Laurel Ridge Community College's 'Be Happy!' Spring Follies on April 13 and 14: A Local Tradition Since the 1970s

Laurel Ridge Community College will host its annual Spring Follies on April 13 and 14 at the Corron Community Development Center on its Middletown Campus. The variety show, a tradition since the 1970s, includes performances by children and adults. This year's theme is 'Be Happy!' and the show will feature upbeat music and humorous skits. The Follies were initiated by Professor Emerita Andrea Ludwick, who remains involved in the event.

The show times are 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on April 13, and 2 p.m. on April 14. Pre-show activities, including face painting, coloring, musical chairs, and a selfie station, will start 1½ hours before each show. Attendees will also have access to free ice cream. Cub Scout Pack 3 will sell food and drinks to raise funds for a summer camp.

Russell Rinker, the director of the Follies and a former Blue Man Group member, started his performance career in the Follies as a preschooler. He looks forward to this year's show. Tickets cost $5 at the door, and children under 5 enter for free. All proceeds will support the Andrea Ludwick Performing Arts Fund.

Laurel Ridge Community College, established in 1970, is a public higher education institution with campuses in Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County. The college serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions, offering over 75 associate degree and certificate programs. It also facilitates access to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs provided on site by a four-year institution.

Previously known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022, the college serves over 9,000 credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses each year. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits it to award associate degrees and other approved credentials.

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