32nd Annual Giant Barbecue Battle

Related Posts

• 

  41st Annual Dominion Energy Richmond Christmas Parade Returns to Broad Street

  The 41st Annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade returned Saturday, December 7th, as tens of thousands lined up along Broad Street to watch Jolly Old Saint Nicholas come to town and usher in the holiday season. This year's theme was "Christmas Wishes," which included colorful floats, giant helium balloons, high school and college marching bands, princesses and superheroes, and more that even the Grinch could not resist! The tradition, which is free and open to the public, has a reach that spans across the entire state, including many of our service areas. This year, Patient First was one of four balloons in the parade and had the prestigious honor of carrying the legendary Santa balloon. With 15 Patient First employees in tow, and a little Christmas magic, we pranced and sleighed around stoplights, light poles and tree branches, as the crowd cheered at each successful spin. This was a warm welcome in contrast to the bitter cold and wind we endured. Our staff looks forward to participating in the parade each year, as it allows our mission to come full circle, affording ...
• 

  42nd Annual Carytown Watermelon Festival

  On August 11, the community in and around Carytown gathered for the 42nd Annual Carytown Watermelon Festival- a sweet slice of Richmond tradition. Back in the day, merchants in Carytown would set out slices of watermelon in the middle of the dog days of summer to help promote their business and draw customers in. This idea grew in popularity and continued to grow until eventually, the merchants decided their idea would be better served as a 1-day festival. Since then, every August, Carytown shuts down for one day to hold an annual festival dedicated to summer's favorite fruit. At the center of the festival are still the bowls of watermelon, which are sold for $2, with proceeds benefitting local Shriners. In addition to the bowls of watermelon, the theme of watermelon - red and green- can be seen throughout the event between the many vendors, food trucks, kids' activities, down to the festive attire worn by children and adults alike. An additional 3,000 watermelons are provided by Publix, the presenting sponsor of the event. There is also live music that spans across ...
• 

  Burnside Plantation Serves As Venue For Bethlehem's Annual Blueberry Festival

  The Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites organization hosted its 37th annual Blueberry Festival at the beautiful Burnside Plantation, and Patient First was once again part of the fun of all things blueberry. We have participated in this event several times over the years, and were delighted to return again this year. Although Mother Nature threatened to deliver thunderstorms all weekend during the event, she was wrong. Instead of rain we got dry air and blistering heat, which made the blueberry pie and blueberry ice cream taste extra special. Although the overall foot traffic was down a bit this year (most likely due to the extreme heat), we enjoyed a steady flow of visits to our tent on both days of this weekend event.  As always, we provided complimentary blood pressure checks and a variety a great give away items. It is always nice to see the organization's President and CEO, LoriAnn Wukitsch, and this year was no exception. She made a point to drop by our tent for a visit and to thank us for participating in this event once again. So many visitors ...
• 

  Patient First Gets Into the Holiday Spirit at the 40th Annual Richmond Christmas Parade

  The holiday season got off to a great start in Richmond, VA with the 40th annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade. This rain or shine event, which is free and open to the public, drew large crowds from near and far who lined up along Broad Street as they eagerly waited for the legendary Santa to make his appearance. The parade began near the Science Museum of Virginia and concluded near the Richmond Coliseum. It included a variety of colorful floats, giant balloons, high school and college marching bands, dance groups, and playful holiday characters, including a particular Grinch whose heart grew three sizes that day. Patient First, who has sponsored and participated in the event for several years now, was given the opportunity to carry the largest balloon in the parade - a 35' Cookie Monster balloon!  With guided direction from the balloon company and perhaps a little Christmas magic, 15 Patient First employees successfully navigated the balloon through city street lights, overhung tree limbs, and power lines. Patient First even got Cookie Monster to do a few spins, making him one ...
• 

  Elmwood Park Zoo Hosts Annual "Boo At The Zoo" Event

  Each year the amazing Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, PA hosts its annual "Boo at the Zoo" event in October, and this year was no exception. We were able to join the fun on site on Saturday, October 29 and it was a sensational day. Mother Nature was beyond kind to us, and everyone who came out to enjoy this fun day. We loved the temperature in the mid 60's and the bright sunshine we had all day. Organizers encouraged participants to bring out their little ghouls and ghosts for this annual Halloween event as the entire Zoo gets transformed for a "kooky, spooky Halloween celebration." And that they did. This family-oriented event attracted hundreds of children and their families. It was such fun to see all the fun and unique costumes that came by to visit with us. Many of the moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas were also in costume, which made things extra fun. If you haven't visited this beautiful little zoo, we encourage you to do so. The zoo's mission is to foster an appreciation for wildlife and the environment that ...
• 

  Patient First Supports 2nd Annual Asian Festival

  Patient First Supports 2nd Annual Asian Festival Did you know May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month? Patient First was one of the presenting sponsors for the 2nd annual Asian Festival.  Organized by the Old Town Fairfax Business Association to highlight Asian heritage through food, arts, crafts, education and performances, this one-day, outdoor family event spread out across Main Street in Historic Old Town Fairfax City. Patient First staff enjoyed interacting and engaging with many of the estimated 18,000 attendees. The entire event was a great success, and Patient First looks forward to supporting the Asian Festival next year.