Stafford County will host its annual 9/11 ceremony at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The ceremony will be held at the George L. Gordon, Jr. Government Center in recognition and remembrance of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

This year marks 23 years since over 3,000 people died during attacks on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Stafford has held an annual bell-ringing ceremony since 2002. This year’s speakers include Stafford Fire and Rescue Chief Joseph Cardello, Sheriff David Decatur, and Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Meg Bohmke. The county has made a video invitation inviting Stafford residents to the ceremony.

The Government Center is located at 1300 Courthouse Road.

September is chalking up to be a busy month around Prince William County with several events and activities scheduled; the Board of County Supervisors is back this month, too, and their first meeting is Sept. 3.

Take a look at some highlighted events.

Sept. 6

• Fridays at 5: Karaoke Night!, 5 to 9 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Sept. 7

• Brentsville District End of Summer Dumpster & Paper Shred Event, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Haymarket)
• Beetlejuice Party, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Dumfries)
• Prince William Police Community Fair, Noon to 4 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Sept. 10

• Board of County Supervisors Work Session, 2 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Sept. 11

• 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, 9:30 a.m. (Woodbridge)

Sept. 13

• Recovery Rocks, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Sept. 14

• 3rd Annual Art in the Garden: Montclair, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Dumfries)
• Arts Alive!, Noon to 5 p.m. (Manassas)

Sept. 15

• Kids for Kids Triathlon, 7 to 8 a.m. (Woodbridge)

Sept. 17

• Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Sept. 20

• Fridays at 5: Quantico Marine Band, 5 to 9 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Early voting begins! 

Sept. 21

• Community Yard Sale at Pat White Center, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Manassas)
• Town of Quantico Cleanup – Dumpster Day Event, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Quantico)
• 4-H Young Entrepreneurs at Manassas Park Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Manassas Park)
• Seals on Wheels, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Haymarket)

Sept. 26

• “Saving Claire” Screening, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Sept. 28

• Woodbridge District Dumpster Day & Paper Shred Event, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Fall Family Fitness, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Woodbridge)

Sept. 29

• Zumba Dance Party, 3 to 4:30 p.m. (Dale City)

Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation, and Events will host its inaugural “Day of Play” at the Virginia Credit Union Stadium on September 21, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The family-focused event will feature a variety of activities like an obstacle course, kayak paddling pool, baseball pitch, and Ga Ga ball. University of Mary Washington’s Cheerleading team will teach cheerleading skills, while Mary Washington Healthcare will host Wellness Workshops. The event will also have a Toddler Area, designed for the youngest attendees.

Tickets are available for $8 in advance or $10 on-site, with free admission for children under three. Parking is complimentary, and FredNats concessions will be available throughout the event. Inclement weather changes will be announced on the Fredericksburg Alert system and on social media.

The Zoe Freedom Center is gearing up for its fourth annual 5K run, a fundraising event supporting its mission to assist those struggling with addiction. The event on Aug. 24, 2024, will begin and end at the University of Mary Washington’s  Jepson Alumni Executive Center, with participants running a course that stretches to the halfway point near Lafayette and Blue & Gray Parkway before looping back.

Founded by Dana and Mark Brown in March 2020, the Zoe Freedom Center launched the same day widespread shutdowns were announced for the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were surprised by the happenings, but we knew we were called to open this organization,” said Dana, “It proved to be the perfect time to open.” As other addiction services were forced to close or transition to virtual operations, the Zoe Freedom Center remained an in-person resource for those in need.

Driven by their personal experiences with addiction, the Browns established the center as a nonprofit organization offering free services to eliminate barriers for those seeking help. “I personally have 21 years free from addiction, and it was through my lived experience and my husband’s experience with a parent in addiction that led us to open this organization,” Dana shared. The center provides a wide range of services, including Peer Support, Counseling Services, Group Support, Family Support, and Grief Support for those grieving a substance-related loss.

In 2023, the Zoe Freedom Center served approximately 40 people per week and distributed 2,000 boxes of Narcan within the community. The organization also benefited from the efforts of 145 volunteers throughout the year. A key aspect of their work is a mobile unit that brings free Narcan—a life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug—directly to those in need.

Looking ahead, the Browns are working toward establishing Zoe Residential, a free-of-charge residential restorative care home for women trapped in cycles of addiction often linked with sex trafficking, domestic violence, and childhood trauma. Dana said this long-term residence will be a private, multi-acre property offering a supportive, Christ-centered, trauma-informed environment. Women participating in the program will have opportunities to pursue education, internships, and apprenticeships, and engage in community service projects, helping them rebuild their lives and pursue their dreams.

