OCCOQUAN — Occoquan plans on revamping its Spring Arts & Crafts Show next year, creating a new one-day event celebrating the historic town’s natural beauty along the Occoquan River.
RiverFest 2020 will feature a full day of activities for all ages, including live entertainment, food, a juried artisans’ market, beverage garden, river activities, and more.
It’s an update to one of the town’s two famous Arts & Crafts Shows, which draw tens of thousands of visitors to the riverside town steeped in history yet vibrant with excellent restaurants, unique shops, and art galleries.
For 50 years, Occoquan has closed its streets for the popular shows the first weekend in June and the last weekend in September. Tens of thousands of visitors pour into the town, immersing themselves in its walkable charm and beautiful art, music, and food.
The new RiverFest will inject vibrant new activities in the spring, complementing the many other single-day events in the town, such as Discover Occoquan, the Music & Movies on Mill summer series, and WinterFest.
The award-winning Fall Arts & Crafts Show remains unchanged, hosting hundreds of artisans from across the U.S. and their one-of-a-kind handcrafted items.
The Spring Occoquan Arts and Crafts Show finale will be held rain or shine on Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown historic Occoquan.
Visit hundreds of artisans and crafters from all over the region, sample delicious food and interactive activities for the kids, and don’t forget to stop by the very first beer garden in River Mill Park on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., featuring Water’s End Brewery.
Admission is free. Off-site parking with shuttle bus service is available at the Workhouse Arts Center (9518 Workhouse Way), Lake Ridge Commuter Lot (corner of Old Bridge and Minnieville Roads), Route 123 Commuter Lot (corner of Rt. 123 and Old Bridge Road) and the I-95 Commuter Lot (off I-95 and Rt. 123).
There is a $5 round trip shuttle fee payable at the event drop-off; kids 12 and under ride free.
The first three hundred shuttle bus riders receive a free tote! Accessible parking for people with disabilities is available in town.
For more information on the Arts and Crafts Show visit their website or Facebook page, or contact Julie Little, Events and Community Development Director, at (703) 491-2168 or via her email.
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The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved an additional $472,000 in federal funding to advance the Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project, a critical initiative to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in Occoquan. The funding comes through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, bringing the project closer to completion.
The project, which has evolved since its inception, will construct 675 feet of sidewalk along Ellicott Street, connecting Mill Street to Poplar Alley and extending toward Union Street. It also includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and crossings to address accessibility concerns. The initiative aims to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly connection between the town’s historic and business districts and the planned Occoquan Greenway trail.
“The Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project is one of several pedestrian improvement efforts we’ve pursued over the years,” said Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta. “This specific project will create a safer, more contiguous connection to Mill Street and the town’s historic and business district.”
All Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) locations are scheduled to open at 1 p.m on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This delayed opening is due to ongoing impacts from Winter Storm Blair. Library officials advise that opening times may be adjusted further if weather or road conditions worsen.
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Looking for a musical treat this January? St. George’s Episcopal Church in historic downtown Fredericksburg is hosting a free concert on Sunday, January 19, at 3 p.m., featuring local favorite Hazel Run.
This talented folk group, comprised of Linda LaFave, Karen Richardson, and Stuart Whitford, blends Americana, soul, and rock influences to create a sound you won’t want to miss. While the concert is free, donations are gratefully accepted at the door.
St. George’s is known for its beautiful music in a beautiful space, with a concert series that celebrates both local and visiting talent. You’re warmly invited to enjoy the music and experience the welcoming community at St. George’s.
Stafford County Public Schools announced that Nevaeh Lewis of Colonial Forge High School and Emma Siegmund of Rodney Thompson Middle School have been selected for prestigious roles in Virginia’s legislative programs. Lewis will serve as a House of Delegates Page, while Siegmund has been chosen as a Senate Page. These appointments provide hands-on opportunities to learn about government and leadership during the upcoming General Assembly session in Richmond beginning January 8.
Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith praised the students, stating that these roles will help develop leadership skills and inspire civic engagement. Both programs include working with legislators, participating in committee meetings, and engaging in civics and leadership education. Pages will also take part in mock legislative sessions and community service projects.
Siegmund, a high-achieving middle schooler with a 4.0+ GPA, is active in Model United Nations, the National Junior Honors Society, and other academic programs and is the daughter of county school board chair Maureen Siegmund. Lewis, a talented artist and performer, is also deeply involved in her church and community.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
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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.
Featuring:
