Stafford’s third annual Via Colori festival will be a weekend of family-friendly creativity and fun that celebrates artists and brings the community together. The Discover Stafford Museum and Cultural Club and the Rotary Clubs of Stafford and North Stafford host the event.
Via Colori was founded in 1994 in Naples, Florida, as a modern twist on a centuries-old tradition of street painting. Today, Stafford is one of only two communities holding Vias Colori, according to the founder.
The festival features dozens of artists who will create street art with chalk in allotted square spaces. Attendees can walk past each artist’s section periodically throughout the day to mark the progress of their favorite works. Kids of all ages can enjoy Via Bambini, a special team where they can try chalk drawing, and don’t miss out on live music from the Via Musica stage.
This year’s Featured Artist is Lizabeth Castellano-King, a New York native who primarily works in watercolors and digital art. She has participated in all three of Staffords’ Vias Colori and has been helping other artists learn how to work in chalk with a Via Tutori workshop.
The 2023 event also features Local Signature Artist Anna Chavez Naples, an art teacher and events coordinator for Adventure Brewing Co. Anna’s artworks are influenced by her Mexican and Norwegian heritage.
Proceeds from Via Colori go to Stafford County Public Schools’ cultural, educational, student leadership, and student aid projects. In the past, Via Colori funds have been used to commission murals in the schools, give out scholarships, hold a speech, essay and music contests, distribute school supplies, and hand out coats and hygiene supplies for students in need.
The funds are raised through Artist Square sponsorships.
Via Colori sponsors have their names displayed prominently above their Artists’ Square and benefit from the fact that people tend to revisit artists many times to check in on the progress of the work.
This year’s event will occur from Saturday, September 23, through Sunday, September 24, 2023, from 10:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Stafford Regional Airport. In addition to providing plenty of space for artworks, vendors, and entertainment, the airport has accessible parking and will provide restrooms.
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If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, look no further than Aria Mia, a sweet little kitten currently up for adoption at Prince William County Animal Services. This brave little one arrived as a stray with injuries to both of her eyes. Aria Mia has already undergone surgery on one eye and will need follow-up treatment for the other. Despite her challenges, she’s shown incredible resilience and is ready to start a new chapter with a loving family.
Aria Mia has already proven that she’s not just a cat lover but a dog lover too! During her recovery at Caring Hands Veterinary Clinic, she showed how well she gets along with dogs. So, if you’re looking for a kitten who can coexist with your furry canine companions, Aria Mia might just be the perfect fit for you.
Come meet Aria Mia today and see for yourself what a sweet, loving companion she can be. She’s eager to find her forever home and start the next phase of her life in a caring and compassionate environment.
Deuntay Diggs, Chair of Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors, indicated Tuesday evening that he is prepared to take legal action should some of his colleagues continue to ask for an amendment to the Code of Performance that “adversely affects my career, my calling,” reports the FXBG Advance.
A report from the Federal Railroad Administration requested by Fredericksburg City Council and Mayor Kerry Devine on this past summer’s freight car derailment blames human error for the mishap, reports the FXBG Advance.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is progressing toward finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Department of Economic Development.
The draft MOU aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both entities in promoting economic growth and business attraction within the county. However, concerns raised by some Board members suggest that the document may need further refinement before it can be adopted.
During a work session on January 28, 2025, Liz Barber, the county’s Director of Economic Development, presented the draft MOU, highlighting the extensive process that led to its creation. The document was developed over the past year, with input from both county administration and EDA members. Its goal is to establish clear guidelines and expectations for the EDA and the Department of Economic Development, particularly regarding the administrative processes, division of duties, and collaboration between the two bodies.
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.
