The second annual Roanoke River Greenway Festival (May 14) celebrates the river, its multi-use walking and biking trails, and its many riverfront parks.   

May 14 - Schedule of Events:

• 10am - 1pm:  Outdoor Play and Learn Zone by Smart Beginnings
• 11am - 6pm:  Exhibits, vendors, displays on Wiley Drive at River's Edge 
• 4:15 - 5pm:    * Gallop 4 the Greenways - Fleet Feet Kids Fun Run
• 5 - 6pm:          * Gallop 4 the Greenways - 5k race
• 5:15 - 6pm:    * Gallop 4 the Greenways - 1 mile walk
• 6:15pm:          Gallop Awards at Down By The River Music Festival 
• 6 - 11pm:        Down by the River Post Race Party (Admission is free with Gallop participation. A
                           Gallop participant can also purchase one ticket for $15. Kids 12 and under are free)

* Gallop 4 the Greenways is an annual fundraising event to support our growing network of pedestrian and bicycle trails. The 5th annual Gallop 4 the Greenways will be held in conjunction with the Down By The River concert, staged at Reserve Avenue on May 14th, 2011. The race and walk will be run on Roanoke River Greenway. Mark your calendars today and help support one of the most important quality of life assets in the Roanoke, VA region.

1. A knife. A knife is one of the most versatile tools you can carry, and is one of the tools no wise outdoorsman would be caught without. A small folding knife is easy to pack, as it can either be placed in a pack or pocket, or clipped to your belt.

2. Water proof matches, lighters, fire-starters. One of the most important skills to have in the wilderness is to be able to start a fire. Bringing along a source of fire, or better yet, a few different ones, is absolutely essential.

3. First-aid supplies. Depending on how much space you have for this, be sure to at least include the basics: bandages, disinfectant, insect repellant, and a pain-killer / anti-inflammatory, such as aspirin. iodine pills are a good item to bring along as well for purifying water.

4. LED flashlight or headlamp. The brightest flashlights use LED bulbs. In an emergency situation at night, this can make all the difference. LED lights are also incredibly energy efficient, so an LED flashlight will last much longer when you need it.

5. Multi-tool. While almost all multi-tools include a folding knife, they also often include things such as saw blades, screwdrivers, can-openers, and other very useful tools in a convenient, compact unit. Having a multi-tool with you will greatly enhance your ability to tackle a wide range of tasks from repairing gear, to building a fire, to opening a can of food.

The idea of the emergency survival pack is to be able to cover your most basic needs: A fire starter for warmth, an LED flashlight for light, a knife or multi-tool for repairs, crafting items and obtaining food, and first aid supplies for injuries. While this certainly doesn't cover everything that would be useful in an emergency situation, these items are good basics to start with, and should be at the core of even the smallest survival kit.

Share what other items you carry in your backpack in the comments section of our blog and be entered to win your choice of a Coast multi tool, headlamp, or lantern.  Winner will be selected at random on May 17.