Press Release:

Join us for a wonderful holiday tradition in Occoquan on the evening of Saturday, November 23, 2024. This is our popular tree lighting and shop late event that will for the third year in a row include our Holiday Firelight activities.

The tree lighting itself will take place in front of Town Hall (314 Mill Street) at 6:00 p.m. From 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. visitors can also enjoy fire pits, marshmallow roasting, caroling, hot coca, and more by the Mill House Museum (413 Mill Street). Marshmallows for roasting are free, while hot cocoa, hot cider, adult drinks, and s’mores kits will be available for purchase.

And, of course, we would like to encourage everyone to shop in our Occoquan stores and restaurants for your holiday and entertainment needs. By doing so you will be supporting local artists, business owners, and their hardworking staffs. Our shops are busy preparing holiday items for you and a number of them will be open until 8:00 p.m. or later.

Worried about parking? There will be FREE shuttle service from 1:00 – 9:00 p.m. from the Old Bridge Road/Route 123 Commuter lot. Drop off points will be at Mamie Davis Park (200 Washington Street) and Town Hall (314 Mill Street).

Press Release:

The Virginia Department of Education has selected Greendale Elementary School in Washington County and Belmont Elementary School in Prince William County as Virginia’s two 2024 ESEA Distinguished Schools.

Recognized for exceptional student performance for two consecutive years, Washington County’s Greendale Elementary School made noteworthy gains in reading and science SOL scores, improving by nine and fourteen points respectively in the last year. The school implemented key literacy initiatives, such as targeted reading interventions, an open library, and ongoing professional development for school staff. The school also focused on data driven instruction such as formative and summative assessments to guide differentiation; explicit teaching with clear demonstrations and guided practice; tailored instruction for personalized interventions; and small group instruction and remediation.

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Press Release:

Santa Claus is coming to Potomac Mills! Starting this Friday, Nov. 22, shoppers will be able to partake in the annual Santa Photo Experience. View hours and make your preferred Santa reservations today by clicking here!

Potomac Mills shoppers may also meet Santa and celebrate the holidays this season at various events including:

Santa’s Arrival Party – Nov. 22 from 2- 3 p.m. in the Grand Court (next to TJ Maxx). Enjoy face painting, festive balloon twisting, holiday characters, giveaways and a letter writing station while supplies last. Santa photos are also available for purchase.

Military Kids Santa Party– Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Military families are invited to celebrate the holiday season with Santa. All families will receive one Military Build-A-Bear per child (while supplies last) and will also enjoy face painting, a balloon artist, a Santa letter writing station, coloring and gift bag giveaways. Santa photos will be available for purchase. *Reservations are required to attend this event. Please RSVP to Nadhya…[email protected] and include your name, military branch and how many children will be attending. Reservations are limited and military ID required.

Caring Santa® – Dec. 8 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. in the Grand Court (next to TJ Maxx). Exclusive event for children with special needs and their families. Reservations are required for this private, sensory-friendly experience.

Grab your scarves, gloves, and a sense of adventure—ice skating season is back in Manassas! The beloved ice rink at the Harris Pavilion is set to open this Friday, November 22, just in time to kickstart the holiday spirit. Whether you’re a pro gliding effortlessly across the ice or someone still mastering the art of staying upright, skating is magical under the pavilion lights.

This year’s skating season is a little shorter than usual, ending on January 5. Why the early end? The rink will undergo some much-needed repairs to improve the ice quality and prepare for an exciting concert season next year. So, please make the most of the skating season while it lasts.

What to Know Before You Go

Admission: $8 per skater, with skate rentals available for an additional cost.

Group Admission: Planning a fun outing with friends, family, or coworkers? Groups of 10 or more can snag a special rate of $13 per skater, which includes skate rentals.

Booking: Don’t wait until the last minute—secure your spot on the ice early! Admission and skate rental tickets can be reserved online.

Why We Love the Harris Pavilion Rink

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Manassas, the Harris Pavilion is more than just an ice skating rink—it’s a winter tradition. Skating here feels like stepping into a snow globe, surrounded by the charm of historic buildings, twinkling lights, and the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers. After your skate, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa from one of the nearby cafes or take a stroll to see the holiday decorations around the city.

Mark Your Calendar!

Whether it’s your first time on the ice or your 100th, the Manassas City Ice Skating Rink offers an unforgettable way to embrace the season. So dust off your skates (or rent a pair), rally your crew, and join the fun this Friday. Let’s make some memories before the repairs begin—January 5 will be here before we know it!

For tickets and more information, visit the Harris Pavilion website. See you on the ice!

We’re getting our first look at Christmastime events in and around Manassas, and it’s shaping up to be a season full of festive fun for the whole family.

Manassas City has a lineup of holiday happenings in early December. On Friday night, December 6, at 5:15 p.m., the city will light up with Santa Lights Manassas. Santa will arrive to bring holiday cheer and officially kick off the season with the lighting ceremony. The celebrations continue with the 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7, at 10 a.m. This year’s theme, Christmas in Candyland, promises a delightful parade filled with sweet surprises, from colorful floats to festive marching bands.

