KO Distilling in Manassas is celebrating its ninth anniversary with a series of events and a special release of its first-ever 9-year Single Barrel High Rye Bourbon. The celebration started with a Business After Hours event hosted by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the distillery's location, 10381 Central Park Drive, Suite 105.
CEO Bill Karlson addressed attendees, announcing plans for the upcoming anniversary. The distillery will hold a public event on Saturday, September 14, featuring the release of a limited-edition 9-year Single Barrel High Rye Bourbon. This marks the first time KO Distilling will release this aged bourbon from barrels ordered from MGP in Indiana before the distillery’s public opening in 2015.
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Prince William County will host a remembrance ceremony on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The event will be held at the 9/11 Liberty Memorial Fountain in Woodbridge.
The ceremony will include the Presentation of Colors, the National Anthem, the Tolling of the Bell, and remarks from Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson, County Executive Christopher Shorter, and Battalion Chief Craig Beavers. The names of county residents who died in the attacks will be read, and the ceremony will conclude with the playing of taps. The community is invited to attend.
Press release
On Wednesday, Sept. 11, members of the community are invited to join the Board of County Supervisors and others in a remembrance ceremony to honor and remember those who died during the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. The ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the 9/11 Liberty Memorial Fountain, 1 County Complex Ct, Woodbridge, Va.
The ceremony will include the Presentation of Colors and the National Anthem, the Tolling of the Bell, remarks from Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson and County Executive Christopher Shorter, and guest speaker Battalion Chief Craig Beavers, and the reading of the names of the county residents who were killed that day. It will conclude with the playing of taps.
All are welcome to attend to honor and remember the county’s 22 fallen residents and the nearly 3,000 others killed in the attacks that day.
The star of the show will be the park’s new winged rollercoaster, Rapterra. It will soar 145 feet into the sky, travel at 65 mph, and feature a dive loop, flat spin corkscrew, and heartline roll (the park calls it a raptor roll).
The celebration will also feature various special events, entertainment, and attractions. Visitors can expect new live shows at the Kings Dominion Theater, a high-energy roaming street party, and the return of the famous Clown Band. A standout feature will be the park’s Eiffel Tower, lit with special effects synchronized to a golden anniversary soundtrack.
In addition, the beloved Singing Mushrooms will debut an all-new playlist, while interactive displays will highlight the park’s rich history. Guests will also be treated to limited-time food and drink offerings inspired by Kings Dominion’s past, present, and future.
Don Helbig, who spent 17 seasons managing media relations at King’s Dominion’s sister park, King’s Island near Cincinnati, Ohio, including its 50th-anniversary celebration in 2022, reflected on the significance of the upcoming anniversary. “It’s going to be a big deal,” said Helbig. Anytime you have a significant anniversary, there’s a lot of history and traditions to celebrate.”
“For a lot of people, King’s Dominion is where they had their first job, met their significant other, or spent time with family. The 50th anniversary is going to rekindle a lot of those memories.”
King’s Dominion took inspiration from its planned street party on Kings Island’s 50th anniversary, which included nightly fireworks and a parade-like event. “Kings Island had a cavalcade with floats representing iconic parts of the park. King’s Dominion could do something similar to make it a season-long celebration.”
The “singing mushrooms” in the Candy Apple Grover section of the park date back to the park’s opening. The attraction was restored in 2014 to mark the park’s last milestone. “When they brought those back for the 40th anniversary, it was a big hit.”
Additionally, Helbig remembered Dick Van Dyke, the movie and TV star who was once an unofficial spokesperson for King’s Dominion. Van Dyke, now 98, remains active, and Helbig suggested he could be part of the festivities. “Why not incorporate Dick Van Dyke? If there’s a nighttime show, he could do a voiceover or be involved in some way.”
Helbig also proposed creating a temporary museum or walkthrough exhibit highlighting milestones from 1975 to the present. “They could have stones marking what was new each year from 1975 through today. It’s a way to recognize the history of the park in a meaningful way.”
