Clifton Day Turns 47
Festival returns with 200 vendors, crafts, food and music.
When Mike Belote of Manassas first brought his Ryder truck full of Pappy’s Wooden Dreams to Clifton Day more than 10 years ago, he almost didn’t make it out.
Crafts, Festivals and Dancing
A sampling of local, fun events this fall.
A highlight of every autumn is the fall festival at Cox Farms, 15621 Braddock Road, just off Pleasant Valley Road, in Centreville. It runs daily from Sept. 27-Nov. 4, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Blood and Guts 5K Race
5,000 expected for apocalyptic zombie race at Bull Run Regional Park on Oct. 25.
The third-annual Blood and Guts 5K Run will take place Saturday, Oct. 25 at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville.
Cox Farms Ready To Host Visitors
Fall Festival for families, Fields of Fear for teens.
Whether area residents are in the mood for giant slides, rope swings, hayrides, baby animals, apple-cider doughnuts or a pumpkin slingshot, they’ll find all these things and more at Cox Farms.
American Muscle
15th annual Labor Day Clifton Car Show raises money for local charities.
The Labor Day Car show in Clifton had humble beginnings. Fifteen years ago, it was only founder and organizer Jim Chesley, and 24 other car enthusiasts. They raised $100 to donate to charity. Each year they brought it back, it grew, and so did the donations. By the fourth year they cracked $1,000. The event has now raised over $245,000 -- not including this year’s efforts.
A Cheerful Haven for Children
Boy Scout creates a playroom in a police station.
A police station can be a scary place for a child. But thanks to a local teen and his Eagle Scout project, the Sully District Station just got a whole lot friendlier for children.
Creative Dance Center, Pat Mitchell Unite
Spotlight Theater Camp starts Aug. 4.
There’s a new, local theater program with a familiar face at the helm. Westfield High grad and theater alumnus Pat Mitchell is partnering with Creative Dance Center (CDC) to put on Spotlight Theater Camp. The camp will run Aug. 4-8, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at CDC, 14155-E Sullyfield Circle in Chantilly. For more information and to register, go to www.cdctheater.com. Mitchell’s excited about it and is hoping for a good turnout.
Behind the Scenes at ‘Shrek the Musical.’
When audiences enjoy The Alliance Theatre’s Summer Stars show, “Shrek the Musical,” it won’t just be because of the acting and storyline, but also because of all the work that goes on behind the scenes.
‘Don’t Be Afraid to be Different’
Alliance Summer Stars presents “Shrek the Musical.”
A big green ogre, a princess, a wise-cracking donkey and a love-struck dragon – they’ll all be onstage when The Alliance Theatre’s Summer Stars program presents “Shrek the Musical.”
Westfield Summer Stage Presents Hit Musical
New show is ‘How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.’
Featuring a cast and crew of 85, the musical, “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying,” is ready to burst upon the stage. A production of Westfield Summer Stage, all performances are at Westfield High. The curtain rises Friday-Saturday, July 18-19 and July 25-26, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 20, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance; $15, at the door. Seating is reserved; buy tickets at www.westfieldtheatreboosters.com.
Beloved Children’s Book Comes to Life on Stage
Local students acting in musical “Pippi Longstocking.”
A children’s classic comes to life when The City of Fairfax Theatre Company and Truro Anglican Church present “Pippi Longstocking: The Family Musical.” It’ll be held at Lanier Middle School, 3801 Jermantown Road in Fairfax.
Junior Buffalo Soldiers
The Junior Buffalo Soldiers Drill Team participate in the City of Fairfax's Fourth of July parade.
Gifts for New Grads
Local tastemakers offer suggestions from the sentimental to the practical.
After the tassels have been turned and the diplomas received, it is usually time for a graduation celebration. Whether you’re shopping for someone who is heading to college or venturing out into the workforce, choosing a present for the graduate in your life can be perplexing, but local tastemakers are here to help, offering suggestions for graduation presents that range from the practical to the sentimental.
Cappies Awarded For High School Theater: Centreville and Chantilly
The 15th Annual Cappies Awards Gala for high school theater was held Sunday, June 8 at The Kennedy Center.
Cappies Awarded for High School Theater
The 15th Annual Cappies Awards Gala for high school theater was held Sunday, June 8 at The Kennedy Center. Nine Cappies went to West Potomac High School for “Spamalot,” including the coveted Best Musical award. The Best Play award went to Langley High School for “The Children’s Hour.” The Cappies’ show season extended from October 2013 to May 2014, and Cappies shows were attended, on average, by 45 student critics. This year’s event included 58 public and private high schools from Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Montgomery and Prince William counties, the cities of Falls Church, Alexandria and Manassas, and Washington, D.C. The event was hosted by Judy Bowns, Janie Strauss and Ed Monk.