If you want to get some winter fun on the ice, Harris Pavilion in Manassas will transform into an ice skating rink from November 15, 2024, through January 5, 2025. Visitors can enjoy skating under the winter sky, with all the details on times, costs, and skate rentals available on the Manassas City Parks, Culture & Recreation website. For those looking to make it a private affair, the pavilion offers one-hour private ice skating sessions for groups of up to 20, perfect for family get-togethers or office holiday parties.

Manassas Park is also joining in the festivities with their Light Parade & Viewing Party on Saturday, December 7, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Manassas Drive & Park Central Plaza. The event will feature a light parade, tree lighting, food trucks, a holiday movie, and even a chance to grab a photo with Santa. It’s a great way for the community to come together and enjoy a night of holiday lights and cheer. For more information, you can check out mpdpr.com/mplightparade.

In Nokesville, two cherished holiday traditions are back. The Nokesville Tree Lighting kicks things off on Friday, November 29, at 6 p.m. at 12923 Fitzwater Drive. Bring the family out to meet the Claus family, enjoy caroling, and soak up the holiday spirit. Then, on Saturday, December 14, at 4 PM, Santa will make a special return for the annual Nokesville Christmas Parade. With Santa riding on a holiday-themed float and community participants adding to the cheer, this parade will light up the season. Miller Toyota and Prince William County F.U.N sponsor both events.

The 2024 Fall Arts and Crafts Show in Occoquan, held from September 27 to September 29, wrapped up with positive reviews, high attendance, and valuable lessons learned. Despite challenges, the community and vendors enjoyed a weekend filled with art, crafts, and unique experiences, establishing the show as a beloved event in the town’s calendar.

Organized by town employee Julie Little and her team, this year’s show featured hundreds of vendors offering handmade items, artisanal products, and creative experiences. Many vendors were excited to showcase and purchase items before the upcoming Christmas, recognizing the show as a prime opportunity to kick-start holiday sales and stock up on unique gifts and decorations.

“Imagination Alley,” spearheaded by team member Tammy, was particularly popular, capturing the attention of younger attendees with its interactive exhibits. Kids and families were also thrilled by the kid entrepreneurs showcased at the event, highlighting the town’s commitment to inspiring young business minds.

During a recent Town Council meeting, members and public safety teams worked closely to ensure the event ran smoothly despite some instances of traffic and parking enforcement. Six vendors received tickets due to traffic violations, which emphasized public safety. Feedback from the community suggested improvements, particularly in communicating rules around vehicle movement in restricted zones. Town Manager Adam and the team plan to implement more visible signage and other reminders for vendors in future events.

Vice Mayor Jenn M. Loges praised the event’s organization, noting the dedication of all involved. “It’s always fantastic to see our community come together to support creativity and small business,” she said. Council Member Nancy Freeborne Brinton echoed the sentiment, celebrating the “art-focused” atmosphere created by the beautiful installations and the diversity of the vendors.

The Occoquan Town Council and public safety staff will continue refining the show to enhance the experience for vendors and visitors, aiming to make future events more welcoming and safe. The town also acknowledges the contributions of sponsors like AARP, Kitchen Saver, and local businesses that added value to this year’s event, helping to offset costs and deliver a memorable experience for all attendees.

The next big events in Occoquan are Christmas-themed, with the town tree lighting ceremony planned for Saturday, November 23.

Today, the Bull Run Rotary Club kicks off its 8th Annual Flags for Heroes ceremony, a moving tribute honoring veterans, active-duty service members, frontline workers, and local first responders. This event, hosted on the lawn of the Manassas Museum at 9101 Prince William Street, begins with an opening ceremony at 5:30 p.m. and will remain on display until November 16.

Throughout the morning, Bull Run Rotary members and volunteers have been busy setting up the flag display and transforming the museum lawn with hundreds of American flags, each dedicated to a hero. Over the past eight years, the Flags for Heroes initiative has raised more than $35,000 through flag sponsorships, with proceeds benefiting the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run. This organization provides a peaceful sanctuary for wounded veterans, helping them reconnect with family and find respite.

For a $50 donation, community members can sponsor a flag in honor or memory of a loved one who has served. The public is encouraged to visit the display to reflect on the sacrifices made by these individuals, each flag symbolizing dedication and bravery.

The Flags for Heroes event is more than just a display—it’s an opportunity for the Manassas community to unite, celebrate its heroes, and support a cause dedicated to those who have given so much.

For more details, visit the event’s Facebook page.

Uriah’s note: Welcome to another installment of our History and Heritage Feature Series, which was made possible through the support of Sentara. This series celebrates the rich cultural heritage and history of Prince William County, Stafford County, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg.

