The fair, held annually since 1949, except 2020, was born from a dairy show started by returning World War II veterans—the fair runs through August 17 at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, just outside Manassas.
We’re excited to launch “Local Lens,” a new feature where your photos and stories take center stage. Whether it’s a stunning sunset, a community event, or just a moment that made you smile, we want to see and share it!
Please send us your snapshots and comments via text at 571-989-1695 or email them to news@potomaclocal.com. Your perspective makes our community unique; “Local Lens” is your space to showcase it.
[Photo: Alan Gloss]
The fair, held annually since 1949, except 2020, was born from a dairy show started by returning World War II veterans—the fair runs through August 17 at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, just outside Manassas.
We’re excited to launch “Local Lens,” a new feature where your photos and stories take center stage. Whether it’s a stunning sunset, a community event, or just a moment that made you smile, we want to see and share it!
Please send us your snapshots and comments via text at 571-989-1695 or email them to news@potomaclocal.com. Your perspective makes our community unique; “Local Lens” is your space to showcase it.
Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home & Crematory – Dale City: “Robert Harry Tyrrell, Age 96, of Woodbridge, Va., passed away, on June 22, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Graves Tyrrell. Robert was a lifelong resident of Prince William County…He served from 1942-1944 in the Seventh Fleet, mostly in the South Pacific. He was stationed at a PT boat base in the Philippines where he worked on boat engines.”
“Robert was in business for many years, raising cattle and hogs with his grandfather and uncle. Later, in the 1950’s, Robert and another uncle went into business building Custom Homes in the fast-developing Woodbridge area. In 1950, Robert took an agriculture class offered to WWII Veterans, and he and his four classmates wanted to do something to stay in touch. So, the five friends formed the Veterans Farm Club in Manassas, VA. The club decided to start planning a fair to be held August 31, 1950. From that day forward the PWC Fair was enjoyed for 70 years. Robert was an active member for all 70 years.”
“In 1972, The Tyrrells decided to start a marina on property Robert owned on Occoquan Bay. He put down his hammer and started driving heavy equipment to build the marina. He ran the forklift for the boat storage until he turned 70.”
Tonight, Thursday, August 18, it will be 90s night at the Prince William County Fair, and country music artist Tracy Byrd, known for songs like “10 Rounds with Jose Cuervo” and “Watermelon Crawl,” will perform live at the grandstand.
Tickets are $35 to $40, are limited, and are on sale on the fair’s website.
Spencer Hatcher, a country music artist from the Shenandoah Valley, will also open the show.
Also, at 5:30 p.m., the fair’s first Mullet Contest will be held in the Show Barn. The contest, sponsored by the Old Town Man Cave in Manassas, will judge who has the best mullet in Prince William County.
Judges from area hair salons will review entrants in three categories — girls and boys under 17 years old, women over 18, and men over 18. The competition’s size, quality, color, style, and overall presentation matter, says Prince William County Fair organizer Chrissy Taylor.
There’s a $25 admission fee to participate. The winner gets a trophy and a $25 gift certificate to the Old Town Man Cave.
Fair tickets are on sale on the fair’s website. Here’s the full schedule of events.
Sea lions are making a splash at the Prince William County Fair.
An animal act called Sea Lion Splash holds live performances at 6 and 8 p.m. nightly. During the 25-minute show, three sea lions demonstrate their skills by catching rings tossed into the air by an audience volunteer and how they can use their bodies to scoot across the land.
The animals also show off their strength by standing on their flippers, which they use for swimming. The sea lions frequently move around on stage and into the multiple nearby pools of water during the show.
Afterward, the audience may pay between $10 and $30 to pose for a photo with the sea lions. The animals often kiss their human counterparts on the cheeks while posing for photos.
Ringmaster Jimmy Earhart, of Texas has been working with the animals for 10 years. While three sea lions appeared on stage with Earhart in Manassas, the company uses 17 sea lions in performances throughout local fairs across the U.S.
“They’re like my kids,” said Earhart. “That’s the best thing about working with them.”
Earhart said his father got him interested in working with the sea lions in what he called the family business.
This is the first time Sea Lion Splash has performed at the Prince William County Fair, which runs through Saturday, August 20. The company will perform a show at 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 20, in addition to regular shows at 6 and 8 p.m.
Sea Lion Splash will travel to Wisconsin for its next round of performances after leaving the Prince William County Fair.
Sea lions make their homes on rocks and sandy ocean beaches. They can grow to be about six feet long and weigh 400 pounds. The animals are common prey for sharks and are considered an endangered species by the World Wildlife Fund.
Admission to the fair is free today before 5 p.m. and then is $12 for adults and $8 per child after 5 p.m. Monster trucks will take center stage at the grandstand at 7 p.m.
Country artist Tracy Bryd will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, August 18. The singer is best known for his song “Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo.” The show requires a separate ticket. Bleacher seats are $25, and track seats are $30.
They Served Us – Now You Can Serve Them! Volunteer Prince William needs Volunteer Drivers age 21+ who can provide transportation for veterans and their spouse/widow to medical appointments, supermarkets, retail and houses of worship. Volunteers must pass criminal background and driving record background checks, have a valid Virginia driver’s license and have a vehicle liability insurance policy. You’ll feel great as you provide transportation to veterans who otherwise struggle to have their daily and medical needs met, plus make new friends! Please emailjhawkins@volunteerprincewilliam.org to learn how you can get involved. This opportunity is made possible by a grant from Potomac Health Foundation.
