Shawn Nowlin

3 days ago | theroanoker.com | Shawn Nowlin

How the Salem Fair became Virginia’s largest free-gate fair. One of the most enjoyable, family-friendly events in the region made its grand return on July 2 and lasted for 11 days. The Salem Fair isn’t just an annual occurrence that thousands of individuals look forward to every summer, the event also bills itself as Virginia’s largest free gate fair. The yearly event is renowned for its combination of rides, diverse food options, creative showcases and live entertainment.

2 months ago | theroanoker.com | Shawn Nowlin

The story below is from our May/June 2025 issue. For more stories like it, Subscribe Today. Thank you!   WFXR’s Jermaine Ferrell was recently named Sportscaster of the Year. The National Sports Media Association named WFXR’s Jermaine Ferrell its 2024 Virginia Sportscaster of the Year.

2 months ago | theroanoker.com | Shawn Nowlin

The story below is from our May/June 2025 issue. For more stories like it, Subscribe Today. Thank you!   E.B. Smith relishes the opportunity to serve as the Harrison Museum’s executive director. There aren’t many places like the Harrison Museum of African American Culture around.

Feb 26, 2024 | theroanoker.com | Shawn Nowlin

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) institutions, all 13 of them, have a tremendous sense of pride in everything they do, from academic competitions to sports. Every November for the last eight years, Virginia’s Championship City has hosted the CIAA Football Championship at the Salem Stadium. So much more than just a game, the yearly gathering brings the HBCU experience to the Roanoke Valley.

Feb 26, 2024 | theroanoker.com | Shawn Nowlin

Quite often, an individual’s perception of someone doesn’t mirror the reality. The challenges that Nickalas Lee faced growing up are well-documented. Born in Texas to a mother addicted to drugs, Lee, at just 29 weeks, had traces of cocaine in his system and was alcohol fetal. Within a month of being in the foster care system, he was placed with the Lee family. Three years later, they officially adopted him.  “Just like that, he started to get happier and happier.