Dumfries celebrated its 275th anniversary with a grand Gala held at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on May 10, 2024. The event, emceed by Guy Lambert, a radio news anchor now with WTTG-TV in Washington, D.C., drew an attendance of approximately 150-200 guests, falling short of the advertised 350-person "sold out" crowd advertised by town officials.
Despite the anticipation, the room was noticeably less crowded than expected, with ample space for movement. Attendees were treated to a menu of food, though leftovers were abundant. Complimentary water and iced tea were available, while a bar offered additional beverage options. However, hors d'oeuvres were notably absent from the menu.
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By Alan Gloss and Sarah Romero
Dumfries is celebrating its 275th anniversary this weekend, amid budgetary woes as it prepares for a three-day extravaganza to mark the occasion. Originally, the town council approved a $100,000 budget for the celebration, but it was revealed Tuesday that planners had overspent by $28,000.
The result is a cost-overrun of more than 130%. Meanwhile, they were only able to sell 12 tickets to the gala and still needed more money to hire a local musician to entertain gala guests.
In a post made to X this afternoon, the town government maintains the gala event is “sold out.”
One of the main contributors to the budget overrun was that planners approved a menu of braised beef tips and salmon without regard to the cost of catering such a meal, said town officials. The catering company Aramark is being paid nearly $40,000 for the meal and is expected to make 350 plates.
During a town council meeting held Tuesday, May 7, 2024, Vice Mayor Monae Nickerson, expressing frustration at the overspending, raised numerous questions during council discussions. “To be $28,000 over budget seems pretty fiscally irresponsible to me,” Nickerson said. “Did it ever occur to anyone that a $40,000 menu was too much to spend on food? We’re a local non-profit government.”
Responsibility for the overspending was a matter of contention among council members. Vice Mayor Nickerson and Councilman Tyrone Brown pointed fingers at Mayor Derrick Wood, who they claimed not only oversaw the citizen committee responsible for the celebration but also worked closely with the planning company hired to plan the event. “You are a chef; you should have known that braised beef and salmon is more expensive than chicken,” said Nickerson, citing Wood’s personal business running a barbeque food truck.
In response to the criticism, Wood attempted to shift the focus to finding solutions. “We can go back and forth for 30 or 45 minutes [placing blame], but town manager, do you have any solutions for this?” Mayor Wood asked.
The town manager, Tangela Innis, offered ways to cut spending, such as not hiring musician Marcus Johnson, who commands a rate of $5,000 an hour for his performances, or cutting the fireworks planned for Saturday at nearly $11,000 for the 20-minute display. Councilman Sean Peet asked for ways to keep the fireworks “for the children” so as not to disappoint them. Ultimately, none of Innis’s suggestions were adopted.
“I work in the hospitality business and understand how expensive food has become,” Wood told Potomac Local News when pressed on the cost overruns.
Adding to the budget woes, planners had originally thought they could sell 300 tickets at $100 each for the gala, to be held Friday, May 10 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The town could only manage to sell 12 at that price, then distributed the remaining 288 tickets for free the week before the event.
“It doesn’t make sense to me,” Nickerson stated. “Why would we use taxpayer money to entertain them in the celebration but then charge them to be a part of it?”
The council did not cut any events from the schedule and ultimately authorized an additional $35,000 for the event, with Nickerson voting against the measure.
The town council announced the three-day celebration in January. Among the many promises made at the time, officials said gala attendees could expect a well-orchestrated evening featuring a cocktail hour, musical performances by either the Army or Marine Corps bands, a buffet dinner, VIP recognitions, presentations, and keynote speeches.
The celebration, taking place this weekend, May 10-12, will include a series of events and activities designed to bring the community together to honor the town’s history, in addition to the gala. According to what little information is posted on the town’s website, there will be activities on May 11 and 12 at Garrison Park behind the town hall.
The 1.5-square-mile town in Prince William County is home to 6,000 residents and a soon-to-open The Rose gaming resort. The resort includes a hotel and restaurant and several video slot machines. It will be the first gambling business of its size to open in Northern Virginia.
As we gear up for the much-anticipated 275th-anniversary gala of the Town of Dumfries, we're curious to know how many of you are already in the loop about this historic event. Scheduled to take place at the prestigious National Museum of the Marine Corps. Potomac Local News has written multiple stories about the upcoming event, dating back to January 2024.
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On Friday, May 10, Dumfries will celebrate the 275th anniversary of the original charter for Dumfries.Â
The festivities will begin May 10 with a sold-out black-tie dinner at the National Museum for the Marine Corps. The dinner will have keynote speeches by local dignitaries, historical presentations on Dumfries’ intriguing history as a port town, and a commemorative program. The keynote speaker has yet to be announced. Â
A family-friendly festival on May 11 and 12 at Garrison Park, behind the town hall, will include free historical tours, re-enactors, and music, food, and vendors. The festival is free to attend.
