Edwin Penn & Walker Shank

Making the most of a tragic situation, that’s how Rooster Walk came about. It's transformed into a celebration, however.

In the past four years, two incredibly special Martinsville natives passed away. Edwin "The Rooster" Penn (above left) died in a dirt-bike accident in November 2007. Then, in December 2008, Walker Shank (above right) died from heart trouble while asleep in his apartment.

Close friends decided a memorial music festival was a fitting way to remember the two music lovers. The Penn-Shank Memorial LLC was created, with the idea that proceeds from the festival go toward a college scholarship fund at their alma mater, Martinsville High School.

We're happy to report that the mission has been a great success. We've donated $10,000 to the "Penn-Shank Memorial Scholarship Fund" at MHS thus far. We've also awarded our first scholarship. That honor went to Sara Kasey, a 2010 graduate of MHS and a current freshman at Randolph College. Sara (seen in the photo to the right while being honored onstage at RW2) is doing well and plans to major in biology, in case you're wondering.

But just as Walker and Edwin would’ve wanted it, Rooster Walk has evolved into something bigger than a memorial event. It's become a reason to celebrate life - a massive reunion for Martinsville folks who know that once a year, come hail or high water, there will be good times and good friends at Blue Mountain Festival Grounds.

And due to that success, Rooster Walk is also taking on a feeling of rebirth. Martinsville has been a poster child for this country's struggle with jobs going overseas and a shrinking middle class. The city has led Virginia in unemployment for more than decade, often with a jobless figure above 15 percent.

But Martinsville is beginning to bounce back, thanks in part to strong grassroots efforts from a wide range of devoted citizens. Rooster Walk is beginning to be embraced for its economic development potential. The folks organizing this shindig couldn't be prouder.

So when you buy a ticket to RW3, know that we're honoring two great men who passed too soon. But at the same time, understand that Rooster Walk is also a celebration of life, loved ones and friends.