The 5K race is not just a fundraiser but is also a symbol of the Zoe Freedom Center’s commitment to walking alongside individuals and families throughout their recovery journey. “We understand this is a journey, and we will walk with people every step of the way,” said Dana.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) website says 79% of drug overdose deaths in Virginia in 2022 involved fentanyl or related substances. The overall state rate of drug overdose deaths decreased slightly by 5% from the previous year, reflecting ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis. However, the challenge remains significant, with emergency department visits due to overdoses rising by 5% in the same period.

The race begins at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 at the Jepson Alumni Center. Participants can run or walk, and packets may be picked up Thursday and Friday at the Zoe Freedom Center, or 6:30 a.m. Saturday at the starting area.

Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of Motts Run Reservoir, which was established in 1974. The reservoir itself spans 160 acres, and is within a total of 860 acres of land. The reservoir was initially created to ensure a reliable water supply for the region. Over the years, it has become an important area for wildlife, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Callie Brown, Superintendent of Recreation for Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events, stated, “Motts has gone from being one of Fredericksburg’s hidden gems to being a family favorite park over the past 50 years.” She highlighted the reservoir’s diverse offerings, including hiking, biking, boating, and fishing, noting its role as a community asset.

The fiftieth anniversary celebrations will kick off on September 4 with a series of “Concert by Canoe” events. Each Wednesday in September at 6 p.m., visitors can enjoy live music from local bands while paddling on the reservoir. The festivities will culminate in a grand Anniversary Celebration on September 28 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., featuring an opening ceremony, live music, food trucks, and various recreational activities.

The Prince William County Fair is returning tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 9) for the 75th year.

It’s being held at the Fairgrounds Expo & Event Center and 10624 Dumfries Road in Manassas. Starting at 6 p.m. tomorrow and not stopping until Aug. 17, the fair will have dozens of activities, rides and attractions each day it’s open.

Each day of the fair will have many of the same events except at the largest stage and the show barn. New acts and different performances will be hosted at each location every day at various times. Here’s a list of those special acts, broken down by day:

Friday, Aug. 9

• Grand Stand: Tractor Pull, 6 p.m.
• Show Barn: Miss and Teen Miss Pageant, 6 p.m.; Leroy Burks, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 10

• Grand Stand: Demolition Derby, 7 p.m.
• Show Barn: Pre-Teen Pageant, 2:30 p.m.; Little Miss Pageant, 3:30 p.m.; Tiny Miss Pageant, 4:30 p.m.; Soho Down, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 11

• Grand Stand: Rodeo, 6 p.m.
• Show Barn: Baby Ms./Mr. Pageant, 2:30 p.m.; Wee Baby Ms./Mr. Pageant, 3:30 p.m.; Teeny Baby Ms./Mr. Pageant, 4:30 p.m.; DK Wolf, 7 and 9 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 12

• Grand Stand: Taylor Swift Tribute Act, 7 p.m.
• Show Barn: Lantz Exotics Kangaroo Facts, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 13

• Grand Stand: Bull Run Cloggers, 7 p.m.
• Show Barn: Reptile Education Show

Wednesday, Aug. 14

• Grand Stand: Strong Man Wrestling, 7 p.m.
• Show Barn: DJ Karaoke, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 15

• Grand Stand: Monster Trucks, 7 p.m.
• Show Barn: Trey Schneider, 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 16

• Grand Stand: Monster Trucks, 7 p.m.
• Show Barn: Animal Education Show, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 17

• Grand Stand: Demolition Derby, 7 p.m.
• Show Barn: Lionel Ward and the New World Band, 7 and 9 p.m.

But, many things will remain the same. There will be an exotic petting zoo, a local craft and vendor area, a showcase of farming antiques, wine tastings, camel and pony rides, monster truck rides and food vendors. These will be scattered throughout the Fairgrounds.

There will also be a goat show on Saturday, Aug. 10 and Saturday, Aug. 17 at 4 p.m., a sheep show at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15 and a dairy cattle show at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16.

Admission costs are somewhat standard across the entirety of the fair. Adult tickets cost $25 and child and senior tickets cost $15. Senior citizens will have free entry on Monday, Aug. 12 only. Ticket prices drop on Tuesday, Aug. 13 from 2 to 5 p.m. and on Wednesday, Aug. 14 to $15 for everyone.

On weekends, the fair opens at 2 p.m. and on weekdays at 5 p.m.