Through articles on crucial historical events, profiles of notable landmarks, and personal stories from residents, we aim to connect you to the past meaningfully. Sentara’s commitment to community involvement helps bring these stories to life, preserving our region’s heritage for future generations.

Thank you for supporting local journalism.

In Fredericksburg, there are a couple of newspapers and radio stations but no local television station. Residents must rely on TV broadcast signals from Washington, D.C., or Richmond, beaming from as far as 53 miles and 58 miles away, respectively.

However, in the early 1970s and mid-1980s, a couple of entrepreneurs took a stab at bringing local broadcast TV to Fredericksburg. In October 1973, WHFV-TV was launched from a building of the current-day TV Drive just off Patriot Highway. The tower is still there.

“It was local, board meetings and stuff like that,” said one of the staff at the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter, which sits across the street from the old TV station and tower. “Used to be in that building…” they said, pointing to a tower right across TV Drive from the shelter. Another member of the staff named Natalie “used to do one of the worker’s hair,” when she dabbled as a hair stylist.

Captain Willy Tydings works in the shelter and remembers his stint at the Rappahannock Cable Company or RCCTV in the mid-1980s. “I remember being on that station when I was a young man,” he said, remembering his role as a representative for the Future Farmers of America he said.

Delegate Bobby Orrock (R-66) was the newscaster at RCCTV and remembers rushing from one job, changing into a coat and tie and dashing into his studio. “I did the evening news for four to six months,” he said, “we never had a large audience.”

The lead sentence in a Free Lance-Star article dated October 8, 1973, states, “Telecasting will begin today by WHFV-TV, an NBC-affiliated television station in Fredericksburg.” It had a local news show called “Newswatch,” and the program director, Monty Smith, quoted it. It mentioned the 499-foot transmitting tower on Hudgins Road, still standing today. In addition to Fredericksburg, it covered Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, and King George counties.

Another Free Lance-Star article, dated December 18, 1974, stated that an evangelist, Chris Panos, was slated to buy that station. Panos was working with executives from the KVRL station in Houston, namely Marvin Picard. While in town, Picard was interviewed by the then-news director Tom Delancy, and Picard discussed a plan to keep the station in operation.

On Wikipedia, the station was listed as WHFV TV 69. It started in 1973 but only lasted until 1975, when it “found itself in debt and losing money. “

Fredericksburg has dabbled with the television station idea several times since the early 1970s. In May 1971, an application was filed to create a UHF station; in 1976, another application was filed to start WNVI, but it was unclear what happened to them. In March 1981, more station efforts went forward, and in 1984, plans were made for another Channel 69 station, which ended up being RCCTV. However, the ads could not support it, so it folded after a few years.

In October 1976, the empty television station building on Hudgins Road was slated to become a media center for various churches. “Media center” was a common term used at that time when libraries expanded by carrying many electronic means too. This effort was led by Tower Ministries and included rooms for the churches for meetings, banquets, counseling with food, and piped-in gospel music. Now TV Drive has the animal shelter, a few car repair shops, and a 499-foot, red and white tower as a reminder of the local stations that once gave it a try.

Cox Farms, a staple of Fairfax County’s fall festivities, has sparked conversations once again – not for its famous pumpkin patch, but for the witty political messages it displays on its roadside marquee. The farm, known for taking a clear stance against President-Elect Donald Trump, has become a local landmark for seasonal fun and its outspoken signage.

The popular Centreville farm, which recently wrapped up its fall season on November 5, is seeking input from the community to help keep its marquee fresh with new anti-Trump messages. Known as a “Never Trump” farm, Cox Farms’ previous signs have included statements like, “OMG SO EMBARRASSING,” “EW CRINGE,” “WE NEVER LIKED HIM,” and “WE’RE NOT MAD, WE’RE DISAPPOINTED (AND AFRAID).”

The farm’s owners say the signs, displayed along a busy road in Northern Virginia, are intended to make a statement and engage with like-minded community members. “We actually are mad,” they wrote in a recent post, clarifying their commitment to maintaining a “Never Trump” stance. Although the signs already make bold statements, the farm frequently rotates messages and invites the public to suggest new ideas.

The request comes as Cox Farms closes its doors for the winter season, typically from the end of April to early November. During the off-season, the farm uses its marquee to reach commuters with messages that, according to staff, serve as “yelling into the void that is NoVa traffic.”

While reactions to the signs vary, the farm’s online following has grown, with many supporters cheering on their stance and providing feedback. However, some community members have expressed disapproval, leading to heated discussions online. For Cox Farms, this blend of engagement is part of their brand’s identity.

Those interested in pitching a fresh anti-Trump sign idea can leave comments on the farm’s social media channels. With the next seasonal opening months away, there’s ample time for creativity. The farm has encouraged contributors to keep ideas clever and family-friendly while using all caps for maximum roadside impact.

Cox Farms’ political messaging has now become an off-season tradition almost as popular as their fall festival itself, drawing attention from Fairfax County residents and Northern Virginia as a whole.