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The Online Magazine FOR and ABOUT Southside Virginia

3/19/2024

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In This Issue

-=Issue Cover=-
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Articles
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VA State Parks Celebrate 75 Years
(Let the Summer Begin)

Staunton River 75th Anniversary
(Additional Photos)

Berry Picking
(Fun Outdoor Activity or Ethical Dilemma?)
By Maria Scinto

Fennel in Your Herb Garden
Submitted by the Southside Virginia Herb Society

Relay For Life 2011 Events
(Southern VA & Northern NC)

Southside Virginia Herb Society selects scholarship winner

Southside Master Gardener Receives 500 Hr Award

 

Columns

Editor's Page
(Cooking Some SPAM)

Southside Gardener
(Monthly Tips & "To Do List")
By William H. McCaleb

South Winds
(The Secret to Inner Peace)
By FCOIT

Ask Bubba - Advice
(Parody)
The Bubba Squad

 

Departments

Festivals & Events

July-Aug-Sept Events

Staunton River State Park Events

Relay For Life 2011 Events

Farm & Ag Info

Farmers Markets Listing (FMs in or near SSVA)

Press Releases

Southside Master Gardener Receives 500 Hr Award

Southside Virginia Herb Society selects scholarship winner

 

Past Issues

Past Issues are available from June 2008 through the current issue.
Select the desired issue from the drop-down box below.

 


Festivals and Events in Southside Virginia


June - July - Aug - Sept 2011

 

Festivals and Events listed are in Southside or Southern Virginia unless otherwise noted.

 

If you are looking for Relay For Life Events,
please see the Relay For Life 2011 Page Here

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June 2011

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June 3 - 4
Altavista

Uncle Billy's Day Festival -

Arts & Crafts exhibits, great food selection, flea market/antiques, live band performances, children's rides and more

Info: 434-369-6665

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June 3
Clarksville

�First Friday at the Mall� -

Virginia Avenue Mall, 5-8 pm.
Stop by 317 Virginia Avenue and check out the sales and specials on this special sports weekend�it�s Soccer Splash 2011 in Clarksville!
There will be snacks, specials and a lot to see. Join us or you�ll miss all the fun!

For more info, call 434-374-5949.

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June 3 (and every first Friday through September 2)
Danville

Fridays at the Crossing 2011 -

Plan to spend the first Friday of each month at the Carrington Pavilion at the Crossing at the Dan for Danville Harvest Jubilee's annual Fridays at the Crossing Series. Bring your friends, family and join in the fun. Your favorite food and beverages will be available on site.

June 3: Backstreet Band
July 1: Dragonfly
August 5: The WORX
September 2: The Tim Clark Band

Gates open at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $3.00 at the gate or pick up your tickets at the Welcome Center. Children 12 and under free with an adult.

434.793.4636
www.visitdanville.com

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June 4-5
Clarksville

2011 Lake Country Soccer Splash Tournament -

Mecklenburg County Community Services Corp. cordially invites your soccer team to participate in the 2011 Lake Country Soccer Splash Tournament to be played at the J. H. Yancy Soccer Complex in Clarksville, Virginia.

This tournament will host U-8 to U-18 recreational soccer teams. (Entry fees: U-8, U-10-$250, U-12, U-14, U-16, U-18 $275)
Note: after interest from teams we have decided to extend our age group for the tournament to include U-18.

Tournament Hosted by: Southern Virginia Soccer Club

Held at the new MCCSC Complex and J.H. Yancey Soccer Complex,
located on
1567 Noblin Farm Road
Clarksville, VA.

For more informationon this exciting soccer tournament Contact:
Julie Hardman, Tournament Director.
juliebuc57@kerrlake.com
434-738-3045
MCCSC
PO BOX 1011
CLARKSVILLE, VA 23927
www.mccscorps.org/soccersplash11.html

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June 4
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
Randolph

Sappony Indian River Festival -

Event includes native dancing, arts and food; planting demonstrations; birds of prey exhibit, and more. Visitors can also participate in a canoe trip down the scenic Staunton River ($15 fee - call to register) and see Longwood University's archeological study site.

