DUMFRIES, Va. — A fall festival brought together Virginia’s first town on Saturday as about 40 vendors lined up in Garrison Park behind Town Hall.
It was held on a day where the weather felt more like summertime with 90-degree temperatures, and a violent storm disrupted the end of the festival. But before the storm blew through, crowds the filled the park during the peak of the festival after noon were treated to live music, dancing, crafts, and foods like barbeque, Italian sausage, ice cream treats and others.
A “Dumfries has talent” competition was also held, allowing children, teens, and adults to take to a stage provided by Hilldrup Moving and Storage to share their musical talents.
And with political season on hand, candidates vying for congress were on hand to greet festival goers. There also members of the Dumfries Town Council on hand to greet their neighbors.
Storm impacts festival
Despite all the revelry during the day, a nasty storm blew through the park about 4 p.m., toward the end of the festival, leaving at least one child scraped and bruised and metal tents broken.
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the national weather service at 12:15 p.m. Saturday, and the watch was increased to a warning just prior to the storm moving through the area.
“The event is held at Garrison Park next to Town Hall. This allows us to ‘shelter in place’ festival goers should an emergency occur necessitating the immediate evacuation of the Park. The Town had four police officers working and the Dumfries-Triangle Rescue Squad had staff on the scene most of the day. This was a rapidly developing event with little direct warning and little direct information concerning the severity and times,” said Dumfries Police Chief Robert Forker.
As the storm blew through, many vendors in the park – including PotomacLocal.com – had already began packing up their display materials. Dumfries Vice Mayor Willie J. Toney was still on stage announcing the winners of the talent competition when skies darkened. No order was given to evacuate the park, said Forker.
As the storm hit, police officers quickly moved to direct traffic out of the parking lot of Garrison Park. Forker said he is pleased with the performance of his officers.
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Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
Location: 601 Caroline Street, 1st Floor, Fredericksburg
For event inquiries, contact: 540-372-1216 | [email protected]
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Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
The Stafford location features state-of-the-art equipment, including strength machines, free weights, a dedicated area for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a functional training room with turf for agility exercises. Members can also access amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a mobility and stretching space, and free WiFi.
A highlight of the facility is the Black Card Spa, available to those who pay for a higher membership tier. The spa includes Hydro Massage Loungers, massage chairs, recovery loungers, and salon-grade tanning beds, offering members an opportunity to relax and recover post-workout.
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
Assault
– Marion Manor Nursing Home: A staff member assaulted another during a disagreement. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and held without bond.
– Shasta Place: A male suspect bit the victim during a verbal altercation. He was charged with assault and battery but released on personal recognizance.
DUI
Deputies discovered a car in a ditch on Courthouse Road. The driver admitted to drinking beer, with three empty cans found in her vehicle. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, and refusal, and held on a $3,000 bond.
Hit and Run
A vehicle struck a VDOT sign and two unoccupied trucks at EZ Auto Sales before the driver fled. Deputies identified the suspect using evidence left in the vehicle, and warrants for hit and run and property destruction were issued.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
Essential personnel will report at specified times.
All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled.
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King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
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.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
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:
