortar location on Market Street at the end of May, unless a buyer steps in. The store, owned by husband-and-wife duo Craig Coker and Doloris Vest, opened in 2017 and has operated at its current location for more than six years. They said they would like to see the location remain a bookstore and began searching for a new owner last fall. 'We really think Roanoke needs and deserves a bookstore, so we hope someone will take it over,' said Vest. Happy Trails Festival in Roanoke Valley this weekend Under current ownership, the shop operates with a specific focus on local authors and books highlighting the history of the Roanoke Valley and Appalachia. But the pair is open to new ownership, putting its own spin on the store. 'We're not quitting because we're out of ideas,' said Vest. 'We certainly have a lot of information we want to pass along to a new owner that they can take and craft into what they want it to be and keep serving the people of the valley.' Vest said that the retail book market has become a difficult one to navigate, particularly in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. 'We did not do in-store events for two full years because of COVID,' she said. 'When we went back to it, we found that our attendance was way off. It has never bounced back like we had wanted it to.' Ultimately, they were able to adapt, identifying new avenues for growth and success. The couple wants to travel more, and with their current lease period nearing its end, they decided the time was right to step away. Bedford County Fair looking to new future with multiple events and locations They will continue to operate the online store for a little while, as they continue to search for a buyer. As they explore this next chapter, they consider the past seven-plus years a major success. 'Part of the fun of the job is talking to somebody and saying, 'I know what you're going to like,' and getting a book in your hand that you didn't even know you wanted,' said Vest. 'And I think we've done that.' The store is offering a buy-one, get-one free sale on all used books, and a 20 percent discount off all new books through the end of May as it works to offload inventory. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bedford County Fair looking to new future with multiple events and locations
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – The Bedford County Fair has announced more changes to future events following the decision by town supervisors to sell and repurpose the former fairgrounds. Organizers said they are proud to announce that, going forward, the Fair will now be hosting multiple events that celebrate and 'highlight Bedford's agricultural heritage, support local youth, and provide meaningful experiences for the entire community,' instead of just a one-weekend event. But the mission to serve the community with 'pride, creativity, and resilience' has not changed. RELATED STORY | Bedford County Fair in search of new location for future events After the lease for the former Fair location expired in September of 2024, there was some controversy regarding where and even if future events would occur. However, the Bedford County Fair said in a release on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, that the former location will now be the site of a much-needed social Services facility and that 'true to the spirit of Bedford, the Board chose to adapt and grow.' 'The Bedford County Fair Board is deeply grateful to the Town of Bedford, whose leadership stepped up in a big way to make this next chapter possible. The collaboration of the Town Council, Town Manager Bart Warner, and town staff have been instrumental in creating new opportunities for the Fair to serve the community.' – The Bedford County Fair Bedford County Fair Board and the Town of Bedford Present: Bedford Family CarnivalAugust 22-24 at Liberty Lake ParkEnjoy rides, games, and classic fair fun for the whole family. Ken Palmer Memorial Scholarship ContestSeptember 16 at the Bedford Boys Tribute Center Auditorium and ClassroomJoin in celebrating the next generation of Bedford leaders. New Freedom Farm in Botetourt County to close this summer Ag Contest & Expo at CenterfestSeptember 20 in Downtown BedfordShowcasing Bedford's rich agricultural heritage in the heart of the community. Livestock & Horse ShowAugust 30-31 hosted by Allens Mountain LivestockExperience the hard work and talents of Bedford's local youth and equestrians. 'This is about continuing a tradition that means so much to Bedford families and businesses,' said Joy Powers, Fair Superintendent. 'With the Town's support, we're able to grow in new directions while staying true to who we are.' For more information, please visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
