The Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce started off the 2017 Mingle at the Market concert series with a huge and enthusiastic crowd who came to listen and dance to the Myrtle Beach band Tru Sol. It was possibly the largest crowd to ever attend a Mingle event. Tru Sol even brought along some followers from Myrtle Beach for the concert.

There was not only great music, but a new dance floor for the stage area. Vinton Special Programs Director Mary Beth Layman says the flooring is called “SnapLock” portable flooring and comes in three-foot-square interlocking sections that are snapped together and then disassembles for storage in a minimal space. The company says the SnapLock floors are “proudly made in the U.S.A. and danced on worldwide.” It works well on pavement and was placed on the street in front of the Market stage. Layman saw a similar dance floor when attending an event in Yorktown and took note.

Another addition to the staging of the event was bistro tables placed to draw the crowd down closer to the stage.

The floor and tables weren’t the most significant changes– this year children are being admitted to the Mingle events, with no charge for children under age 12. There were several babies, toddlers, and pre-teens with their parents at the now family-friendly event, enjoying the summer night, the music, and even the dancing.

“Here at the chamber we are always looking for ways to provide the best experience possible,” said Chamber President Justin Davison. “Opening it up to all ages and seeing all ages on the dance floor was something special. I would love to thank all the volunteers, vendors and, of course, the attendees. There is nothing better than seeing the Farmers’ Market packed with people having fun, dancing, and enjoying themselves. Tru Sol and the eclectic mix they brought to the table was something amazing as well!”

The Mingle concerts benefit a different charity each month. Proceeds from the June 50/50 raffle went to the Vinton Luncheon Lions Club, who volunteered at the event.

Food concessions were provided by Texas Tavern and Delicia’s Gourmet Ice. There was an adult beverage garden provided by Blue Ridge Beverage.

The Vinton First Aid Crew and officers from the Vinton Police Department were on hand to ensure public safety.

Platinum level sponsors for 2017 are the Town of Vinton, the Vinton War Memorial, and Comfort Inn Valley View. Gold sponsors include Roanoke County, Freedom First, Vinton Roofing, and BB & T. Silver level sponsors are HomeTrust Bank, Vertex, Lotz, PFG, Cox Business, BNC Bank, Berkshire Health Care, the Vinton Moose Lodge, Magnets USA, Grand Rental Storage, GCR Tires & Service, and Cardinal IG. Bronze Level sponsors include: The Vinton Messenger, Member One, Appalachian Power, and Winter Storage.

“Wow is the word I come up with!” said Chamber Executive Director Angie Chewning. “Wow, the crowd was huge. Wow, the weather was perfect. Wow, the food was great and Wow, Wow, Wow, the band was off the charts! Thank you to all our sponsors, vendors, the Vinton Rescue Squad for being on site, Blue Ridge Beverage, Big Lick Entertainment and, of course, everyone who came out to show love to our friends from Myrtle Beach! They will be back!”

The Mingle concerts are held at the Farmers’ Market in Vinton from 6:30 until 10 p.m. with music beginning at 7 p.m. Next up is Low Low Chariot and Rutledge on July 8; Uptown on August 12; Seven Mile Ford on September 9; and Hott Sauce on October 14. Fuzzy Logic will close out the 2017 season on November 11.

Photographs from the season’s first Mingle may be found on the Vinton Messenger Facebook page.