Written by Christina Gordon Wednesday, 18 May 2011 19:48

The people rocked the vote at the Festival of the Roanoke this past Saturday, and Harold Evans of Air Brush Oasis in Weldon “landed” The Roanoke Valley Rocks People’s Choice Award for favorite rockfish design.

“We are delighted with the artists’ submissions and the voter turnout,” said Lori Medlin.

Evans, who submitted two designs, won the People’s Choice Award for his air brush design of a variety of North Carolina symbols, such as dogwood blossoms, the state flag, Cape Hatteras lighthouse, the Wright Brothers … In addition to this new claim to fame, Evans wins dinner for two, compliments of david’s restaurant.

There were more than 50 rockfish designs on display at the Halifax County Arts Council Gallery for Saturday’s festival. There is a long list of area businesses, attractions and organizations that have already chosen to sponsor a rockfish. Now, these entities will select a local artist to decorate their rockfish with a signature design.

Artist Napoleon Hill is hard at work on the first fish that will be released to the public in a ceremony at River Falls Park in Weldon on Friday, June 24, at 6 p.m. prior to Weldon’s first Fridays in the Park summer concert with bluegrass group The Willie Peebles Band from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Weldon will follow this celebration and concert with their annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on Saturday, June 25, beginning at 5 p.m.

Once all of the rockfish are painted and installed, the Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau will develop a promotional brochure and map, guiding locals and visitors to see these finned friends. If someone visits all of the fish and brings their checklist back to the Halifax County Visitors Center, then they will receive a special t-shirt saying, “I Rocked the Roanoke Valley!”

Special thanks to all the corporate sponsors who are helping rock the Roanoke Valley, especially Halifax Electric Membership Corporation/North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, the Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Halifax County Arts Council. Additional sponsors for The Roanoke Valley Rocks campaign are 99.5 JAMZ, Atkins Ad Group, Davis Body Shop, Express Signs, rrspin.com, The Daily Herald, The Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce, WPTM 102.3 The Country Legend, and WTRG-FM Great 98.