Roanoke to celebrate 75th anniversary of Mill Mountain Star on Saturday
Roanoke is celebrating 75 shining years for the Mill Mountain Star on Saturday morning.
The now-iconic neon star was first illuminated on Thanksgiving eve in November 1949, meant to kickoff the holiday shopping season. Initially considered a temporary attraction, still the star shines 75 years later, giving Roanoke its Star City nickname.
A hike up to the star is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, with a celebration at the foot of the star starting at 10 a.m.
Star-themed crafts, photo opportunities and limited giveaways are part of the festivities, according to an announcement from the city. Mayor Sherman Lea and former Mayor Nelson Harris will deliver speeches.
Given its age, the star is in decent shape, but it is in need of some costly maintenance, according to a city council discussion in 2023. City officials did not immediately respond to an email Monday requesting an update on star maintenance discussions.
The last of the Kinsey brothers, Bob Kinsey, whose family business built the Roanoke star, died this year at age 98. His and his family's legacy shines on in the shape of "the world's largest freestanding illuminated man-made star," according to a Virginia's Blue Ridge webpage.
"It's more than just a star," the webpage said. "It's a shining beacon of local history and natural beauty."
Luke Weir (540) 566-8917
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