General admission is $6. Senior admission is $5. (Free for children 4 and under.)

Info:
434-454-4312
www.stauntonriverbattlefield.org

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June 5
South Boston

HaliFair -

HaliFair, an arts, crafts, and horticulture festival, will be held on Saturday, June 5, 12 noon to 10pm at the Halifax County Fairgrounds and will feature activities for all ages.

Featuring-

Artists/Artisans
Fused glass, mosaics, wood carvings, painting, photography, pottery, gourds, jewelry & more

Horticulture:

�Make Your Own�
Hypertufa - ($5 fee � Please bring gloves and container for mold: cardboard box, flower pot, or plastic container.)

Rain Barrel - ($40 fee � Includes barrel, nozzle, and supplies)

�How to�:
Compost, vermiculture, sharpen garden tools - (Small garden tools sharpened free)

Music:
Hugh Vaughan � R&B
Donnie Beadles and The Hot Damn! Band � Blues
The Hagar�s Mountain Boys � Bluegrass
The Player Pianos � Indie Rock
6th n Main � Beach & Motown
The Panel Alarm � Folk

Race Teams Expo: Drivers & cars from South Boston Speedway

Cruise-Ins: Fire Trucks, Classic Cars and Motorcycles

Sky-divers at sunset

Admission $1
All proceeds to benefit the Halifax County Fair 100th Anniversary

Presented by 3RiverTec in partnership with Halifax Jaycees
For further details, visit online
www.halifairva.com

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June 8
Emporia

Virginia Pork Festival -

Oh there�s plenty to smile about at the Virginia Pork Festival. Down here you�ll find nothing but good friends, great food and lots of fun! What else would you expect from the world�s largest outdoor barbecue. Last year�s event attracted over 15,000 people representing 32 different states. And each year they all come back for more. We consider this a compliment to our chefs and a testament to the quality of the event.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011
4:00 - 8:00 PM

Contact: Virginia Pork Festival
800.482.7675
E-mail: info@vaporkfestival.com

www.vaporkfestival.com

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June 11
Blackstone

Texas Festival -

Kenston Forest, Blackstone, VA
Contact: Kenston Forest School
434.292.7218

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June 11
Philpott Lake in Henry Cty

Jamison Mill Park Appreciation Day -

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers presents National Trails Day, Hike, Bike, Paddle event at Jamison Mill Park on Philpott Lake. This event is held as part of the American Hiking Society's 19th Annual National Trails Day celebration.

Event includes an interpretive hike, food vendors, bicycle ride, paddle trip and children's activities. National Trails Day was created to promote healthy lifestyles, connect the public with trails in their community, build partnerships to protect trails and to encourage cooperative efforts among the various trail users. This event will also be the official dedication of the Jamison Mill Trail System, which offers 6 miles of shared-use trails for hikers and bicyclists that meander through a variety of landscapes, including mixed pine and hardwood stands, lake views along the shoreline and beautiful ridge top vistas. Experience recreationists will be demonstrating proper techniques and gear maintenance.

Phone: (276) 629-4512
Phone: (276) 681-6805
mary.c.lawson@usace.army.mil
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/philpott/

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June 11-12 South Boston

Dan River R/C Flyers Annual Club Fly-In -

Come join us at beautiful Potts Landing for flying, fellowship and breath taking sunsets.

Potts Landing Field
4131 Birch Elmo Rd.
South Boston, VA 24592

GPS Coord. N 36.70759 W 079.13640

� AMA Required
� $15 Landing Fee
� *Spectators Free*
� Raffles and Prizes
� 3000ft Runway
� No Size Restrictions
� All Planes and Heli's Welcome
� Camping allowed (no hook ups)
� Early Arrivals are welcomed on Friday

2nd Annual 3min. Show Contest on Sat starting at 12PM. A very fun and simple format. Take center stage for 3 min and show what you got!
All welcomed to participate. $10 entry fee required.

For Further Info contact:
Cody Hazen - 434-222-8167
Danny Franklin - 434-728-0143

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June 18
Charlotte Court House

Charlotte County Festival -

This festival sponsored by the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce offers something for everyone. The event includes a parade, local arts and crafts, great food, informational displays & exhibits, live history, music, pony rides and other children's activities, and more.