Rapterra
Kings Dominion is set to debut Rapterra during its 50th anniversary season, its first newly-constructed roller coaster built from the ground up since Intimidator 305 opened in 2010. While Twisted Timbers launched in 2018, it was a conversion of the old Hurler roller coaster from 1994. Rapterra represents the park’s first entirely new roller coaster in over a decade.
“It’s a game changer,” said Don Helbig, speaking about the new ride. “This coaster will bring visitors from all over to experience it.” Rapterra will be the world’s tallest and longest-launched wing coaster, with nearly 3,100 feet of track. Helbig noted that Rapterra marks a significant moment for the park after years of limited new coaster additions. “For those who’ve grown up visiting Kings Dominion, you’ve seen other parks get new coasters while Kings Dominion didn’t. That’s changing now.”
Rapterra offers a distinct experience as a wing coaster, with riders seated outside the track. “You’re not riding along or under the track like on traditional coasters,” Helbig explained. He also addressed the park’s competition with Busch Gardens, emphasizing that Kings Dominion has always excelled in thrill rides.
“Busch Gardens is known for its shows and atmosphere, but if you’re after thrills, Kings Dominion has always been the better option,” he said.
Rapterra will open in the Jungle Expedition area, where Volcano: The Blast Coaster once stood before its removal in 2018. Helbig pointed to ongoing improvements in the area, such as installing cooler stone pathways.
King’s Dominion just wrapped up its summer operating season and will begin its popular Halloween “Haunt” on weekend evenings starting Friday, September 20, 2024. The event features actors dressed up like ghouls and goblins throughout the park, haunted houses, and live musical entertainment. During the day on Saturday and Sunday, the park will hold “Tricks and Treats” for children, where they can decorate pumpkins, collect candy, and play games in the park’s Planet Snoopy area.
The park will also hold an Ocktoberfest on weekends from September 21 to November 3, offering food, beer, and live entertainment.
More about Don Helbig
Don Helbig’s journey into the theme park industry is unique. It all began at Kings Island in Ohio, where his love for the park, notably the iconic “The Racer” roller coaster, would eventually lead to a record-setting streak of rides. In 1979, Don was caught in the middle of a baseball strike, and instead of waiting idly, he decided to visit Kings Island frequently.
On a remarkable day, he rode the Racer 97 times, breaking a previous record. From there, his obsession with the ride grew, culminating in 1,000 rides in one year and an incredible 10,000 rides by 1990. His deep passion for the amusement park world sparked an interest in public relations, a field in which Kings Island had already used him to generate media buzz.
His storytelling abilities shone through, particularly with the launch of the Kings Island blog in 2017, where he told stories about the park’s history and shared updates with the media. In 2019 alone, Don published over 245 stories about the park. Today, he continues his love for the industry through his blog, Theme Parks by Don, and his podcast, The Attractions Group, where he interviews key figures in the amusement industry.
I’m excited to share that we’ve just published our sixth "Meet the Principal" post, and even more profiles are coming!
Our Manassas Local Editor, Caitlyn Meisner, is working diligently to spotlight nearly two dozen new principals who have just started their roles in Prince William County this year.
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Press Release:
Edutainment Productions at OSA (Open Space Arts) is proud to announce “Harmony of Horizons,” an innovative multidisciplinary performance that pushes the boundaries of artistic collaboration and explores the future of arts institutions. This captivating 25-minute production, written by veteran broadway theatre artist Herb Williams, will debut on September 14th, opening up the 2024 PWC Arts Alive Festival at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.
“Harmony of Horizons” seamlessly blends music, dance, visual art, Fashion, and spoken word to create a unique and immersive experience. The performance features a diverse ensemble of talented artists, including singers, rappers, dramatic actors, ballet dancers, and live visual artists, all coming together to showcase the power of artistic synergy. Notably, Harmony of Horizons is set to spotlight a diverse cast including students from across Prince William County as they take the stage alongside seasoned professionals.
