After laying dormant since July 2023, a motorsports park is revving back to life with new renovations ahead of its expected reopening for the 2026 racing season. WFIR’s Conner Arthur has that story:

It’s the season of giving in Bedford County, and a local agency is gearing up to spread some holiday cheer to children through an annual toy drive that’s seeing a record number of applicants as WFIR’s Conner Arthur reports:

Two years in the making – the brick and mortar home for The Blood Connection donation center at Valley View has finally cut a ribbon. The Blood Connection had been using a mobile blood and platelet donation center since arriving in the Roanoke market two years ago. Delisa English is President and CEO for the South Carolina-based blood collection business, which has contracted with Carilion Clinic:

A Downtown Roanoke Attraction is turning 42 and getting a little work down to keep it fresh.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more on what’s happening at Center in the Square.

Center in the Square has been carrying out its mission of attracting visitors to downtown Roanoke for 42 years.  To celebrate some changes are in the works to make it even more visitor friendly.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports.

The curtain goes up this weekend on another holiday tradition.  The Southwest Virginia Ballet’s presentation of the Nutcracker is at the Berglund Center.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

The cast and crew are preparing for this weekend’s performances of the Nutcracker at the Berglund Center.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

Consumer Sentiment is much higher in Virginia than it is in the nation as a whole – and that might be good news for local businesses that often count on the Thanksgiving to Christmas stretch to jump into “the black.” More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

From the WFIR News room this is your Culture Calendar – With a look at some of the local events coming up this weekend and in the near future. Sponsored by the Roanoke Cultural Endowment.

The last place any child wants to be for the Christmas Holidays is in a hospital. Now two units for Carilion Clinic want to make the holiday brighter for those young patients who won’t be home on December 25, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:

A Franklin County equestrian facility is looking to turn a special instrument from one of the world’s most iconic pop performers into support that helps their wellness efforts find their rhythm, boosting mental and financial resources for those in need. WFIR’s Conner Arthur has that story:

Taylor Swift Guitar Auction Website

The season of giving and holiday cheer is upon us, but one age group is often overlooked. An in-home care service in Roanoke is looking to change that, as WFIR’s Conner Arthur reports:

Karis Christmas for Seniors Information