On Saturday, Aug. 10, the Stafford County Animal Shelter will host its sixth annual “Clear the Shelter” adoption event. This summer, the shelter has been overwhelmed by the number of pets surrendered by owners for many reasons, including increasing costs of pet care.

The shelter is legally required to take in all animals brought to them. Stafford County Sheriff’s Capt. Joseph Bice, who oversees the shelter, said, “We’re getting dogs at a rate of three to one compared to the rate of adoption.” He added, “We want to provide care and a place for them to stay, but the problem is space…In 2014, we took in around 330 dogs. Last year, we took in over a thousand, and this year we’re on track to take in 1,200 to 1,400.”

Adoption fees for Saturday’s event have been covered for the day by Ginger Walker and Give Back Team Real Estate. Walker helped start the “Clear the Shelter” program at the Stafford Animal Shelter, having sponsored animals for the past six years at the current location at 26 Frosty Lane, and an additional four years at the prior location. Winter said “my goal every year is for the shelter to be completely empty” after the event; after last year’s, there were still a few dogs and cats left at the shelter. Winter said almost everyone on the Give Back Team has adopted an animal from the shelter. The Give Back Team donates to a charity of the client’s choice after every closing, and has donated over $1 million to local charities.

The animal shelter will be open at 9 a.m. and will have several vendors who have each pledged a portion of their proceeds to the shelter. At the event, Lianafit Canine Training, offering mini training sessions for the first 10 adoptions.  Whimsical Faces will provide face painting,  and B101.5 is providing music.

The shelter’s event has been shared on their social media. In addition to visiting the event’s vendors and adopting animals, citizens can help by donating to the shelter or purchasing supplies from their Amazon and Chewy wishlists.

August will be a busy month around Prince William County with several events and activities scheduled. The Board of County Supervisors won’t be meeting this month due to the month-long recess; their first meeting back will be Sept. 3.

Take a look at some highlighted events.

Wednesday (Aug. 7)

• KABOOM! Design Day, 5 to 8 p.m. (Manassas)

Aug. 9

• Escape the Mummy’s Curse Escape Room, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Dumfries)
• Prince William County Fair, through Aug. 17 (Manassas)

Aug. 10

• Bristow Station Battlefield Heritage Park, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Aug. 11 (Bristow)
• West County Household Hazardous Waste Event, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Manassas)

Aug. 16

• Fridays at 5: Perfekt Blend, 5 to 9 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Walking Tours of Historic Prince William Towns, 7 to 8 p.m. (Manassas)

Aug. 17

• Rippon Lodge Bug and Bird Day, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Aug. 24

• Winged Wonders: Birding for Beginners, 8 to 10 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• Fire & Rescue Life Safety Pop Up, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Bristow Station Battlefield Heritage Park, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Aug. 25 (Bristow)

Aug. 26

• Walking Tour of “Stonewall” Jackson’s Raid, 6 to 7:30 p.m. (Bristow)

The Stafford County Agricultural and Homemaking Fair will return Oct. 17 through Oct. 20 at the UMW Stafford Campus (121 University Boulevard). The fair features family-friendly activities like a children’s power wheel derby and tractor pull, a petting zoo, and carnival rides. Attendees can enjoy live music, explore a variety of vendor stalls, and experience displays from first responders. This year’s fair continues the legacy of a community-focused event that celebrates local culture, agriculture, and togetherness.

The roots of the Fair trace back to October 1922, when it was first held at Stafford High School. The inaugural event, organized by the School Board and fair officers, featured a school parade and a range of exhibits highlighting agricultural achievements, domestic arts, and educational displays. Over the years, the fair has faced interruptions, including a cancellation in 1930 due to drought and a hiatus during World War II. It was revived in 1948 at Falmouth High School, where it continued for several more years before coming to an end. 

After more than fifty years, local Gordon Shelton reignited the fair in 2010 at Mountain View High School. By 2014, the growing fair moved behind Margaret Brent Elementary School, adding new attractions such as a demolition derby, tractor pull, and the Miss Stafford County Pageant. In 2022, the fair found a new home at the UMW Stafford Campus, where it continues to flourish as a non-profit, volunteer-run organization.

This year’s Miss Stafford County Fair Pageant will be held at 2 p.m. on Aug. 17 at the Fredericksburg library theater room. Applications are due by Aug. 11, and a wide range of ages may participate.

As the fair gears up for another exciting year, it invites local vendors, music acts, and sponsors to participate and contribute to this vibrant community event. Interested parties can contact Shelton, who not only manages the fair and the Stafford County Christmas Parade but also serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Association of Fairs. 

The fair, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, is also searching for a larger, permanent home to continue the annual tradition.