Submitted by Justin Youtz, of Boy Scout Troop 501 in Woodbridge:
Friends of Boy Scout Troop 501 is hosting Star Wars Days on December 3 and 4, 2016, at Gar-Field High School, 14000 Smoketown Road in Woodbridge.
Star Wars Days is a family friendly, fan convention for all things Star Wars, science fiction, comics, anime, cosplay, scouting, art and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).
Boy Scout Troop 501 was named after the 501st Legion in the Star Wars universe. Scouts in Troop 501 are huge Star Wars and science fiction fans, as well as, being students interested in STEM subjects.
A fan convention is a perfect way to celebrate all of these areas, in addition to being the annual fundraiser for Troop 501. Boy Scouts from Troop 501, along with their families, are responsible for locating vendors, promoting the event and working as staff at the convention.
Any profit from the event is shared with scouts to fund their scouting trips and training materials, community service projects, equipment, and uniforms.
It is the second year for the Star Wars Days event. Fans of every age are expected to attend, including members of the 501st Legion (a local Star Wars cosplay group).
Vendors are from Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and other states, and they will offer unique and fan items. New this year at the event are food trucks, including “Stay Cheesy,” a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich maker.
Winners of the Star Wars costume contest (adult and child) will receive cash prizes. There is a children’s area with theme craft items, artists will lead drawing activities, STEM area including 3D printers, demonstrations – from light saber fighting to rocket launches – and panel discussions. Boys Scouts may also sign up for specific merit badge classes and Cub Scouts can complete some advancement activities.
Advance tickets are available online at starwarsdays.com; click on the button at the top left of the page to pay by credit card. Advance tickets are $7 for Saturday or Sunday, or $12 for both days (plus service fee). Children age four and under are free. Tickets are $10 at the door. One-of-a-kind Star Wars Days t-shirts show posters and patches are also available for purchase.
Recent Stories
Manassas City Council will discuss a proposed tax incentive on Monday, February 10, 2025, to support Micron Technology Inc.’s planned $2 billion expansion. The deal would extend the company’s favorable semiconductor equipment tax rate through 2035, saving Micron millions annually. The expansion, backed by $275 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce, is expected to create over 400 manufacturing jobs. City officials tout the investment as a boost for local economic growth, while residents and businesses will weigh the long-term benefits.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the region, warning of four to six inches of snow, with higher totals possible. Snow will begin Tuesday afternoon, intensify Tuesday evening into overnight, and could transition to a wintry mix Wednesday morning. The storm will create hazardous travel conditions, impacting Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Another system this weekend could bring heavy rain or a wintry mix, increasing flooding risks. Think you can predict the snowfall? Comment your guess for a chance to win a prize.
A townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced a family of five late Saturday afternoon after flames spread from the rear of the home into the attic.
Fire and rescue units responded at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, to the 3400 block of Aviary Way, near Lake Ridge Elementary School, after a resident reported seeing smoke coming from the back of their home. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames moving up the rear of the house and into the attic. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire.
No injuries were reported, but the home sustained moderate damage. The Building Official declared the residence unsafe for occupancy. The American Red Cross assists two adults and three children displaced by the fire.
A suspect in a bank robbery on Route 3 was arrested thanks to a tip leading authorities to a Fredericksburg hotel.
Dawson
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the robbery occurred at Truist Bank, located at 3600 Plank Road, next to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. A bank employee called 911 to report that a man had entered the bank and demanded money. The employee complied with the demands, and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect did not display a weapon during the robbery, and no injuries were reported. Witnesses at the scene provided law enforcement with a description of the suspect’s getaway vehicle, which was identified as a copper/orange pickup truck.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no 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 treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
