July will be a fun and (hopefully less) warm month around Prince William County and Manassas with dozens of activities scheduled. Take a look at some highlighted events and meetings.

Thursday (July 3)

• Teen Pocky and KitKat Taste Test, 2 to 3 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)

Friday (July 4)

• Celebrate America, 3 to 10 p.m. (Manassas City)

July 7

• Mini Mandalas, 2 to 3 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Teen Bunny Cuddle, 4 to 5 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• A Dicey Affair, 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Summer Scares Book Tasting, 6 to 7 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)

July 8

• Bugman, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Hawaiiana, 10:30 to 11::30 a.m. (Central Library)
• Animal Therapy Petting Zoo, 11 a.m. to noon (Potomac Library)
• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m.
• DIY Soapmaking for Teens, 2 to 3:30 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• TAG Makers – Summer Edition, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Central Library)
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday (Enslow Duo), 7 p.m.

July 9

• Friends Book Sorting, 1 to 3 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• CASA Health Navigators, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Miniature Painting Sessions, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Potomac Library)

July 10

• Sidewalk Chalk Day, 10:30 a.m. to noon (Central Library)

July 11

• BUG Fest, 10:30 a.m. to noon (Central Library)
• Fascinating Fossil, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Independent Hill Library)

July 12

• Tiny Art, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Dale City Library)
• Beautiful Binding Basics, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Manassas City Library)
• Latin American Artisans & Entrepreneurs Expo, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Manassas City)
• Swift Escape, 1 to 2 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• Drawing 101, 1 to 3 p.m. (Central Library)
• Murder Mystery, 2 to 4 p.m. (Potomac Library)

July 13

• NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Manassas City)

July 14

• Paper Clip Washi Jewelry Take and Make, All day (Dumfries Library)
• Winnie-the-Pooh, 2 to 3 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Stuffie Taxidermy, 2:30 to 4 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

July 15

• 8-Bit Art with Perler Beads, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Bull Run Library)
• Murder Mystery: Teen Edition, 2 to 3 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Ransom Note Bookmarks, 2 to 7 p.m. (Central Library)
• Acoustic Tuesday (Kevin Koa), 7 p.m.

July 16

• Retro Horror Movie Night, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)

July 17

• Cryptid Party, 2 to 3 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)

July 19

• Kinderquarium, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• Ghost Talk with Old Spirit Investigations, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Central Library)
• Twilight Trek, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)

July 21

• Melodic Adventures: Our Colorful World of Feelings, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Potomac Library)
• Once Upon a Crime, 2 to 3 p.m. (Montclair Library)

July 22

• Wildlife Center of VA, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Central Library)
• Cup of Cozy Mysteries, 11 a.m. to noon (Nokesville Library)
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday (Grayson Moon Duo), 7 p.m.

July 23

• Not Just a Pretty Face, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Potomac Library)

July 24

• Alcohol Ink Art Night, 2 to 4 p.m. (Central Library)

July 26

• Circuit Court Clerk’s Seals on Wheels, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Murder Mystery, 11 a.m. to noon (Lake Ridge Library)
• Nature’s Palette, 2 to 3 p.m. (Potomac Library)

July 27

• International Food & Culture Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Manassas City)

July 28

• Pipecleaner Dragonfly, All day (Dumfries Library)
• Teen Stipple Art, 2 to 3 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
• Books Alive, 6 to 7:30 p.m. (Virtual)

July 29

• Halloween in July Story Trail, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m.
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday (Shane Gamble), 7 p.m.

July 31

• Intro to Glass Fusing, 2 to 4 p.m. (Central Library)

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County is applying for federal funding that would allow it to hire 12 new firefighters to staff one of its three understaffed fire stations.

Fire Chief Joe Cardello on Tuesday asked the Board of Supervisors to approve an application for the SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant, a FEMA-administered program aimed at helping local governments expand emergency services. If awarded, the grant would cover most of the cost of hiring a dozen full-time firefighters for three years.

The new personnel would be assigned to one of the following stations:

• Station 3 – Widewater
• Station 5 – Brooke
• Station 10 – Potomac Hills

“These are the only three stations without 24-hour career staffing,” said Chief Cardello. “Adding these firefighters would allow us to reduce the burden on stations like Garrisonville and Falmouth, which currently cover a lot of ground.”

