Get ready for a totally tubular night of mystery and fun! Murder Mystery Night – I Love the 80’s to Death is happening in Haymarket, and it’s your chance to step back into the neon-filled 80s for an evening of intrigue. A big concert, backstage secrets, and a shocking crime—can you solve the case? Dust off your best 80s outfit, grab a drink, and get ready for a night of radical fun!
This is a ticketed event with limited availability, and your ticket includes one drink, so don’t miss out!
Want to see more awesome events like this? Submit your own for FREE! Just fill out this form: https://form.jotform.com/221630757468058. It’s super easy—just enter the event details, and we’ll take care of the rest!
The Haymarket Police Department has launched a new initiative to collect and analyze traffic volume data to enhance road safety and improve traffic management in town.
During the Haymarket Town Council meeting on February 3, 2025, Police Chief Allen Sibert shared findings from a speed sign installed on the eastbound lane of Washington Street, the town’s main thoroughfare. The data collected over the past six months revealed that the highest volume of traffic occurs during lunchtime hours, surpassing even the traditional rush hour periods.
"This data is invaluable as it allows us to better understand traffic patterns and adjust enforcement efforts accordingly," said Chief Sibert. "We want to ensure our roads remain safe and that we are using our resources where they are most needed."
This article is for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade and Become a Locals Only Member today! Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!
The Haymarket Town Council approved a budget amendment on February 3, 2025, increasing the fiscal year 2024-25 budget by $111,749 to fund the demolition of the former Haymarket Food Pantry building at Haymarket Community Park. The funds will come from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which the council says was designated for infrastructure improvements.
The decision has sparked debate among council members and residents, with some questioning the public benefit of demolishing the building instead of repurposing it. During the public hearing, resident Marchant Schneider raised concerns over long-term financial impacts, particularly regarding the cost of future public restrooms at the park.
Schneider argued that tearing down the building might lead to higher costs due to removing utility lines, new tap fees, and increased construction expenses for new restrooms. He suggested that instead of demolition, the town should consider repurposing the building for public restrooms, a maintenance workspace for town staff, or an auxiliary office or storage space.
Schneider also questioned whether the demolition was a “sunk cost fallacy,” where the town continues spending money on a project despite rising costs outweighing the benefits.
Town officials defended the decision, stating that ARPA funds were designated for infrastructure projects and that future park improvements, including new restrooms, would be funded using proffer dollars rather than tax increases.
Town Treasurer Roberto Gonzalez emphasized that over $400,000 in proffer funds will be allocated in the next budget cycle to fund park renovations, including public facilities.
Vice Mayor Justin Gallagher acknowledged residents’ concerns but assured them the council had spent years evaluating the best course of action. He said that no matter how the issue is approached, funding will be required for new bathrooms and other park amenities and that the council had vetted the decision over the past four years.
Town officials confirmed that demolition will proceed under a temporary demo classification, which avoids additional costs that could have resulted from a permanent demolition designation.
By securing a temporary demo permit, the town will not have to cut and cap the water main under the new sidewalk, an issue that was previously expected to add to the project’s cost.
The demolition will begin this week, with contractors on site to cap water lines and install fencing before removing the structure.
The Haymarket Food Pantry relocated to Gainesville in 2020 due to increased demand for food assistance. Their new location is 7669 Limestone Drive, Suite 105, Gainesville.
The pantry continues serving Prince William County and surrounding areas, providing food assistance to families in need. Residents looking for support or donation opportunities can visit their website at haymarketfoodpantry.org.
The Haymarket Town Council is set to meet tonight, Monday, February 3, 2025, at 7 p.m. to receive an update from the town manager on several ongoing projects and initiatives. The meeting will occur at the Council Chambers, located at 15000 Washington St., Suite 100, in Haymarket.
Among the key topics on the agenda, town officials will discuss:
- Park Sidewalk Project: Progress continues on the asphalt work, tree planting, and signage installation along Washington Street, with lighting and benches set to be delivered soon.
- Stormwater Assessment Program: Officials have identified three major problem areas for stormwater drainage improvements, with full surveying expected to be completed by April 2025.
- Town Center Development: Town staff are reviewing the latest submission of the site plan, with discussions focused on prioritization and financing.
- Highpointe at Haymarket: The rezoning application for a proposed workforce housing project remains on hold.
- Local Business Check-Ins: Town representatives continue outreach efforts to area businesses, including local breweries, restaurants, and shops.
- Public Works and Maintenance: Officials will discuss snow removal efforts, sidewalk repairs, and other infrastructure updates.
- Upcoming Community Events: Planning is underway for the 2025 Farmers Market season, Summer Concert Series, and Haymarket Day.
Additionally, updates will be provided on zoning inspections, new business openings—including the recent soft launch of the Himalayan Grill—and the implementation of the new CivicPlus system for town communications.
Supporters of Donald J. Trump gathered in Haymarket on January 20, 2025, to celebrate the inauguration of the 47th U.S. President at a watch party hosted by the Bull Run Republican Women’s Club.
The sold-out event, held at Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano, drew attendees from across Prince William County and as far away as Peru. Organized under the leadership of Carol Fox, the watch party was described as a joyous occasion that brought local Republicans together to celebrate and enjoy the historic moment.
“The event was a chance to bring Republicans together and have fun watching the inauguration,” said Fox. Adding to the festivities, a dance contest to the tune of “YMCA” delighted guests, with prizes awarded for the most Trump-inspired dance moves. Proceeds from the event will support the Bull Run Republican Women’s Club’s college scholarship program.