Key highlights of the performance include:
- Original musical scores arranged specifically for this production
- Live musicians (piano, bass, drums, saxophonist) accompanied by vocalists and a rapper
- Ballet dancers interpreting the music through expressive choreography
- Visual artists creating a live works
- A thought-provoking dialogue on the future of arts institutions, emphasizing accessibility, technology, and multidisciplinary collaboration
Christopher James, Development Director at Edutainment Productions, states, “With ‘Harmony of Horizons,’ we’re not just putting on a show; we’re presenting a vision for the future of the arts. This performance demonstrates how traditional and contemporary art forms can come together to create something truly extraordinary.”
The production aims to entertain while also informing the audience about the importance of forward-thinking in arts institutions. It serves as a model for how varied artistic expressions can unite to create an experience greater than the sum of its parts.
Open Space Arts invites media representatives to attend a special preview rehearsal of “Harmony of Horizons” on [Last Rehearsal]. This event will provide an opportunity for interviews with the creative team and performers.
For more information about “Harmony of Horizons” or to schedule an interview, please contact Isaiah Luckey at [email protected] or (703) 586-2540.About Open Space Arts: Open Space Arts is a leading cultural institution dedicated to promoting artistic expression and fostering creativity in Northern Virginia. Through innovative programming and community engagement, Open Space Arts strives to make the arts accessible to all while pushing the boundaries of artistic collaboration.
Fredericksburg’s music scene has long been a hidden gem. Still, filmmaker and Potomac Local News freelancer Mike Salmon is bringing it into the spotlight with his latest documentary, “Bluegrass in Fredericksburg.” The film explores the rich bluegrass tradition in the city, nestled just outside of the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia. It sheds light on Fredericksburg’s unique contributions to this classic American genre.
In a recent interview, Salmon discussed the inspiration behind the project and the discoveries he made while filming. “The documentary is about the bluegrass scene in Fredericksburg and what the city adds to the flavor of bluegrass around here,” Salmon said. As a new resident of Fredericksburg, formerly of Fairfax County, Salmon admitted that he knew little about the local music scene. Still, his journey through the project opened his eyes to its vibrancy and depth.
Salmon’s documentary features interviews with local musicians and performances at venues such as the Sunken Well Tavern and Colonial Tavern. He highlighted the cooperative spirit he encountered, which stood out as a defining feature of the Fredericksburg bluegrass community. “Everyone was really cooperative. If I had done the same thing up in Fairfax County, it might not have gone as smoothly without pulling a bunch of special favors,” Salmon noted.
The film also delves into the annual “Bluegrass in the ‘Burg” festival, a significant event in the local music calendar held every May. Salmon’s documentary captures the energy and enthusiasm of the festival, offering viewers a glimpse into the heart of Fredericksburg’s bluegrass culture.
One of the key figures featured in the film is Dr. Keith Mellinger, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Mary Washington, and member of the band Fall Line. Mellinger’s participation in the documentary added depth, particularly during his performance at the Fredericksburg PorchFest, which Salmon shot and described as a film highlight.
Salmon’s passion for filmmaking began in high school, and despite not attending film school, he has successfully produced several award-winning documentaries. His previous works include a documentary on the Kingstown community in Fairfax County and another on backyard graveyards, both of which earned accolades. Salmon attributes his success to a combination of self-taught skills and guidance from resources like “Shut Up and Shoot: The Documentary Guide,” a book he recommends to aspiring filmmakers.
Looking ahead, Salmon has already entered “Bluegrass in Fredericksburg” into the South by Southwest Film Festival and the Fredericksburg Film Festival, which will take place next spring. He also has a meeting scheduled with the Fredericksburg Area Museum, potentially opening new avenues for the film’s distribution and recognition.
For those interested in watching “Bluegrass in Fredericksburg,” the documentary is available on YouTube. Salmon encourages viewers to check it out and contact him with any ideas for future projects. As he looks to the future, Salmon sees Fredericksburg as a rich source of untold stories, with topics like the city’s ghost legends and the evolution of Caroline Street piquing his interest in potential documentaries. The documentary was produced in collaboration with Barbara Ucman.
Potomac Local News is excited to announce Aya Karouane as the newest intern joining our team. Aya, 16, a junior at Mountain View High School in Stafford County, brings a fresh perspective to our team of independent community journalists.