Contact the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce at (434) 542-4546

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June 18-19 - 9am-5pm
Martinsville

First Annual Battle of Martinsville
Civil War Reenactment, Encampment and Living History Weekend -

Civil War Reenactment, Encampment and Living History Weekend at the Smith River Sports Complex. Jun 18-19 from 9am-5pm ea. day. The Stuart-Hairston Camp 515 Sons of Confederate Veterans presents the First Annual Battle of Martinsville.

Weekend events include: battles both days, along with an artillery night fire. Sunday morning church service, military sutler, bell elixers, a blacksmith, Victorian photographer, Tom Perry (author/bookseller), an orator, Raggedy Ann concessions, bear flag, and Fry bread and barbeque.

General Jerry R. Parsons, Commander, Conferate Forces - General Keith Cornelius, Commander, Federal Forces

All events will take place in the fields next to the Sports Complex maintenance facility alongside the Smith River.
Admission is $5.00 for adults and FREE for children 12 and under. Parking is FREE.

For more information about the reenactment call Daniel Young, the Blacksmith, at 276-629-7355 or 276-358-1557 or email scv515@gmail.com.

Visit http://www.southernvirginiasports.com for a complete event flyer and map of the Complex.

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June 19 - All Day
Everywhere

Fathers Day -

Remember Dad Today.

Doesn't Dad deserve something better than an ugly tie?

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June 24 & 25
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
Randolph

Staunton River Battle Commemoration -

On the 24th enjoy a cannon firing demonstration at dusk & a wagon ride through the low grounds at 8 pm. Saturday's activities begin at 9 am and include a Confederate encampment, cannon firing, a United Daughters of the Confederacy medal presentation, interpretive programs, and more.

(434) 454-4312
www.stauntonriverbattlefield.org

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July 2011

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July 1 (and every first Friday through September 2)
Danville

Fridays at the Crossing 2011 -

Plan to spend the first Friday of each month at the Carrington Pavilion at the Crossing at the Dan for Danville Harvest Jubilee's annual Fridays at the Crossing Series. Bring your friends, family and join in the fun. Your favorite food and beverages will be available on site.

July 1: Dragonfly
August 5: The WORX
September 2: The Tim Clark Band

Gates open at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $3.00 at the gate or pick up your tickets at the Welcome Center. Children 12 and under free with an adult.

434.793.4636
www.visitdanville.com

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July 1
South Boston

Fireworks at South Boston Speedway -

Celebate the 4th of July at South Boston Speedway! Races include NASCAR Whelen Late Model 200/ Limited 100/ Pure Stock 50 followed by FIREWORKS!!!!!!

Phone: (434) 572-4947
Ticket Sales: (877) 440-1540
Email info@southbostonspeedway.com
Website: www.southbostonspeedway.com

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July 4th - All Day
Everywhere

Independence Day -
Celebrate America's Independence.

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July 4
Brookneal

Red Hill 4th of July -

Activities and events include live music, food vendors, arts and craft vendors, colonial interpreters, guided tours of the plantation, kids� games, raffles, and of course, fireworks.
Bring your lawn chairs or blanket and enjoy the day on the beautiful grounds overlooking the Staunton River valley.
Grounds open at 9 am, events begin at 3 pm. Admission fee.

(434) 376-2044 or (800) 514-7463
www.redhill.org

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July 4 - 11 am.
Clarksville

Independence Day Parade, Clarksville, 11 am. -

The Clarksville Ruritan will be host the 3rd annual event. Mark you calendars for this special parade and community cook-out in Downtown Clarksville.
Parade application and more information will be posted soon on the Chamber�s website at www.clarksvilleva.com.

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July 4
Danville

Danville Fourth of July Celebration -

A patriotic family celebration featuring a patriotic concert, children's activities, and a grand fireworks display.

4 pm 'til fireworks. Crossing at the Dan & Carrington Pavilion, no admission charge.

