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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This upcoming fall season is filled with special events for you and your family at the Manassas Park Community Center!

Fall Yard Sale – Saturday, September 9th | 8 am – 12 pm | Free to attend

SELLERS: What’s the best way to celebrate all that Fall cleaning? A yard sale of course! Clean out your attics, basements, garages and sell, sell, sell at this popular event. For a low price of $10, sellers get a space. For more information, please contact Kaitlyn Collier at [email protected].

BUYERS: This is your time to treasure hunt and give items a new life. Come on down and look for deals because it’s a FREE event for buyers.

City of Manassas Park’s Latino Festival – Saturday, September 30 | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm | Free to attend

Celebrate our community in this festival filled with traditional food, live music, performances, and more- there will even be a pupusa eating contest! For more information, contact Yesy Amaya at [email protected].

Trunk or Treat – Saturday, October 28 | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Free to attend

It’s time for ghouls and vampires to come out to play, knights and superheroes to gear up, princesses and fairies to put on their best shoes- it’s time for Trunk or Treat! Join us for an evening of safe trick-or-treating at the MPCC parking lot. Decorated vehicles will line up and hand out treats to all the spooky creatures attending. We’re looking for volunteers interested in decorating their vehicle and passing out candy/treats to attendees! If interested please contact Kaitlyn Collier at [email protected].

Bonfire Bash – Friday, November 3 | 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm | $8 per person

Fall nights are s’more fun with a bonfire! Join us at our bonfire bash to pick out a pumpkin, roast a s’more, play games, take a hayride around the park, and more! There is something for the entire family to enjoy. Pre-registration is required per family member. Extra s’more kits are available on a first come first serve basis.

* All events take place at 99 Adams Street, Manassas Park, VA 20111 *

99 Adams Street, Manassas Park, VA 20111 | 703.335.8872 | ManassasParkCommunityCenter.com

Stafford SDA Chruch: “Discover a renewed confidence to face the future! On Wednesday, July 12 at 7 PM (via Zoom) Pastor Chris Sealey conducts a Bible study on why there are so many challenges facing our world today. Win a FREE gift, PEACE ABOVE THE STORM magazine. REGISTER now using this link.”

Strokes can occur at any age, which is why Sentara encourages you to B.E. F.A.S.T. and recognize the signs. Symptoms of stroke include sudden loss of balance, blurry eyesight, facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulties.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, don’t wait – call 911 immediately. When it comes to a stroke, every moment matters, so act fast. You could help save a life.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Learn about your stroke risk at SentaraStrokeAwareness.com.

If you have a new baby – or even a grandchild – on the way, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is now offering FREE online childbirth, parenting and grandparenting education until January 2024.

Each class contains high-quality videos and animations to help explain concepts easily. Classes cover topics such as pregnancy, labor, childbirth, breastfeeding, baby care, postpartum health, parenting and more.

All classes are available in both English and Spanish at injoyonline.com. Use redemption code “sentara” (all lowercase). Simply create an account to get started: injoyonline.com.

Plan ahead for summer!

Manassas Park Community Center Summer Camp registration is now open!

April Summer Camp BOGO Special: In April, enroll in a preschool, school-age, athletic, or teen camp and get the 2nd camp 50% off! MPCC membership is not required to take advantage of this deal. Limit of 4 camps at 50% off.

Visit www.mpdpr.com/summercamps for more details, or speak to one of our front desk representatives.

99 Adams Street, Manassas Park, VA 20111   |   703.335.8872   |   www.ManassasParkCommunityCenter.com

Need prom dress alterations? Need a tuxedo? Let your prom night be stress-free and memorable with Tangs!

No appointments are necessary. For prom dress alterations, remember to bring your shoes!

For Jim’s Formal Wear tuxedo/suit rentals, walk in to get measured, select your style, and match your accessories to your date!

Contact us today with any questions. (703) 393-8458 / [email protected]

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Feeling Lucky?

If you purchase a new or renew a Manassas Park Community Center All Access Membership or Annual Basic Membership, you have the chance to pick a prize out of the Leprechaun’s hat! Prizes include: 10% off membership, Signal Bay Waterpark 15 admission punch pass, FREE session of swim lessons, and so much more!

Please call or see a front desk representative for details.