Region briefs
County library to reopen
YORK —The expanded and renovated York County Library opens on Monday.
The library has been closed for the past two years because of the upgrading being done. When it reopens at 10 a.m. Monday, circulation and reference services, public computers and study and group rooms will be back in full use. Some areas of the building, including the children’s wing, will remain closed during continuing construction projects.
Once fully opened, the facility will offer an auditorium with a stage for performances, a technology makerspace lab and a local history area. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.
To keep track of the library’s progress, visit its Facebook page or check its website at www.yorkcounty.gov/3773/Public-Library. The library is located at 8500 George Washington Memorial Highway.
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One of South’s best barbecue joints
YORK — Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que has again been named one of the South’s best barbecue joints by Southern Living magazine.
According to the magazine’s annual survey, its readers’ picks reflect the current state of Southern barbecue, offering a blend of continuity and change.
Pierce’s Pitt opened in 1971 as a walk-up stand selling primarily barbecue sandwiches along the eastbound lane of state Route 168. The eatery has been popular ever since. Started by Julius “Doc” Pierce and his wife, Verdie, it’s now owned by their son, Jay Pierce.
In the magazine’s write-up on Pierce’s, it says: “The splendid pork is generously dressed in Doc Pierce’s original sauce, a unique sweet and tangy blend of tomato and vinegar. Thick red-glazed ribs, smoky pulled chicken, and the requisite brisket round out the offering along with crinkle cut fries, coleslaw, and hushpuppies.”
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Fido Fest to return
JAMES CITY —Fido Fest returns to Jamestown Beach Event Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 25.
Festivities include a best trick contest, a fido fashion show, photo ops, an agility course and other dog- and family-friendly activities and games. Food, merchandise and community vendors will be on site. Admission is $5 per car, cash or check only.
New this year is Sudz & Budz, described as a “foam party” for dogs and their humans from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pets must be on leases (no retractable leashes) and be current on vaccines. In the case of inclement weather, call the activities hotline at 757-259-3232. The park is located at 2205 Jamestown Road.
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Great American Cleanup volunteers
Volunteers from the Historic Triangle area are being sought to help with the Great American Cleanup March 24-25.
The Great American Cleanup is a community improvement program that takes place annually in an estimated 20,000 communities nationwide. Cleanup events typically take place all across Hampton Roads from March to June.
Those interested can register at askhrgreen.org and staff will contact you to help with supplies, cleanup locations and disposal. For more information on James City County cleanup programs, visit jamescitycountyva.gov/3825/Litter-Programs or call 757-259-5375.
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Emergency response training next month
James City County and Williamsburg residents can take part in Community Emergency Response Team training next month.
The national CERT program is designed to educate residents about disaster preparedness and offer training in basic disaster response skills. Course material includes disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, terrorism, emergency communication, basic emergency skills and more.
The program is available at no charge to all county and city residents, age 18 and older. The 30-hour course begins April 6 from 6:30-10 p.m. and will conclude on April 29 with a simulated disaster exercise.
For more information or to register, visit jamescitycountyva.gov/2661/Community-Emergency-Response-Team or call 757-564-2142.
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Tony Hawk headlining Jackalope
VIRGINIA BEACH — Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk will headline the free Jackalope sports festival June 2-4 at the Oceanfront.
Hawk will participate in the Vert Showdown showcase at 8:30 p.m. June 3. That event will also feature 10-year-old skater Reese Nelson and local skateboarder Collin Graham, according to the festival website.
The Jackalope festival also will feature BMX, surfing and other extreme sports. Alcaraz said BASE jumpers will leap off the 252-foot Hilton hotel and land on the beach. A huge vert ramp, a type of half-pipe, and a professional rock climbing wall will be constructed at the beach site.
If the festival is successful, organizers want to hold a U.S. tour with the championships at Virginia Beach in the future, Alcaraz said.
