Kick-off events for the official opening of 'The Crooked Road -- Virginia's Heritage Music Trail'

In May 2004, Governor Mark Warner signed House Bill 909 formally designating portions of US 221, 58, and 23, and Virginia 83 and 40 winding through nine southwest Virginia counties, ten towns, and three cities, as "The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail." Along this circuitous route, seven primary destinations of musical significance have been designated: The Blue Ridge Institute at Ferrum College in Ferrum; The Floyd Country Store and County Sales in Floyd; the Rex Theatre and Old Fiddler's Convention in Galax; the Blue Ridge Music Center near Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 213 close to the borders of Grayson and Carroll Counties; the Birthplace Of Country Music Alliance Museum in Bristol; the Carter Family Fold & A.P. Carter Museum at Maces Springs (near Hiltons); and the Ralph Stanley Museum & Traditional Mountain Music Center in Clintwood.

The period of August 6 through August 15, 2004 marks the official launch of 'The Crooked Road'.

Events for the Kickoff of the Crooked Road include:

• The 30th Annual Carter Family Memorial Festival - Hiltons, VA - August 6 & 7
• The 69th Annual Galax Old Fiddler's Convention - Galax, VA - August 9 through 14
• BCMA Pickin Porch - Special Presentation by Mayor Paul Hurley - August 12, 7 PM
• King of Bluegrass: The Life & Times of Jimmy Martin - August 9 through 12, Abingdon Cinemall, 4 PM and 7:30 PM
• Celtic Weekend - August 7 & 8
• Crooked Road Kick Off Event - August 13th, 12 PM
• Staged reading of "Man of Constant Sorrow" by Doug Pote - Barter Theatre - August 13, 2:00 PM
• Old Time Music Weekend - August 14 & 15
• FloydFest 2004 - August 14, 15, & 16