(434) 793-4636
www.visitdanville.com

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July 4
Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway

Martinsville Speedway Celebration 2011 -

Even before the music starts for Celebration 2011, young and old people alike will have a festive time at the Martinsville Speedway enjoying great food, music and fireworks. Not only is this a celebration of Independence Day but is a time to have some serious fun. Children's rides will be open from 5-11:30 pm. Mountain Heart, fronted by Henry County native Josh Schilling, will open at 7 pm followed by Marshall Tucker Band, the venerable Southern Rock band that has seven gold and three platinum albums to its credit at 8:30 pm. Once you've enjoyed the carnival rides, eaten great food and listened to exceptional music, grab a chair, let down the tailgate and wait for the area's largest fireworks show to cap the evening. Gather the family, friends and anyone looking to celebrate Independence Day in a big time way and join us at the Speedway for an evening of fun!

Phone: (276) 956-3151
Fax: (276) 956-2820
Email mksmith@MartinsvilleSpeedway.com
Website www.martinsvillespeedway.com

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July 14, 15, & 16th
Clarksville

34th Annual Virginia Lake Festival -- Clarksville On the Lake! -

Voted by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2011 as �One of the Top 20 Festivals In The Southeast�, LakeFest (as it is known locally) attracted nearly 100,000 visitors in 2010 to view hundreds of attractions including hot air balloons, arts and crafts, live entertainment including music and dancing, great local and ethnic food, and the traditional �Gathering Of The Boats� and fireworks show!


� Antique Auto Show
� Food Vendors
� Fireworks over the Lake
� Juried Arts & Crafts Show
� Children�s Entertainment & Activities
� Helicopter Rides
� Sand Sculptors
� Live Bands on Stage
� More

Make this YOUR year to come and experience the wonder and fun of LakeFest � you�ll be glad you did! Join us July 14, 15, & 16th, 2011.

For More information or 2011 Vendor Applications Contact:
Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce
105 2nd Street Clarksville, VA 23927
PO Box 1017
(434) 374-2436

http://clarksvilleva.com/festivals-celebrations/virginia-lake-festival/

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July 22 - 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
South Boston Fairgrounds

31st Annual Virginia Cantaloupe Festival 2011 -

This year we will be celebrating the 31st anniversary of the best party in Southern Virginia.

Begun in 1981 as a way to showcase the succulent goodness of cantaloupes grown locally in beautiful Halifax County, the Virginia Cantaloupe Festival has expanded to become one of the premier events in Virginia. Within two years of it's inception, the festival was drawing crowds of more than 3500 people. People of all ages from all walks of life come to the festival each year helping to add variety to the event. The Virginia Cantaloupe Festival is the place for good friends, good food and good times. There will be live music from several different performers and bands, lots of food, and an abundance of adult (and regular) beverages. This years event is sure to be a crowd pleaser! If you've never been to the Virginia Cantaloupe Festival, come check it out this year and see what you've been missing!

(434) 572-3085
info@halifaxchamber.net
www.valopefest.com

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July 28 - 31
Floyd, Virginia - Milepost 170.5 Blue Ridge Parkway

FloydFest -

A 5-day celebration of music and art nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia!

888-823-3787

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August 2011

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Aug 5 (and every first Friday through September 2)
Danville

Fridays at the Crossing 2011 -

Plan to spend the first Friday of each month at the Carrington Pavilion at the Crossing at the Dan for Danville Harvest Jubilee's annual Fridays at the Crossing Series. Bring your friends, family and join in the fun. Your favorite food and beverages will be available on site.

August 5: The WORX
September 2: The Tim Clark Band

Gates open at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $3.00 at the gate or pick up your tickets at the Welcome Center. Children 12 and under free with an adult.

434.793.4636
www.visitdanville.com

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August 6, 2011
Nelson County

Blackberry Harvest Festival -

Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery, Nelson County

Contact: Nelson County Convention and Visitors Bureau
434.361.1266
E-mail: info@nelsoncounty.org

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August 13
Axton

4th Annual Smith River Fest -

Celebrate 45 miles of the scenic Smith River, and all the recreational opportunities it provides, at the 4th Annual Smith River Fest!

