June is a wonderful time of year to visit the Page and Shenandoah Valleys. The cool of spring we weathered through in April is gone and the rainy season in May has passed (mostly) and summer is fully raising its head for the month. The days are sunnier and the nights are becoming shorter and warmer. The weather is perfect for sleeping with windows open or outside in a tent beneath the stars. The bugs haven't fully returned so grilling out is still comfortable, even without citronella candles. There's so much to do and love this month that our office is abuzz with the desire to throw our office windows and doors open to let the light breezes and warmth blow through our work space.

For visitors and staycationers, June is an amazing month for camping and floating the river. The Shenandoah is typically flowing nicely after the rains that graced the valley in May and before the full heat of July and August sets in. Canoers, kayakers, and tubers love soaking up the sun as the current brings them north on the Shenandoah River. Locals and returning visitors advise floaters to bring snacks, drinks, and extra sunscreen to enjoy the trip to its fullest, but remind that you should always keep our waterways beautiful and take out whatever you come in with.

For fishermen, the local waterways have been stocked by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, so whether you're an avid fisherman or you like to relax on the bank while your line glides through the water, this is the season for you. Make sure you check out each towns' rules and regulations before you cast your line, we like to keep everything on the up and up, whether you're fishing our lakes, creeks, or the river.

Last month also saw the return of an event series that is a local favorite, the Town of Luray's Evenings on Main Concert Series. These concerts are held downtown on the Ruffner Plaza along the Luray Hawksbill Greenway. The shows are absolutely free to the public and usually draw a good-sized crowd. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and their dancing shoes if they so choose. The shows feature a variety of musical genres including: 80s, swing, blues, country, classic rock, soul/funk, Americana, and more. This month's shows are June 1st(featuring The Judy Chops) and June 22nd (featuring Tommy Wood). They are a great evening activity for visitors just arriving to town and for locals looking to relax at the end of the workweek. See the full line-up at www.townofluray.com/assets/tol_events_rack_card—final-v2.pdf.

At the end of the month, the Town of Stanley is hosting their 52nd Annual Homecoming. The event is a chance for the locals and Stanley natives to gather/return to town to celebrate their hometown with live music, food, fun, and fireworks. One of the largest parts of this almost week-long festival is the parade on Saturday, July 7th at 5pm. Locals and visitors alike will line Main Street in Stanley to catch candy for the kids and enjoy the beauty and talent of the floats, bands, and other entries before heading to ride rides at the carnival. See the week's full schedule on their Facebook event page: www.facebook.com/events/161855247817037.

Countless other events fill the days between these larger events; Shenandoah Speedway's races will continue around the 3/8th-mile asphalt track, Shenandoah National Park's dinners, cloggers, and other evening activities are still open to anyone looking to explore the Skyline Drive, and the Hawksbill Recreation Park and Pool has officially opened for sunbathers, divers, and anyone looking for some pool time in the Town of Stanley and County of Page as a whole.

For movie lovers and parents looking for some time in the outdoors with the kids, the local Chamber & Visitor Center has partnered for our second year with the local towns and county to host a free monthly movie under the stars. The first event is June 29th at the Shenandoah Memorial Ballpark and will include a showing of Despicable Me 3 with free popcorn, drinks, and a chance to win the movie! Download the flyer for full event details and to plan ahead for the July and August movies.

As always, we love seeing new and returning faces in Luray-Page and our local businesses and organizations roll out the welcome wagon for everyone. We sincerely hope to see you along our main streets, shopping our downtowns, and breathing in the fresh country air this month! See the full calendar of events on our website, www.visitluraypage.com, or download a copy of the current event schedule.

All the Best,

Katie Long

Communications & Marketing Coordinator

Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center