Downtown Roanoke, Inc. (DRI) is pleased to announce the inaugural night of BB&T's Party in Elmwood is May 16, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with entertainment from the one-and-only Swingin' Medallions, singing their hits from "Double Shot" to "Hey, Hey Baby."

For a special welcome to thisevent on the first night-May 16-admission to BB&T's Party in Elmwood will be free.

BB&T's Party in Elmwood will be held every subsequent Thursday night during the summer-May 23 to Sept. 12- from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. A portion of downtown Jefferson Street will be closed beginning at 5 p.m. and the dance party will be held along the street and in front of the Roanoke Main Library.

"We're pleased that this Thursday tradition is back in Elmwood Park this year. We know this event and Elmwood Park are both favorites of Roanokers, so this year, DRI decided to re-brand the party with a new name-BB&T's Party in Elmwood," said Tina Workman, Vice President of Events and Operations for DRI. "We believe the new name celebrates the heritage of Elmwood Park and gives the event a welcome home for the future."

Admission is $5 at the gate for every subsequent Thursday and guests can purchase the "Any Ten" ticket for $45-reducing admission price to $4.50. Children under the age of 12 are free. This year's price is a reduction from the previous year's rate of $6 per event.

In 2012, the City of Roanoke undertook a major renovation program for Elmwood Park, which will result in a new park for Roanokers to enjoy as well as a large amphitheater with seating for more than 4,000 people on terraces and the lawn.

Although the final touches onElmwood Park are scheduled to be completed in August 2013, DRI worked with the City of Roanoke to create a space for the Thursday night events from May through late August. At that time, the final BB&T Party in Elmwood events will move into the amphitheater setting and will be a part of the celebration of the new Elmwood Park.

In addition to great live music, guests will be able to enjoy free dance lessons during intermissions every Thursday night and tunes from one of the area's favorite DJs, Jerry English who will keep the party going during preshow and intermissions.

A number of volunteer organizations always take part in this annual summer event by helping to take tickets, pour beer, and serve food. In exchange, a portion of every Thursday's revenue is donated back to these groups. Applications are being accepted from local 501c(3) nonprofit organizations to be volunteers for this year's BB&T Party in Elmwood. To apply, visit www.downtownroanoke.org.

Visit DowntownRoanoke.org for more information
For a complete list of BB&T Party in the Park entertainment, visit www.downtownroanoke.org.


About Downtown Roanoke, Inc.
Downtown Roanoke, Inc. provides services and support to downtown property owners, businesses and residents.Since 1960, its mission has been to position downtown Roanoke as the preferred place to live, work, and play. DRI also provides services throughout the Downtown Service District under a contract with the City of Roanoke and also manages the Historic Roanoke City Market, which is the oldest continuously-operating open air market in Virginia. Each year, DRI presents a number of showcase events in downtown Roanoke including the Harvest Festival, and the SunTrustDickens of a Christmas - a major holiday season street festival taking place each year on the first three Fridays of December.