Downtown Bristol Blog

Bristol Pirates commended by Virginia General Assembly

Bristol Baseball, Inc., commonly known as BBI, and operator of the Bristol Pirates, was recently commended by the Virginia General Assembly for what the legislature termed “the organization’s unique contributions to the Bristol community.”

In House Joint Resolution 215, agreed to by both the House of Delegate and Senate, the Virginia legislature observed that BBI is a non-profit organization with an all-volunteer board, which has no full-time staff. For 49 years, BBI has relied on this framework to operate a professional baseball team in Bristol, with a volunteer general manager, currently Mahlon Luttrell, who also serves as president of BBI.

The General Assembly also noted that DeVault Memorial Stadium, which also serves as a facility for local high school and other amateur contests, “continues to meet the high standards of a professional baseball facility thanks to Bristol Baseball, Inc.”

Luttrell commented that “All of us at BBI and the Bristol Pirates are grateful that the Virginia General Assembly honored us with this resolution, and recognized all of the work that our volunteers have done throughout the years to keep professional baseball alive and well in Bristol.” The resolution observed that BBI’s work has ensured “that the citizens of Bristol continue to enjoy the benefits of professional baseball.”

In expressing its admiration for BBI’s work, the General Assembly also noted that through BBI’s efforts, local fans have been able to see future Major League Baseball all-stars, as well as a World Series MVP and soon-to-be member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Alan Trammell.

The resolution also noted that BBI’s volunteer efforts have “enhanced the lives of Bristol residents by providing a family-friendly entertainment opportunity,” opportunities which will resume in mid-June when BBI hosts Meet the Pirates Night at DeVault Memorial Stadium. For more information on Meet the Pirates, BBI, and the 2018 Bristol Pirates, visit www.BristolPiratesBaseball.com.

Downtown Bristol Events

Hand-Crafted: Craft Beers & Local Wine in Tennessee and Virginia

Local vineyards and craft breweries have gained increasing popularity over the years, and they play a major role in the local economy. But how do these businesses get started—and what exactly do they do?

Join BPL on April 25 at 6:00 p.m. for an hour-long discussion panel on the breweries and vineyards of the region. Representatives from Mountain Rose Vineyard and Studio Brew, among others, will offer a brief history of and answer questions about their respective businesses.

The library discussion panel coincides with the final week of its traveling exhibition "Teetotalers & Moonshiners: Prohibition in Virginia, Distilled," presented with support from the Virginia ABC and the Virginia Distillers Association. "Teetotalers & Moonshiners" will be available and open to the public in the Virgie R. Fleenor Gallery during the library’s hours of operation until April 28, 2018.

Classic Movie Corner: Thunder Road

In Thunder Road, Robert Mitchum plays Lucas Doolin, a Korean War veteran who returns home to Appalachia to take over the family moonshining business. But as Doolin settles back into his hometown, he has to stay one step ahead of the Feds who want to arrest him—and the big-city racketeers who want his business for their own.

Not rated. 92 minutes.

The Diamonds

From East Tennessee, The Diamonds play a diverse mix of music, specializing in jazz standards. The group performs at various venues and events throughout the region, including weddings, parties, and restaurants. They have also volunteered at many nursing homes, assisted living homes, and charitable organizations in the area.

Hip Gypsy and Collateral Damage

Long time co-conspirators Hip Gypsy and Collateral Jamage are at it again. Come check out two of the hottest bands in the Tri-Cities.

Gardening Starter Plant Sale

Do you have a garden or have you been thinking of starting one? Bloom has a starter plant sale just for you! This sale will be hosted by Suburban Greens, a local business that has been gardening like pros for years.

Suburban Greens has amazing plants to choose from for this event: heirloom tomatoes, basil, kale, romaine lettuce, bell peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, collards, bok choi, and cucumbers.Event will be from 9am until they sell out! (And they will sell out.)

Bristol PD Prescription Drug Take-Back

Bristol Tennessee Police Department will be hosting a “Prescription Drug Take-Back” event on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Municipal Parking Lot located at 801 Anderson Street, Bristol, Tennessee (Courthouse parking lot). Individuals are asked to bring their old, unwanted, unused or expired medications (prescription, over-the-counter, and supplements) to this secure drop-off site. This is a “no-questions-asked” event, and participants will not need to produce any identification. All items will be properly disposed of by incineration by the Bristol Tennessee Police Department.

The Police Department is encouraging individuals to rid their households of unused medications that pose a safety hazard and can contribute to prescription drug abuse. Additionally, proper disposal is much safer for the environment and the water supply, as flushing or throwing away medication puts our waterways and aquatic life at risk. Liquids and syringes will not be accepted.

The Drug Take-Back initiative is for the general public. Doctor’s offices, clinics, or other medical offices should follow the guidelines set by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The guidelines for disposal can be found here.

For further information, please contact Lt. Keith Feathers at (423) 989-3409 or kfeathers@bristoltn.org.

Creative & Crafty: April Showers Canvas Class

Bristol Public Library presents a special Creative and Crafty event: April Showers Canvas Class! Beginning at 2:00 p.m. on April 28, registered participants will have the opportunity to choose between two canvas paintings — either a rainy day portrait or a colorful collection of birdhouses — and give it their own personal flair.

Registration is required. The cost is $5 per person. This fee will cover the canvases, paint, supplies, and instruction. To register, please contact Bristol Public Library at 276-645-8780 or ajohnson@bristol-library.org.

State Street String Band

Join Blackbird Bakery for live bluegrass with State Street String Band.

Bob's Burgers Trivia

“Uhhhhhh” This trivia is for all you Bob’s Burger’s fans!

Winner gets a $25 gift card. Costumes encouraged, and this trivia night features a costume contest. Channel your inner (or outer) smart, strong, sensual woman and dress up!

Bristol Ballet presents "Alice in Wonderland"

Bristol Ballet presents “Alice in Wonderland” on Saturday, May 12 at 5:30 pm at Paramount Bristol. Jump down the rabbit hole to take a journey through Wonderland with Bristol Ballet’s Company members and student body as they present their annual student concert.

Bristol Ballet’s “Alice in Wonderland” draws inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s classic tale Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. A polite and well-mannered child, Alice is extremely curious about the world around her. When she falls down the rabbit hole, she finds herself in a fantastical but irreverent world where the rules of social etiquette don’t matter and time is irrelevant.

The performance will feature high tech digital displays along with classical ballet and traditional characters and sets. “Alice in Wonderland will be a delightful way to wrap up our 70th anniversary season,” Artistic Director, Michele Plescia. “The performance will have an exciting twist as we plan to use the Paramount’s projection equipment during the show. This use of digital effects will be a fun and challenging way to combine 21st century technology with Bristol Ballet’s 70 year tradition of classical ballet.”

Admission is $11.25 for adults, $9 for students and seniors, and $6.50 for children under 6.

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