The grandstand — home to the rodeo and demolition derby, the animal barns, home arts, and commercial buildings, and the midway — known for its carnival rides — will go empty for the first time in 70 years.
Organizers of the Prince William County Fair told Potomac Local News today that there, in fact, will be no fair this year. This news comes after organizers were planning to hold a fair during the third week in August — as it has since 1949 — at the fairgrounds just outside Manassas.
“After careful consideration, we have decided that it is in the best interest of the public for us not to proceed with the PWCF for 2020. However, we believe that circumstances will improve greatly within a year’s time, allowing us a bigger and better celebrity fair in 2021,” Ahmet Aksoylu penned to Potomac Local News in an email.
Aksoylu, a commercial Real Estate developer who owns multiple buildings along Liberia Avenue in Manassas, as well as buildings in Manassas Park and Woodbridge, has a purchase agreement with the Prince William Veterans Farm Club to buy the 86-acre fairgrounds at 10624 Dumfries Road. The deal has not been finalized.
The farm club put the property on the market two years ago as shareholders wanted to cash out. Since then, the property has been reviewed by multiple Real Estate investors and the Prince William County Public School system as a potential site for a new education center.
The farm club advertised the 2019 Prince William County Fair as the last event in its 70-year history.
The fair is just one of the multiple events that take place at the fairgrounds each year. Most recently, a spa and swim show featuring hot tubs for sale was held at the fairgrounds in mid-May.
Recent Stories
Prince William County Schools (PWCS) are embarking on an ambitious $1.098 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) aimed at alleviating overcrowding, modernizing aging school facilities, and preparing for future shifts in student enrollment. The plan, presented at the January 15, 2025, school board work session, includes new school constructions, significant renovations, and sustainability-focused upgrades.
To address overcrowding in high-growth areas, PWCS will build multiple new schools, including:
Occoquan Replacement School – Scheduled to open in December 2025, this school will add 226 seats and include specialized programs for students with special education and autism support needs.
Woodbridge Area Elementary School – Opening in the 2026-2027 school year, this school will provide a capacity of approximately 632 students and will serve the Cardinal and Neabsco Mills Districts, areas currently experiencing significant overcrowding.
The Trump administration’s latest move to freeze payments on several federal programs has sparked alarm among Virginia Democrats, who are questioning how the halt might impact critical funding, reports Insidenova.com.
“I am concerned that yesterday we learned that the Trump administration is pausing federal grants,” state Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, posted on X. “We have asked the Secretary of Finance in Virginia to inform us how this impacts our current budget and cash flow.” Lucas is chair of the Virginia Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee.
If Max doesn’t have the most adorable smile, we don’t know who does! This affectionate collie mix has been waiting months at the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter with minimal attention, which is surprising given his sweet personality. Max loves anyone who will give him affection—he’s a big fan of hugs and enjoys showing off his intelligence by responding to commands and walking well on a leash.
Max is best suited for leash walks and a home with a secure, adequate fence. In his previous home, he had a habit of escaping, likely due to a lack of stimulation. As a working breed, Max thrives when he has mental and physical exercise. Whether it’s puzzle toys, interactive games, or an active lifestyle, he needs engagement to stay happy.
Sadly, Max has been struggling in the shelter environment. The stress has taken a toll on his health, causing noticeable weight loss and a dulling of his once-shiny coat. While he previously lived with small dogs, he was protective of them, so he may do best as the only dog in his new home. He has not been tested with cats or children but may do well with older kids or teenagers.
Small business owners and marketing professionals from across Virginia gathered in Stafford County on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, for the inaugural Stafford Tourism & Business Marketing Summit at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center.
The one-day, free event focused on digital marketing, branding, and artificial intelligence, providing attendees with insights into how businesses can enhance their outreach and advertising strategies. The summit featured a keynote address by Greg Kihlström, a best-selling author and consultant specializing in marketing technology and digital transformation.
The summit’s agenda included breakout sessions on social media strategies, branding, and data analytics, giving business owners tools to enhance their marketing efforts. A panel discussion closed the event, allowing industry experts to share their thoughts on the latest trends in digital marketing.
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.