This past Saturday, the Senator was able to get down to Roanoke and Southwest Virginia for a full-day of events.

The day began in Roanoke, where the Senator walked (ok, actually ran) in the Saint Patrick’s Parade. The jog through downtown allowed the Senator to meet and shake hands with the thousands in attendance that were decked out in green, and maroon and orange -- surely a hold-over from a night of celebrating a Virginia Tech win in the ACC tournament. This wonderful atmosphere, in combination with the fantastic weather, made for a great way to begin the day.

After the parade, the Senator hit the road for Southwest. After the scenic drive down I-81 and I-77, the Senator arrived in Galax (home of the Single-A, Division 1, Boy’s Basketball State Champs!) for a Main Street walk through the historic downtown. We began at the Farmer’s Market but quickly progressed to the great aromas coming from The Galax Smokehouse. After a delicious side of the homemade banana pudding, we continued down Main Street before touring the Chestnut Creek School of the Arts and then stopping for coffee and conversation at the Chestnut Creek Coffee House.

After a little drive up 58, we arrived in Hillsville for a Twin County and Carroll County Chamber of Commerce event at the Historic Courthouse. It really was a beautiful setting and a nice place to engage in some great questions and discussion. At the end of the event, the Senator received a (delicious) gift basket from the good folks at the Chamber and the Town of Hillsville.

The final event of the day occurred in Wytheville, where the Senator was able to publicly thank former Congressman Rick Boucher at a dinner that honored the 28 year career of the 9th District Congressman. After visiting with some friends, the Senator had to get back home to rest before appearing on Fox News Sunday the next morning.