This year the festival will be hosted at a new venue, the Smith River Sports Complex, with easy access from the 220 bypass. Browse through vendor booths, take a walk on the Smith River Trail System, check out the latest in paddling gear offered by local outfitters and enjoy the river! On-site rentals/shuttles and guided trips will be offered. Paddlers and tubers may choose a calm family friendly float upstream from the Sports Complex or tackle class I/II rapids offered further downstream. Guests can spend a night under the stars with on-site tent camping available.

Phone: (276) 634-2592
Phone: (276) 403-5949
Phone: (888) 722-3498
Fax: (276) 403-5941
Email BWilliams@DanRiver.org
Website www.smithriverfest.com

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August 19-20
Patrick County

Virginia State Peach Festival -

Contact: Patrick County Chamber - 276.694.6012

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August 27
LaCrosse

LaCrosse Festival -

Family fun, music by several local bands, arts and crats, vendors of all kinds, civil war renactment, fun run, classic car show, motorcycle benefit ride, games petting zoo and more. Over 1000 people last year enjoyed the event!

Phone: (434) 757-7366

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September 2011

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September 2
Danville

Fridays at the Crossing 2011 -

Plan to spend the first Friday of each month at the Carrington Pavilion at the Crossing at the Dan for Danville Harvest Jubilee's annual Fridays at the Crossing Series. Bring your friends, family and join in the fun. Your favorite food and beverages will be available on site.

September 2: The Tim Clark Band

Gates open at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $3.00 at the gate or pick up your tickets at the Welcome Center. Children 12 and under free with an adult.

434.793.4636
www.visitdanville.com

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September 10
Bassett

Bassett Heritage Festival -

The Annual Bassett Heritage Festival will be held Saturday, September 10th. This event is sponsored by the Stanleytown Ruritan Club. There will be vendors with food, snowcones, popcorn, jewelry, flowers, gifts, crafts, baked goods, t-shirts, and more. You will find "Red Pole" Stone's hot hot dogs-it's the chili. The sale of these legendary hot dogs benefits the Bassett Fire Department. The Bassett Ruritan Club also participates with a Country Breakfast. There is a Classic Car Show, lots of music, free Rides for children sponsored by Bassett Industries and an Honorary Mayor will be elected-results announced just before the 2pm parade. The festival is held-"rain or shine". Historic displays in the old Train depot featuring Native-American artifacts, photography exhibit, historic displays and others.

Phone: (276) 629-7057
Email: rcoleman856@comcast.net

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September 24 & 25
Danville

Old 97 Rail Days -

It has been 108 years since the Old 97 tumbled down Stillhouse trestle and into the history books.
Join us for this weekend of commemoration with operating N-scale model railroads racing down the tracks courtesy of N-scale modelers from across the eastern United States. Watch for your favorite train cars as the mode trains travel through detailed dioramas.

On Saturaday only, check out the fully restored Norfolk and Western Caboose with our tour guide and tap your toes to tunes of old-time music performed behind Science Station.

Saturay admission is only $1 per person or download a Smithsonian museum day pass and get in free.

Phone: (434) 791-5160
Fax: (434) 791-5168
Email dscgs@smv.org
Old 97 Rail Days www.dsc.smv.org/happening/events/raildays/default.asp

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September 24
South Boston

South Boston Harvest Festival -

Bring the family and stay for the day. This festival has something for everyone, young and old alike. Crafters line the streets with handmade items. Music fills the air from the two stages of live entertainment. And food is available for every taste. The kids will enjoy the pony rides, face painting, pumpkin painting, scarecrow making, balloon sculpting,clowns, magicians and the bounce houses. The street festival runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Phone: (434) 575-4208
Phone: (434) 575-4209
Fax: (434) 575-4275
Email info@soboharvestfest.com
Website http://www.soboharvestfest.com

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October 2011

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Oct 22
Ferrum

Blue Ridge Folklife Festival -

Our festival participants are the real thing, sharing folk traditions that are a part of their everyday lifestyle.

540-365-4416

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More events to come - Check back often

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To add your Festival or Event, e-Mail
events@discoversouthside.com
Please include location, dates, description and link to event website or page if appropriate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PO Box 1061
South Boston, VA 24592
URL: http://www.discoversouthside.com
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