When asked about the importance of community journalism, Aya emphasized, “You can find news about major national stories anywhere, but it’s difficult to find reliable local news. Community journalism ensures that everyone has access to the news that happens in their own backyard.”
Aya’s background includes three years as a freelance writer for her school’s news magazine, The Viewpoint. “My column generally focused on notable events and people at MVHS, such as community leaders and award-winners,” she shared. This role honed her collaboration and information-gathering skills.
Describing her attachment to her community, Aya said, “I love how the community is really close-knit. Everyone looks out for one another, and you never feel alone.”
Outside of her professional pursuits, Aya actively participates in her school’s club activities and enjoys reading. “I’m very involved at my school, you can find me at a club meeting almost every day. Outside of that, I love to read. My favorite genre is nonfiction, and I’m currently reading a book about the Constitution,” she explained.
As for her goals during her time with Potomac Local News, Aya is clear about her ambitions: “I want to know more about my community. Journalists have their finger on the pulse, and the best way to learn about the community is by interacting through journalism.”
Aya is the latest in a string of interns who have become community journalists and worked with us here at Potomac Local. This week, former student intern and Potomac Local News community reporter Susie Webb, who graduated at the top of her class at Stafford High School in 2020, received her first byline on the front page of the Washington Post on August 27, 2024.
Congratulations to her and all of our former student interns who have succeeded in their respective fields.
House of Mercy, a longstanding food pantry and thrift store near Manassas, announced significant operational changes in response to a sharp increase in demand for its services. The organization will temporarily halt new client registrations and shift from offering free to discounted clothing.
“We’ve seen a 49% increase in demand just this year,” said Jessica Root, executive director for House of Mercy. “This year, we hit our capacity, serving over 134 families in a single day. We’re temporarily pausing new client registrations to focus on our current clients and ensure we maintain the quality of service.”
The changes reflect broader economic tensions in the community. Despite being located in one of the wealthiest counties in Virginia, House of Mercy has faced unprecedented challenges. “Even in wealthy areas, there are tens of thousands of people who need help,” Root explained. “The low poverty rate here doesn’t tell the whole story.”
Many clients at House of Mercy do not qualify for government aid, influencing the increased demand for their services. “About half of our clients are children,” Root noted. “We see families doubling up in homes to manage rent, and many have multiple jobs but still struggle to meet basic needs.”
The economic landscape has shifted dramatically, with rising living costs outpacing salary increases, putting additional pressure on families. “When I go to the grocery store, I see the price of eggs double what they were a year ago,” Root said, indicating a broader economic trend affecting the community.
House of Mercy relies heavily on community support to manage these challenges. Root called for increased community involvement: “We need more monetary funds, more volunteers, and more food. Our thrift store plays a crucial role too, as all revenue goes right back to our food pantry.”
The organization invites the community to donate items, volunteer, or shop at the thrift store. “If you love to shop, come shop and support our mission,” Root encouraged.
House of Mercy remains a vital resource for Prince William County and its surrounding areas, adapting its operations to continue supporting those in need during these challenging economic times.
Join Us for Mercy Fest 2024: A Day of Family Fun for a Greater Cause!
Join us on September 28th for Mercy Fest 2024, our annual fundraiser dedicated to improving the lives of those in our community. This year’s event promises a day packed with family-friendly activities, entertainment, and interactive fun for all ages!
There’s something for everyone, from exciting games and delicious food to engaging activities and local vendor booths. Your participation will ensure a fantastic day out and support a vital cause. All proceeds from Mercy Fest 2024 will go directly to House of Mercy’s programs, helping us support over 100+ families daily through our Food Pantry.
Come for the fun, stay for the cause, and help us continue our mission to assist those facing financial hardship. Please mark your calendars and join us in making a meaningful impact in our community!
Date: September 28, 2024
Location: 8170 Flannery Court, near Manassas
Time: 10 am – 3 pm
Let’s celebrate together and make a difference! See you at Mercy Fest 2024!
WEBSITE: https://houseofmercyva.org/festival
Potomac River Orthodontics, led by Dr. Owais Naeem, will mark its first anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 4 p.m. The event will occur at 12701 Galveston Court, near Hoadly Road and Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge.
