Written by Carey Linkous
Olde Salem Days: the one day in September when Main Street is completely shut down and traffic at Roanoke College is a nightmare. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the streets of Salem are lined with booths full of private vendors selling their merchandise. According to the Roanoke Times, it’s one of the best places to go Christmas shopping in the area. Hosted by the Rotary club, the event has grown to be their largest fundraising event!
So how do we, as students, benefit from having Olde Salem Days right on our doorstep?
Getting involved in the community around our campus can be extremely rewarding. As a student, Olde Salem Days is one of my favorite things to do in the area. The countless vendors always have something interesting or fun to buy. For anyone who loves cars, there are old and new cars on display for everyone walking by to see. I personally love all of the dogs that come out to walk around with their owners. Kettle corn is sold in massive bags that could supply any RC student with a seemingly endless popcorn supply. Paintings, portraits, sculptures, knick knacks of all shapes and sizes, jewelry, books, and homemade jams and goodies are always plentiful as well.
While I was attending this past weekend, I talked to a few students about what they liked about Olde Salem Days. Madison Bourne, a sophomore here at RC, said, “I think it’s a great way for people from all over the Roanoke valley to show their talents…everyone hand makes the things that they sell.”
Not only is Olde Salem Days a place for people to show off their art, it is also a place where local politicians come to campaign. While in college, it is important to be civically involved, and this event is a great opportunity to learn about local politics.
As RC students, we should to make community involvement a part of our everyday life. RC is a beautiful place, but it’s time to step off of our campus and get familiar with the surrounding areas of Roanoke and Salem. Events like Olde Salem Days, where the community comes to us, are a fun and easy way to get involved without having to stray too far from your dorm. So if you’re in town next September, take the time to step onto Main St. and see what Olde Salem Days is all about.