Jeff Fuller, a member of the executive board of the Prince William County Republican Committee, praised President Trump’s inaugural address. “It was no-nonsense and forward-looking,” Fuller said, reflecting the sentiments of many attendees.
The Prince William County Republican Committee commended the Bull Run Republican Women’s Club for organizing the celebration and creating an event that energized the community and raised funds for a worthy cause.
Prince William County government offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, as officials anticipate potential impacts from adverse weather conditions. The decision was made to ensure the safety of residents and county employees during what is expected to be a challenging day for travel and operations.
The closure affects all county government buildings, including administrative offices, public libraries, community centers, and other public facilities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the weather forecast and road conditions, taking precautions as necessary to remain safe.
Essential services, such as emergency response teams, will continue to operate during the closure to ensure public safety and address urgent needs in the community. County officials are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed regarding any further adjustments to schedules or services.
For more information and updates, residents can visit the county’s official website or follow its social media channels.
In time for Thanksgiving and the rest of the 2024 holiday season, I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), builder and operator of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, recently provided a donation of $10,000 to support the Hunger Resource Center (HRC) of Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS).
Headquartered at NVFS’s SERVE campus in Manassas, the HRC provides approximately 400 families from around Prince William County with emergency food assistance, nutrition information, and helpful strategies for buying healthy food on a budget.
“Too many families in our area are forced to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table. With support from partners like I-66 EMP, the Hunger Resource Center helps those families avoid that difficult choice,” said Kathleen McMahon, executive vice president of development and communications for NVFS. “We’re immensely grateful to I-66 EMP for this contribution. They’re one of our most dependable partners, not just around the holidays but all year long.”
Fighting food insecurity has always been fundamental to I-66 EMP’s mission of improving quality of life in the community it serves. The roadway operator supports multiple food banks serving the region, including Food For Others and the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry, and in December 2023 made contributions totaling $5,000 to support NVFS’s holiday giving programs benefiting food-insecure families.
“We strive to partner with nonprofits that make a substantial positive impact in our region, and NVFS is a prime example,” said Nancy H. Smith, corporate affairs director for I-66 EMP. “It’s wonderful to see how many families receive food assistance from the Hunger Resource Center. We’re pleased to support the center’s mission so more families can enjoy the holidays.”
On Nov. 15, UVA Health announced its medical centers in Haymarket and Manassas received “A” safety grades — the highest possible grade — for the fall by the Leapfrog Group.
The group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns a letter grade from A to F to hospitals across the United States based on more than 30 measures, including errors, accidents, injuries, infections and systems in place to prevent harm.
Hospitals that receive As “excel in 22 evidence-based measures and by actively protecting patients from harm and improving outcomes such as reduced length of stay and mortality rates,” a press release from UVA Health stated.
The UVA Health centers in Haymarket and Manassas received the A grade for the 13th year in a row; less than 30% of hospitals in the U.S. received this distinction this year.
“I am proud to once again recognize the dedication and hard work of our exceptional healthcare team, whose commitment to meeting the needs of our communities while prioritizing patient safety is unwavering,” Erik Shannon, CEO of UVA Health’s community medical centers and clinics in Northern Virginia and Culpeper, said. “Quality and patient safety are central to our 10-year strategic plan and guide us on delivering a positive patient experience. Our extraordinary team exemplifies dedication to a culture of safety and continuous improvement, ensuring the highest standards of care for everyone, every day.”
Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, said this was a significant accomplishment for the local hospitals.
“It reflects enormous dedication to your patients and their families, and your whole community should be proud. I extend my congratulations to UVA Health Haymarket and Prince William Medical Centers, its leadership, clinicians, staff and volunteers for their tireless efforts to put patients first,” Binder said.
Press Release:
On Oct. 23, NOVEC employees partnered with NOVEC Hands Engaged in Local Public Service (HELPS) for the sixth annual Day of Caring at the Willing Warriors Retreat in Haymarket. NOVEC HELPS is a NOVEC-supported, employee-run 501(c)(3).
Since its opening in 2015, the Willing Warriors Retreat at Bull Run has served as a temporary “home-away-from-home” for service members who are recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center or Fort Belvoir Hospital. The retreat provides veterans and their families with a relaxing environment where they can bond and create long-lasting memories away from the hospital environment.
During the 2024 Day of Caring, more than 30 volunteers worked in two shifts – landscaping, gardening, cleaning, and completing house projects. NOVEC HELPS also made a monetary donation of $2,500 to Willing Warriors.
“NOVEC HELPS is proud to partner with Willing Warriors again for the Day of Caring,” said NOVEC HELPS Chair and NOVEC Quality Assurance and Training Coordinator Nan Musick. “Working at the retreat is a small way of showing our appreciation to U.S. service members while honoring them and their families for the sacrifices they’ve made.”
“Having volunteers like those from NOVEC at The Warrior Retreat at Bull Run allows us to continue providing vital services to our nation’s wounded warriors and their families,” said Faith Lillemo, Willing Warriors administrator and volunteer coordinator. “Their support helps create a peaceful, welcoming environment where healing and meaningful connections can take place. Volunteer efforts like this are the lifeblood of our mission, enabling us to offer these heroes a much-needed respite and a sense of community during their stay.”
The Willing Warriors Retreat is always looking for volunteers. Visit www.willingwarriors.org for more information.
