The mayors of Blacksburg and Christiansburg and other dignitaries will gather at 4 p.m. Wednesday to kick off the 2010 U.S. Census in western Virginia.

Mayors Ron Rordam and Richard Ballengee will take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Blacksburg/Christiansburg Local Census Office.

The event is at 116 Oak Tree Blvd. in Christiansburg.

The Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets will present the colors; Auburn High School Swing Choir will provide music.

James Robertson, alumni distinguished professor at Tech, will deliver keynote remarks. Somonica Green, deputy regional director of the U.S. Census Bureau, also will speak.

-- The Roanoke Times