Good morning, Lynchburg.

Beaver Dam Farm will host its 10th annual Sunflower Festival in Buchanan from Sept.

5-14, promising ten days of festivities and welcoming thousands of visitors. The event will introduce new additions — a live release of 300 painted lady butterflies, a special-edition sunflower beer on August 16, a limited-edition coffee roast, and a debut children’s book.

Wendy Adams uses her nonprofit fundraising expertise and faith to mentor local leaders through her business Cultivate for Good and by serving with the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance.

She built her career after a harsh economic downturn and now guides community connections and leadership growth in Lynchburg — a commitment that shows her deep dedication to local progress.

George Woltz, co-founder of the Martin and Woltz agency that created the enduring 'Virginia is for Lovers' tourism slogan, died in Naples, Florida on July 16 at age 92—he grew up in South Boston and was celebrated for his creative vision and high standards in advertising.

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry announced the minimum wage will increase from $12.41 to $12.77 effective January 1, 2026 (using the 2024 Consumer Price Index of 2.9 percent).

Most Virginia employees, including full-time, part-time, and temporary workers, will be affected by this change.

Summer is ending and first day of school dates have been released for schools in the ABC13 viewing area - with Danville Public Schools starting on August 6 and Southern Virginia University on August 27.

The list also covers many other districts across the area.

Central Virginia Community College will implement an official parking policy this school year to stop students from parking in the campus’s upper lots + the measure is set to improve lot management for the academic term.

The City of Lynchburg has begun construction of a parking lot at the Awareness Garden near Black Water Creek Trail to add 38 dedicated parking spaces and ease street parking.

The project costs over $330,000 and is funded by the city and the Awareness Garden Foundation— it will be completed in February 2026.

City officials said Councilman Martin Misjuns forced Lynchburg to spend extra tax money and travel out of town for his appeal after he filed a motion to reopen his lawsuit over his termination from the fire department.

The city argued on July 22 that the evidence Misjuns claimed as 'new' should have been presented earlier—adding needless expense.

Billy Wagner, a Southwest Virginia native and former Tazewell High School standout, was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown over the weekend—he was honored alongside Dick Allen, Dave Parker, CC Sabathia, and Ichiro Suzuki.

The pitcher earned 422 saves and was a seven-time All-Star during his 16-year career—his induction marks a milestone in his celebrated baseball journey.

The Last of Lucy Concert

6-11 p.m. — Super Rad Arcade Bar — All ages — Enjoy an evening with The Last of Lucy and Pathogenic during the GODFORM SUMMER TOUR 2025.

Soul, Rhythm, & Boots Festival

2-11 p.m. — Lynchburg City Stadium Football Field — Free entry — A celebration of music and community with soulful tunes and dancing.

Travis Reigh Live Performance

8 PM – 10 PM — The Music Hall — $15 – $18 — Experience the captivating sounds of Travis Reigh, a rising country artist with emotional storytelling.

Face the Forest 5k Obstacle Course Run

7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest — Cost info not specified — Challenge yourself with a thrilling obstacle course in a scenic environment.

Parkinson’s Support Group

Monthly gathering — Time TBD — YMCA on Old Forest Rd — Free entry — Connect with others living with Parkinson’s in a supportive environment.

Wolfswood Faire

2-7 p.m. — Wolfbane Performing Arts Center — $12 Adults, $7 Children 10 and Under — Experience a day of medieval games, sword fights, and performances at this festive gathering.

Lynchburg Hillcats vs. Fredericksburg Nationals

6:30-8 p.m. — Bank of the James Stadium — VIP tickets available — Cheer on the Hillcats as they face off against the Nationals in an exciting minor league matchup.