Under the SAFER grant:

• FEMA would pay 75% of salary and benefits in the first two years.
• The county would pay 25% in Years 1 and 2, and 65% in Year 3.
• After the grant expires, Stafford would assume 100% of the costs.

Supervisors supported the application, noting the opportunity to stretch county dollars and improve public safety.

“This is a smart way to build the staffing we know we’ll need as the county grows,” said Vice Chairwoman Tinesha Allen.

Supervisor Monica Gary asked for a follow-up meeting with the fire chief to discuss ongoing concerns from volunteer firefighters about how the expansion of paid staffing might affect them.

Board members requested data on call volumes and coverage impacts before deciding which station would receive the new hires, should the grant be awarded.

The Board voted to move forward with the application. A second vote will be held in the fall to accept the grant and approve the staffing plan.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Prince William County is making it easier for local business owners, contractors, and developers to connect with experts—without leaving the job site or office.

On June 30, 2025, the Department of Development Services and the Fire Marshal’s Office launched a new Virtual Appointment Scheduling System. The system allows users to schedule meetings online, 24/7, and speak directly with county staff via Microsoft Teams at a time that works for them.

“We are continuously looking at our process and procedures to enhance customer services, accessibility, and convenience,” said Ginny Person, a county spokeswoman. “This latest service builds on previous efforts like SolarAPP+, our Inspection Timeframe Service, and new two-hour service email notifications.”

The virtual system opens the door for up to 34 appointments per week across three service areas:

• Commercial Walk-Thru Plan Reviews with the Fire Marshal’s Office
• Early Assistance for Commercial Project Management, which helps users assess sites and feasibility
• Plan Intake Quality Control, offering guidance on development rules and the permit process

While appointment types and availability vary by project and department, the system is designed to make it easier to ask questions, get immediate answers, and move projects forward faster.

According to Person, the county doesn’t track the number of customer meetings, only overall project cases. But officials say the virtual model is designed to increase capacity over time. Feedback from businesses during pilot testing was positive, with users citing the flexibility and convenience of meeting virtually.

“Increased customer satisfaction is a high priority for the Department of Development Services,” said Person. The department has listed customer satisfaction as one of its key performance indicators for the upcoming fiscal year.

And while the service currently focuses on commercial projects, the county may expand to include residential development and other services in the future. “As we monitor customer experiences and feedback from the launch, we will investigate new service expansion options that may be possible,” Person said.

To learn more about the virtual appointment options or to schedule a session, visit PWCWorks, call 703-792-6930, or email [email protected].

WARRENTON, Va. – A rare World War II-era TBM Avenger torpedo bomber will take to the skies over Fauquier County on Saturday, July 12, offering rides for aviation fans and history buffs alike.

The Capital Wing of the Commemorative Air Force will bring the aircraft to Warrenton-Fauquier Airport, located at 1533 Iris Trail in Midland, for a one-day-only event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to the TBM Avenger, flights in a combat-proven Stinson OY-1 will also be available.

According to Pete Ballard, Warbird Rides Coordinator for the Capital Wing, each ride will be discounted $100, with the refund applied after purchase. “In these inflationary times, we’re working to make these experiences more affordable,” he said.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at capitalwingwarbirdrides.org, and any remaining rides will be sold on-site during the event with the same discount applied. Ballard encouraged the public not to miss the opportunity. “Riding in a WWII warbird engages all your senses… you experience living history,” he said.

Alongside the ride opportunities, visitors can check out two rare aircraft on static display—a Japanese Fuji LM-1 and a French Alouette II, the world’s first jet-powered helicopter, which will perform a mid-day flight demonstration. Local pilot Dave Brown will offer additional Stearman bi-plane rides.

Other attractions include a Martin B-26 machine gun turret, aviation merchandise for sale at the Capital Wing PX, and lunch items provided by the Warrenton Airport Boosters. In the evening, the terminal will transform into a 1940s-themed dance hall for a swing dance featuring live music from the Silver Tones Swing Band, running from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For dance details, call the airport at (540) 422-8285.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Potomac Local News is giving away free tickets to one of the most powerful shows of the summer—Next to Normal at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts—and entering is as simple as filling out a form.

