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Mt. Crawford VA: (Rocktown Now) – As November begins, Rebecca Holloway, General Manager of the Rockingham County Fair, shares a busy lineup of events at the fairgrounds. This weekend features the Larson Angus Production Sale and the Showmasters Gun Show, followed by the Mid-Atlantic Fall Bonanza Hereford Cattle Sale and the Valley Gem and Jewelry Show on November 7–8. The fairgrounds remain active through the holidays, with a circus tentatively scheduled for mid-November and a break over Thanksgiving weekend. December kicks off with the popular Christmas Craft Show and the fifth annual Christmas Village, a community-driven fundraiser packed with festive activities. Looking ahead, the fair is preparing for its Naming Rights Gala on January 17 and continues fundraising for its sixth barn project. The fairgrounds are also available for private rentals, with bookings already extending into 2027.
INDIANAPOLIS IN: (Rocktown Now) – Jennifer Armstrong from the Virginia FFA Foundation shared an update on the National FFA Convention during her appearance on WSVA, highlighting a key vote on affiliate membership. Virginia, represented by six state officer delegates, participated in a lengthy discussion that ultimately led to the rejection of affiliate membership. The decision was influenced by concerns over financial fairness, especially for smaller chapters in states like Virginia that do not receive state funding to cover affiliation dues. Armstrong expressed relief at the outcome, noting that increased dues would have posed a financial burden on local chapters and the Foundation’s fundraising efforts. She anticipates the conversation will continue, potentially leading to a more equitable solution from the national board.
Jennifer Armstrong from the Virginia FFA Foundation spoke with WSVA listeners about the 98th National FFA Convention, highlighting a major issue being debated by the student-led FFA delegation: member affiliation. The proposed change would shift membership dues from individuals to entire chapters, meaning every student in an agriculture class would automatically become an FFA member. While this could significantly boost Virginia’s membership from 14,000 to 40,000, it poses a financial challenge for local chapters, as teachers would face higher costs. Armstrong emphasized the seriousness of the vote, comparing its potential impact to the historic decision to allow female members, and praised the dedication of student delegates deeply engaged in the process.
The 98th Annual National FFA Convention officially opens today, October 29th, in Indianapolis, bringing together thousands of FFA members from across the country to celebrate leadership, growth, and agricultural excellence. Virginia FFA reporter Alli Phillips shares that today’s agenda is packed with excitement, including the first rounds of competition where many Virginia FFA members will be showcasing their skills and representing their chapters. From career development events to leadership workshops, the convention promises a dynamic start. The celebration and competition will continue through the week, concluding on Saturday with a grand finale of recognition and inspiration.
