Parkway anniversary planning set on March 22

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the start of construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway—construction that began on Alleghany County soil—and on March 22 at 4 p.m. a meeting will be held in the Sparta Town Hall's council meeting room to plan Alleghany's participation in the anniversary celebration.

"This is an opportunity for Alleghany County claim its place in Parkway history and for the county to capitalize on the visitors who will be interested in the anniversary," Bob Bamberg, Alleghany Chamber of Commerce director said. Tourism related businesses, retailers and residents who want to be part of the anniversary celebration, teachers interested in developing Parkway projects in the classroom and public officials are invited.