Virginia Opera is collaborating with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia (FSEVA) to fight hunger in Hampton Roads by hosting a Food Drive during the production of Wagner's THE VALKYRIE. The Food Drive begins Monday, Jan. 24, 2011 and runs through Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2011.

"Donations to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia are typically very strong during the holiday season, but taper off as the new year begins. One in four people in our community depend on the Foodbank year round, so the Virginia Opera couldn't be collecting food at a better time!" said Abby Weber, Food and Fund Drive Coordinator for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

The Chocolate Chariot Race in New Town, Williamsburg

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Start Time: 11:00am

The first race was so much fun- we decided to do it again!

Last year New Town came to life on a Saturday morning with 21 colorful chariots and over 80 costumed team members. From lounge chairs on wheels to the queen on her throne- the race was a site to see. Tons of spectators watched the mad dash start from Sullivan Square through town with teams eating, drinking, pushing, and shoving their way back to Sullivan Square for the finish. Gold, Silver and Bronze medals as well as a Victory cup were presented in an elaborate ceremony. A most creative chariot award was also presented.

For 2011 we hope to have even more teams and hundreds of spectators for this 1.5 mile race through New Town. The race will begin and end at Sullivan Square. Teams with a maximum of 4 members will push their chariots through a set route, stopping off at local businesses to consume a beverage and chocolate dessert before continuing the race. The course is approximately 1.5 miles long with over 10 stops scheduled. This event will not only be great fun for the teams involved but also for the local community who can line the streets and cheer on the teams. The $200 team registration fee goes to Inclusion, a local non profit organization (www.inclusion-i3.org).

Team Entry
$200 per team registration fee is payable to Inclusion by check or credit card. Online payments can be made at  www.thechocolateaffair.org. Checks may be mailed or dropped off at 4403 Ironbound Road Williamsburg, VA 23188. If the entrance fee is a hardship this year, please contact Steve as team sponsorships may be available.

Inclusion is a 501 C4 non-profit organization.

Any questions please call Steve on his cell at 757-592-4289 or email steve@williamsburgeventrentals.com.

Check out The Chocolate Chariot Facebook page. The pictures from last year's event are posted and they are great!

NorVA ROARING 1920'S PARTY!

Friday, January 21st 8 PM

Party Angels Present: THE ROARING 20's at The NorVa. If you missed the first BIG PARTY of the Century, Don't Miss It Again! Re-live the music, the drinks, and the atmosphere exactly what it was like at The NorVa 90 years ago. Party will feature SKYLARK 20'S ORCHESTRA, a Speakeasy, Casino, Whisky Tasting, 20's Drink Menu, Charleston Dancers, 20's videos and the biggest dance floor in Hampton Roads. 20'S Costumes Are Encouraged !!!!!

7th Annual Bacchus Wine & Food Festival at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News

February 4, 2011
7-10 p.m.

Join Bacchus! The God of Nature, Vine and Wine and  unleash your inner 'party' animal!

1st Annual Hot Stove 2011 in Richmond

Friday, January 28th

December 5, 2010, Beginning at 1:30pm

Featuring the original 1947 "Miracle On 34th Street"

Get a Delightful Holiday Memory and Help the Byrd.  A portion of proceeds from the book sales will go to the Byrd Theatre Foundation.

Author Donna Deekens will be signing copies her book Beginning at 1:30pm
"Miracle On 34th Street"screens at 2:00pm