This summer, Riverside presents a bold and emotional musical that explores the story of a suburban family facing the challenges of bipolar disorder, grief, and mental health recovery. Set to a gripping contemporary rock score, Next to Normal is a Broadway favorite and winner of three Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

🎟️ Enter to Win

You don’t need to write a nomination or tell a story—just enter your name and email for a chance to win. Paid members of Potomac Local News will receive an extra entry as a thank-you for supporting independent local journalism.

👉 Click here to enter the giveaway.

🏆 Prizes

We’ll randomly select three winners:

• 🥇 First Place – 4 tickets
• 🥈 Second Place – 2 tickets
• 🥉 Third Place – 2 tickets

🎉 Winners will be announced on Tuesday, July 9, 2025
🎭 Winners may select any available performance through August 3, 2025

💬 About the Show

Next to Normal follows a seemingly typical American family hiding deep emotional scars. With its raw depiction of mental illness, family trauma, and the path to healing, the show has earned praise from critics and audiences alike.

This Riverside production stars Adrienne Hick and Andrew Foote, a real-life couple returning to the stage after their acclaimed appearance in The Bridges of Madison County. Directed by Penny Ann Moss, the cast brings fresh energy and emotional depth to this acclaimed work.

🎤 Bonus: Attend a Speaker Night

Before five select performances, community leaders and mental health advocates will speak about their own experiences and local mental health resources. These talks begin at 6:30 p.m., between dinner service and the show’s curtain at 7:30 p.m.

Speaker Nights:

• July 3 – Antwaun Carey Gay, author and public servant
• July 10 – Rappahannock Area Community Services Board
• July 17 – Mental Health America Fredericksburg
• July 24 – Dr. Theron Stinar, Fredericksburg Christian Health Center
• August 3 – Randy Feltner, firefighter and mental health advocate

Attending one of these nights adds meaningful context to the show and helps continue important community conversations around mental wellness.

❤️ Why We’re Doing This

At Potomac Local News, we believe in celebrating stories that matter—and that includes the ones told on stage. This giveaway is our way of saying thank you to our readers and helping bring visibility to important mental health issues in our region.

Enter today for your chance to win. Winners will be contacted by email on Tuesday, July 9.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – A town hall meeting hosted by Prince William County Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin drew a passionate crowd Monday night, as residents of the Belmont Bay community voiced their overwhelming opposition to a proposed $100 million flyover interchange at Routes 1 and 123.

Franklin and county transportation officials presented a concept plan to elevate Route 123 over Route 1 and extend it directly into the Belmont Bay neighborhood, describing the project as a long-awaited second access point for the growing residential community. The meeting, held near the Belmont Bay neighborhood, included a presentation outlining the flyover’s features, including new trail access, a pedestrian bridge, and a reconfiguration of local roads to improve traffic flow.

But attendees quickly pushed back, questioning the need for such a large infrastructure investment. Many demanded to know which residents or businesses had requested the project — a question Franklin and staff did not answer with specifics.

“Who do you think is driving this?” asked Rob Hartwell, a member of the community’s HOA and vocal critic of the plan. “They keep saying there are neighbors who want this, but I’ve only talked to two people, and they were both here tonight.”

Hartwell said both the Belmont Bay HOA and the Concerned Citizens United for Belmont Bay are already on record opposing the project. He also challenged the project’s premise.

“This flyover was originally proposed to support over 1.5 million square feet of office and retail development — but that’s no longer happening,” he said. “We are a residential community now. We don’t need this level of access anymore.”

Franklin told attendees the proposal remains in the concept phase and emphasized that no additional funding beyond a $3 million design allocation from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority has been secured. She said the meeting’s goal was to gauge community interest before pursuing more funding.

As part of the meeting, Franklin asked residents to scan a QR code on their phones to access a survey asking whether they support the project. Several attendees raised concerns about the survey’s integrity, noting that county officials controlled the voting platform and provided no transparency about how results would be tallied or shared.

“You’re taking a secret vote?” Hartwell asked.