Dumfries has previously held annual celebrations of Charter Day. The town’s original charter date is May 11, 1749. Much of the town’s colonial history has been lost over the years. The town was once a major east coast seaport and the early center of Prince William County’s’ government, economy, and social activities.
This year’s theme, “Rediscover Dumfries: Our Past, Present, and Future,” aims to highlight Dumfries’s journey through a curated selection of individuals, landmarks, and stories representing the town’s spirit and resilience. According to the council, the gala and celebration activities will honor Dumfries’ rich history and will also assist in the ongoing economic revitalization efforts.
The town’s website shows the 2024 Budget includes a budget of $197,5000 for Special Events for the newly created Office of Civic Engagement. The event will be primarily funded through a combination of taxpayer funds and private sponsorship, which Mayor Derrick Wood believes with emphasize the town council’s commitment to responsible fiscal management and community partnerships.Â
The town manager Tangela Innis, in her letter published in the 2024 budget, notes the Civic Engagement office “will begin to fulfill the need for public services throughout more community events, free vaccination clinics, a new Farmer’s Market…and partnerships with [Prince William Parks & Recreations] to provide for after school activities.” She notes the 275th anniversary celebration is a one-time funding plan.
The 2024 budget also reports Dumfries’ population has a median income of $71,784 with 14.1% of persons in poverty. In her letter, Innis stated the desire to “Create an inclusive and financially sustainable environment where residents of all ages and backgrounds have access to quality housing, essential services, employment, and recreational opportunities”.
The council notes they have taken several steps to ensure taxpayer dollars are utilized efficiently for the celebrations, including using existing resources to minimize rental costs; encouraging volunteers to boost community spirit while lowering labor costs; and using transparent competitive bidding for services.
Tickets to the May 10 gala are $100 As of April 25, the event website states they are sold out.Â
Sarah Romero contributed to this article.
Kelly Sienkowski is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.
By Derrick Wood
Dumfries Mayor
This year marks a significant milestone for the Town of Dumfries, Virginia — our 275th anniversary. As the oldest continuously chartered town in Virginia, we have a rich history to celebrate and an exciting future to look forward to. This dual focus on our past and future is the cornerstone of our upcoming celebrations, including a gala at the National Marine Corps Museum and a vibrant community festival.
Our Historic Roots and Resilient Spirit
Founded in 1749, Dumfries once thrived as a bustling port town, serving as a critical economic hub in colonial Virginia. Our strategic location along Quantico Creek made us a natural choice for trade, particularly in tobacco. However, as the creek silted, the town faced economic challenges that necessitated adaptation and resilience.
Despite these shifts, our community’s spirit has never wavered. Over the centuries, Dumfries has continuously transformed itself, overcoming adversity and forging new paths forward. Our resilience has paved the way for a resurgence, setting the stage for transformative developments that promise a bright future for our residents.
A New Chapter of Growth
The present and future of Dumfries are as exciting as our historical past. Today, we are witnessing transformative developments that redefine our town’s landscape and economic outlook. The $500 million redevelopment of a former landfill into the Rose Gaming Resort is a headline example, promising to become a new entertainment and hospitality hub in the region.
Additionally, the future construction of two communities for residents aged 55 and older, and over 250 new residential units on Main Street, are reshaping our town’s demographics and boosting our local economy. The realignment of Route 1 and the revitalization of Main Street are also underway, enhancing accessibility and rejuvenating our historic downtown area.
Celebrate With Us
To commemorate our 275th anniversary, we are hosting a gala on May 10th at the National Marine Corps Museum, followed by a two-day festival filled with activities, fireworks, historical displays, and entertainment. These events are not only a celebration of our rich history but also an exhibition of the vibrant community spirit that defines Dumfries today.
We invite residents and friends from near and far to join us in these celebrations. Whether you’re a history buff, a local business owner, or a family looking for a weekend of fun and education, there’s something for everyone at our anniversary events.
An Invitation to Potomac Local Readers
To our readers at Potomac Local, your participation in these events would not only enrich the celebrations but also help in spreading the word about the positive changes taking place in our town. We encourage you to come and discover the historical charm and modern vibrancy of Dumfries as we honor our past and embrace our future.
We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you and to continuing to write the story of Dumfries together.
Dumfries turns 275 years old this year, and the town council got an update on a planned three-day event to commemorate the milestone.
Carrie Smith, a town resident on Mayor Derrick Wood's 275th anniversary committee, said The event is structured as a three-day celebration from May 10 through 12, 2024.
The town will hold an opening gala on the first day at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Attendees can expect a well-orchestrated evening featuring a cocktail hour, musical performances by either the Army or Marine Corps bands, a buffet dinner, VIP recognitions, presentations, and keynote speeches.
