It’s that time of year again! The Friendly City Fortune raffle is entering its fifth year of giving contestants fabulous prizes and funding downtown programs. With each ticket giving you TWO chances to win cars, getaways, and cash with proceeds benefiting Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, entering the raffle really is a win-win. Are you still on the fence about whether the raffle is a good fit for you? Let’s see if we can change your mind. Here are seven (lucky) reasons why you should consider purchasing a ticket this year. more
Through the inspiring teamwork of Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed and owner of Magpie Diner, Kirsten Moore, Juneteenth will be a celebration for the entire Harrisonburg community. Moore, owner of Magpie Diner, opened the diner in 2020 as an opportunity for the community to connect around food. In addition to being the Mayor of Harrisonburg, Mayor Reed is also a member of The Perch at Magpie and a good friend of Moore's. They struck up a friendly conversation while Mayor Reed was attending a lunch meeting at the diner, Moore wanted to learn more about street closures for events, Mayor Reed pitched an idea for a Juneteenth event. With determination, willingness, and collaboration, planning for Magpie Diner’s Juneteenth Celebration was underway. Councilman Christopher Jones was brought into the event planning, assisting Officer Westhall and Officer Howard in laying out the event’s footprint, shutting down Gay and Liberty Street, and assisting in selecting the music performances. more