Weekend forecast, threat of storms causes postponements

Published 12:14 am Saturday, March 23, 2024

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The weekend forecast doesn’t look great for Saturday. On the one hand, there won’t be any concern about red flag warnings or the potential for wildfire. But on the other, now we may need to be careful about flash flooding. 

Multiple groups have canceled outside events scheduled for Saturday, March 23, thanks to what the National Weather Service is labeling the potential for “torrential rains”. Now to be clear, they’re not saying it’s time to bring the ark. At most, only 2 inches of rain is expected to fall. It’s more the constant rain that has officials concerned. In places in and around Farmville, the rain is expected to start at 9 p.m. tonight and not let up until at least Saturday afternoon, if not later. Too much rain at one time can cause drainage systems to overflow, leading to flash flood conditions. 

As a result of all this, several groups have changed times for events today and either postponed all or part of events scheduled for this Saturday. When we receive more, we’ll update. 

Farmville Easter Egg Hunt

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But first, before we talk about what’s being postponed, let’s mention one going on as scheduled. Farmville’s Parks and Recreation Department will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 23, beginning at 11 a.m. That’ll be held at the Sports Arena, located at 1328 Zion Hill Road in Farmville. There will be crafts, raffle prizes, free photos with the Easter Bunny and an Easter Egg Hunt. And yes, staff members say that’s happening regardless of what the weather does. 

Longwood baseball doubleheader

The second game of Longwood’s home doubleheader on Friday will start at 4 p.m., not 6 p.m. as scheduled, thanks to the heavy rain in the forecast. The Lancers will take on the Blue Hose at Buddy Bolding Stadium as normal.

Pamplin 150th birthday

Yes, this was meant to be the weekend where we celebrate 150 years of Pamplin City. But due to the weekend forecast, part of that’s been postponed. And by that we’re referring to all of the outdoor activities associated with the celebration. Indoor vendors will still be at the Pamplin Train Depot. As for when it will be rescheduled? That’s been set now as well. The event has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 13.   

Hampden-Sydney baseball 

Thursday proved to be a great start for this latest Hampden-Sydney baseball homestand. The Tigers rallied in the bottom of the ninth to take the 7-6 win over Mary Baldwin. But fans and players will have to wait a bit longer to get this weekend’s series started. 

The Tigers had been scheduled to play a home game against Roanoke. Due to the weather warnings, that’s been changed into a doubleheader for Sunday, March 24. That’ll start at noon on Yank Bernier Field on the Hampden-Sydney campus. 

Weekend forecast puts racing on hold 

And finally, The Herald received several comments after the story about Farmville teenagers Max Sangillo and Jordaine Penick, who are competing in the HEAT Hornets Division at South Boston Speedway. Many people wanted to know when the first race was, so they could go. You’ll have to wait just a bit longer to watch that first race. 

South Boston Speedway officials announced Thursday that because of the current weather forecast, they’re postponing the Saturday’s races until Sunday afternoon. 

“We made this decision early in an effort to give both the competitors and our loyal fans ample time to alter their plans and save them the effort and expense of coming to the track on Saturday and likely not being able to see the event,” said South Boston Speedway General Manager Brandon Brown. “Nobody likes to postpone an event early but making this decision early was done in everyone’s best interests.