Franklin responded that the survey would help determine next steps, and that the county would also release a second online survey for the broader community in the coming days. She reiterated that the proposal remains “on ice” and that the county won’t move forward without public input.

Still, for many in the room, the process felt rushed and opaque.

“If you say this is for us, but can’t name who asked for it, how can we trust this process?” one woman asked from the crowd.

The current design under consideration is a scaled-back version of a 2011 plan that included a full diamond interchange. Officials said the original project was too expensive and prompted a new study in the early 2020s, resulting in the current flyover concept. County officials said the design has support from VDOT and was selected as the preferred alternative after a STAR (Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions) study.

Franklin told residents the survey results would guide her decision.

“If the majority says no, this is done,” she said. “There is no alternative on the table right now. This is the one that has made it the furthest.”

But to many in the audience, the absence of answers to key questions — including who supports the project and how the vote will be verified — left more doubt than confidence.

MANASSAS, Va. – Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District is officially underway, thanks to a major investment from the state.

Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced a $2.6 million grant from GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative focused on strengthening regional economies and supporting high-wage industries. Local governments, businesses, and educational institutions will contribute an additional $1.3 million, bringing the total initial investment to $3.9 million.

The funding supports the launch of the Innovation District centered around George Mason University’s SciTech Campus in Prince William County and the City of Manassas. The 3,800-acre district is expected to accelerate growth in sectors like life sciences, aerospace, defense, and semiconductors while helping residents build careers without leaving the region.

According to a 2024 concept plan, the Innovation District will serve as a connector between local jurisdictions, research institutions, and private industry. “Serving as a catalyst, convener, connector, communicator and capacity-builder, the Innovation District will be a destination for ambitious minds to fuel lasting economic growth,” the plan states.

Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe of Manassas said the partnership between Manassas, Prince William County, and George Mason University leverages the area’s existing strengths. “We’ve got a critical mass of technology and brain power, and frankly, money, that can come together and create a technology hub that will benefit everyone,” Wolfe said.

The district will be guided by the Innovation District Committee, a public-private partnership chaired by Amy Adams, executive director of George Mason’s Institute for BioHealth Innovation. While the committee will oversee funding, marketing, and outreach, land use decisions will remain with Manassas and Prince William County.

Several programs will roll out over the next 18 months, including a Fall 2025 launch of an International Life Science Soft Landing Program to attract global startups, a corporate mentorship initiative for senior engineering students, and a Winter 2026 launch of a Life Science Certificate Program and Young Professionals Network.

Founding partners include George Mason University, the City of Manassas Department of Economic Development, Prince William County, and private firms such as Micron, ATCC, and Employment Enterprises. Dominion Energy, IMEG, and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce are also backing the effort as SciTech Innovators.

The funding will also help pay for staffing, marketing, and accelerator programming to support start-ups and existing companies in navigating regulatory pathways, building strategic plans, and connecting with investors.

“The Innovation District will connect education, research, and industry,” Adams said. “It gives students and employers new ways to create real-world impact.”

DALE CITY, Va. – One of the region’s most popular Independence Day traditions is back: The Dale City 4th of July Parade kicks off Thursday morning at 10 a.m. along Dale Boulevard.

The festive, family-friendly event runs eastbound from Kirkdale Road to Gemini Way, with marching bands, colorful floats, and community groups making their way down the heart of Dale City. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and bring chairs or blankets to stake out a good viewing spot.

Road closures begin at 8:30 a.m., with police directing traffic and closing intersections across the eastbound side of Dale Boulevard. Expect delays, and consider parking at nearby lots, including Mapledale Plaza, the VDOT lots near the Boys & Girls Club and Hillendale Fire Station, or Beville Middle School.

Immediately following the parade, the fun continues with Family Fun Day near Center Plaza from 12 noon to 2 p.m. This post-parade celebration features booths hosted by local nonprofits, amateur crafters, and food and drink vendors. It’s a great way to keep the patriotic energy going and support local groups.

Safety reminders for parade-goers: Stay off the parade route, especially children who may be tempted to run for candy—participants are not allowed to throw items from floats or vehicles. Bring water, sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes for the summer heat.

For questions or more information, organizers can be reached at [email protected].