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The first Saturday of December will be something special, as it has been for the past 70 years: Crowds will gather in Historic Old Town Manassas to enjoy colorful floats, marching bands and, of course, Santa Claus at the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade. It takes dedicated volunteers, many hours and amazing sponsors to bring this community event down the streets of Manassas.
This year, the parade has taken on the theme âBelieve.â The theme fits right in with the commitment of two of the paradeâs sponsors that are showing they truly do believe in their community.
Stanley Martin
As a member of the Stanley Martin family, Truett Young, VP of Land, understands about supporting the community. For over 50 years, the companyâs values of giving back and putting customers first have been a cornerstone of the Stanley Martin brand. So, they knew they had a good fit with the significant commitment they made to the Christmas Parade.
Even though December can be quite busy, Young said Stanley Martin was very interested in sponsoring the parade. They feel connected to Manassas, having developed communities in the area, including Heritage Crossing, which is made up of townhomes, and Bradly Square, a mix of townhomes and single-family detached homes.
Their newest community will be Manassas Gateway, a mix of townhomes and condos. Manassas Gateway is being built behind the DMV office off Godwin and Route 28. Models are open at the two existing communities, and model homes will be available in the new community fall of next year.
Young lived in Manassas for over 18 years and began bringing his own children when his oldest were only two or three.
âMy kids have always enjoyed going to the parade to see the bands and horses and floats, and of course Santa Claus.â When asked about his favorite part of the parade, Young said it always varies because there is so much to see.
While the Young family, now full of teenagers and school-age kids, relocated to Haymarket, they still make it to the parade every year.
âOld Town Manassas is a wonderful experience,â said Young. âDefinitely bring your kids. Itâs a great family event.â
Miller Toyota
Over at Miller Toyota, the mood is festive. Employees are decorating a brand new Toyota Tacoma that will be towing Santa through downtown Manassas on parade day. Several employees plan to hand out candy to the crowd as well.
General Manager Ken Shepard said itâs the chilly December day that is part of the fun.
âChristmas brings out the little kid in all of us. Just to see the civic groups, the bandsâŠitâs a great way to kick off what should be a family friendly month.â
With over 40 years of helping neighbors find the best vehicles in Manassas, Miller Toyota upgraded to a new facility next to the Prince William Medical Center about three years ago. Shepherd noted this was also when the dealership began to be able to do more in the community, such as supporting local education and area nonprofits.
âAs a local dealership we want to support the community. Weâre trying to do more of these things,â said Shepherd.
As a member of the Manassas community, Shepherd was introduced to the Manassas parades through a Veteranâs Day parade. After finding out more about the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, Shepherd was hooked.
âI said âWe just need to be part of this. This is a great thing.ââ
The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 3rd. More information and the parade route can be found at gmchristmasparade.org.
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Germanna Community College (GCC) hosted a ribbon cutting at its new Stafford expansion today, January 23, 2025. The event marked the opening of two buildings in Stafford: the Barbara J. Fried Building at 10 Center Street and the Kevin L. Dillard Health Sciences Building at 25 Center Street.
GCC was established in 1970 as part of Virginiaâs Community College System and has locations in Culpeper, Locust Grove, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. The school’s website says over 13,000 students are enrolled.
The new expansion added 74,000 square feet to the campus with a $20 million investment. GCC plans to double enrollment in allied health services, like nursing. They will also expand their cybersecurity, IT, general education, and dual enrollment programs.
The preliminary hearing for Tryevon Davis, one of three men charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 43-year-old Jason Thomas Blake in Dumfries, has been delayed due to the pending completion of the Medical Examinerâs report. This critical evidence is being handled by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Northern District office.
Davis, along with Jerrome Thomas Barnes, 40, and Jackson Arthur Crisler, 30, face charges stemming from a fatal shooting on October 25, 2024. Police said Blake had gone to a residence on Cherry Hill Road in Dumfries to sell a firearm and purchase narcotics. An altercation ensued, leading to Blake being handcuffed, abducted, and taken to a secluded area along Triangle Street, where he was fatally shot. His body was discovered two days later in the backseat of his car.
The Prince William County Police Department charged Davis, 31, of Dumfries, with accessory before the fact in the commission of a felony, conspiracy to commit a felony, two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and abduction. Barnes and Crisler face additional charges, including murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. All three suspects remain in custody without bond.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditionsâno plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treatâit’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fĂšve (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and donât worryâthere will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But thatâs not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Yearâs wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. Weâre bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
Whatâs in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Pucciniâs âThe Girl from the Golden Westâ.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Pucciniâs masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
