The Dale City Independence Day Parade was no match for the coronavirus.
Organizers at the Dale City Civic Association on Sunday night said the parade, which would have been in its 50th consecutive year had it took place on Saturday, July 4, was canceled.
With the issuance of the latest Governor Northam’s Executive Order allowing Northern Virginia which includes Prince William County to delay Phase 1 reopening until midnight May 28th, I believe we must move forward with the announcement of canceling this year Dale City July 4th Independence Parade. We realize many people will be disappointed in this decision but feel this is best for the safety and wellbeing of Dale City residents,” said Earnestine Jenkins, parade chairperson.
Most of Virginia’s economy opened on Friday, May 15 after being shuttered by order of the governor in mid-March in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease. Counties in Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun remain under the governor’s stay-at-home order until at least May 28 as this region of the state has the highest number of coronavirus cases. Virginia’s capital city of Richmond also remains under Northam’s stay-at-home order due to an increased number of cases.
The move to cancel the parade comes as the state appears to be turning a corner when it comes to the number of coronavirus cases. The running seven-day average number of cases has decreased from its high of 792 cases on May 1 to 625 cases on May 11.
The number of people hospitalized from the disease is also declining, from a peak of 93 people on April 21 down to three people as of Friday, May 15.
The annual parade route follows Dale Boulevard, from Mapledale Plaza at Mapledale Avenue to Center Plaza at Minnieville Road. More than 100 marching groups and floats participate in what is one of the oldest Independence Day traditions in Virginia.
Jenkins in the wife of the late longtime Prince William County Supervisor John D. Jenkins who died in February 2019. He was the longest-serving supervisor in Prince William County, serving the residents of the Neabsco District in Dale City from 1982 until his death.
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Prince William County government offices and facilities will be open on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Still, employees can take unscheduled leave or engage in unscheduled telework due to current weather conditions.
While the county remains open for business, residents are encouraged to check for the latest updates on facility-specific operations by visiting pwcva.gov/emergency.
Some county services may be impacted by the weather. Before visiting a county facility, call ahead or check the county’s website.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Wednesday, January 8, 2025, due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions.
Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FXBGO!) announced that transit service, which was suspended on Tuesday due to winter weather, is expected to resume at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8. Residents relying on public transportation are encouraged to plan accordingly and check for updates before traveling.
In addition to transit disruptions, the city’s trash collection schedule has been adjusted. Monday’s missed routes resumed today, and services will shift forward by one day for the remainder of the week. Tuesday’s trash will be collected on Wednesday, Wednesday’s on Thursday, and so on.
The City of Fredericksburg’s Public Works Department continues its efforts to clear snow and ice from roadways. Primary collector roads are reported to be in good condition, but some residential and collector roads remain compacted with snow and ice. Crews are applying plowing and chemical treatments as necessary to address these areas. As temperatures drop overnight, roads may refreeze, and drivers are urged to exercise caution when traveling.
The City also reminds property owners and occupants of their obligation to clear sidewalks adjacent to their properties. Snow and ice must be removed within 12 hours after snowfall ends, or by noon the following day if precipitation occurs overnight or on a Sunday. Sand or abrasives may be used if removal isn’t feasible. Residents and businesses are also responsible for clearing ADA access ramps to ensure safe pedestrian passage.
The animals below are STRAYS turned into the PWC Animal Services Center between 01/03/2025 – 01/06/2025. We post photos of stray animals brought to the Center a couple of times each week to help owners find their missing pets.
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:
