By Matt de Simone
Sun and science painted the hills at Blue Ridge Vineyards last Saturday during the Eagle Rock Ruritans’ second annual Science Festival.
Community members young and old learned more about the discoveries of some of Botetourt’s young minds who displayed experiments like seeding sprouts, building baking soda-propelled rockets out of soda bottles, and “the power of chocolate,” to name a few. Attendees had the opportunity to enjoy tri-fold posters taking them through the steps of each experiment displaying local Botetourt youths’ skills in technology and engineering.
“It was such a gorgeous day to host an event that allowed families to enjoy the outdoors and learn so much while being able to play freely throughout the vineyard,” Eagle Rock Ruritan Beth Leffel said when recently asked about the festival. “We estimate 300 people attended the Festival and there were 24 science fair posters from youth in Botetourt, Roanoke and Alleghany counties. The Ruritan Club is especially appreciative of all the community leaders who dedicated their time to lead interactive science activities and for the overwhelming financial support we received from corporate sponsors.”
Additionally, people could learn more about community organizations that included Botetourt 4-H along with schools that provide studies in scientific fields like the Botetourt Technical Education Center (BTEC) and Virginia Western.
