2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 277

Commending the Vinton Dogwood Festival.

Agreed to by the Senate, March 11, 2026

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 12, 2026

WHEREAS, 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the Vinton Dogwood Festival, a cherished tradition that has brought joy, community spirit, and cultural enrichment to the Town of Vinton and the greater Roanoke Valley since its inception in 1956; and

WHEREAS, the Vinton Band Boosters began selling small dogwood trees to finance new uniforms for the William Byrd High School band and a group of Vinton residents parlayed the fundraiser into a community project that culminated in a festival celebrating the Commonwealth's official flower; and

WHEREAS, for seven decades, the Vinton Dogwood Festival has served as a cornerstone of local identity, featuring a wide array of activities including the crowning of the Dogwood Queen, the massive Dogwood Parade, craft shows, carnivals, and live musical performances; and

WHEREAS, the festival provides a vital platform for local artisans, civic organizations, and businesses, significantly contributing to the economic vitality and tourism of the region while showcasing the charm of the “Dogwood Capital of Virginia”; and

WHEREAS, the success of the Vinton Dogwood Festival over the past 70 years is a testament to the tireless dedication of the members of the Vinton Dogwood Festival Committee, the Vinton Women's Club, the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Vinton, and the thousands of volunteers who have donated their time to preserve this tradition; and

WHEREAS, the 70th anniversary of the Vinton Dogwood Festival represents a milestone of resilience and community pride, bridging generations of families who have made the festival an annual part of their lives; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Vinton Dogwood Festival on the occasion of its 70th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Vinton Dogwood Festival Committee as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the festival's enduring legacy and its contributions to the cultural fabric of the Commonwealth.