Agape Love in Action (ALIA) is looking for hard-working volunteers age 18+ to help in their food bank located at 9501 Discovery Boulevard, Unit 165, Manassas 20109. Volunteers will move/retrieve cases of canned goods to form organized groupings for recipient clients. Be prepared to lift boxes which may weigh up to 30 pounds. Volunteers are generally needed the last Friday before the last full week of the month. Food distributions to the groups happens the last week of the month. You’ll feel great as you fight hunger by helping local families facing food insecurity! Please emailhardyr47@yahoo.com to learn more.
Mark your calendars! American Society for Suicide Prevention will be holding their Out of the Darkness Walk in Manassas September 10 at Harris Pavilion in Old Town Manassas. Volunteers are needed for various jobs starting at 6:45am the day of the walk. Volunteers age 16+ welcome, volunteers 15 and below must volunteer with a parent. You’ll feel great supporting this walk which highlights AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Please visit https://bit.ly/3PiU6qy to sign up. You can also register to walk by visiting www.afsp.org/Manassas. Please email eshannon@afsp.org to learn more.
Brain Injury Services is looking for a friendly volunteer who can spend time with an adult survivor of brain injury while enjoying gardening together at least twice a month. The client lives in Lorton, training is provided. Please emailmthyen@braininjurysvcs.org or call 703.451.8881, ext. 232 to learn more.
Catholic Charities needs ESOL Teachers and Computer Literacy Teachers to teach virtually or in-person in Manassas. Teachers are only asked to teach one class period per week but may teach more if desired. Teaching in pairs is allowed for those wishing to teach with a friend or spouse. No experience or foreign language ability necessary, all materials and training provided! Please email ewd@ccda.net or call 571-208-1572 for more information.
For Children’s Sake (FCS) needs Foster Parents to open their home and help youth in the community. FCS trains and supports all families ongoing before, during and after foster youth are in your home. Their biggest need at this time are homes for youth ages 10-17. Please contact Kelley at kwillis@fcsva.org or Stephanie at sedwards@fcsva.org. FCS is also looking for individuals and/or groups to coordinate the collection of school supplies for foster youth. Please contact Stephanie at sedwards@fcsva.org to learn more.
Remote Volunteer Opportunity! Independence Empowerment Center (IEC) needs 5 volunteers age 18+ to make phone calls to organizations in Fauquier County which serve persons with disabilities. The purpose of the calls is to obtain the name and email address of a point of contact. IEC wants to connect with organizations in Fauquier to assist with an outreach campaign promoting COVID vaccinations among persons with disabilities. IEC will work with local health districts to provide barrier-free clinics in late fall. Volunteers will be assigned ten organizations to contact; a script is provided. Please email bfulford@ieccil.org or call 571.538.0725 for more information.
Pink Space Theory has several virtual volunteer opportunities for community-minded folks: Community Leadership Advisory Board (1-6 members), Newsletter Coordinator (1 volunteer) and Contributor (1 volunteer), PWC Gives Fundraisers (5+ volunteers), and Development Engagement Coordinators (2+ volunteers). Please email Michelle atvolunteermanager@pinkspacetheory.org to learn more.
Garden lovers! SERVE in Manassas needs volunteers to assist with upkeep of a meditation garden created for staff, clients and volunteers. Volunteers will water, weed, and remove trash as well as give tables and benches a quick wipe down. Volunteers must be at least 16 years to volunteer independently; volunteers under 16 can volunteer with a parent. You’ll feel great as you spend an hour sprucing up a space that will provide for reflection and relaxation! Please emailncannon@nvfs.org for more information.
Spanish speakers! Volunteer Prince William (VPW) urgently needs virtual Bilingual Volunteer Translators age 18+ to translate for our Alternative Community Service (ACS) clients who speak little or no English. The volunteer will participate in a conference call between VPW staff and the client to translate questions and responses during the initial intake interview. You’ll be scheduled once a week ahead of time for specific shifts and must be available by phone during these times. Must be proficient in English and Spanish and able to speak clearly. Accurate translation is a must! You’ll feel great as you help those who struggle with English get enrolled in this important program! Please emailstibbs@volunteerprincewilliam.org to learn more.
If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292. You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.
Haley Heflin, 18, is Miss Prince William County Fair 2022.
She is the first queen of the fair in more than 30 years. Heflin of Fredericksburg won the fair’s beauty pageant on Friday, August 12. Heflin won $1,000 in scholarship funds from DTR Towing, $2,000 in scholarship funding from an anonymous donor, and a flower bouquet from Flower Gallery of Manassas.
Dr. Stepahnie Streat, Miss Prince William County Fair 1987, the first black woman to win the title, presented Heflin with her crown.
The pageant included multiple portions, including an interview and formal and informal wear competitions. The issue of mental health is dear to Heflin.
“I work with three other organizations, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Ravenous, and the Bee Daring Foundation, to help eradicate mental health stigma,” Heflin told Potomac Local News.
Olivia Swanger, 16, of Prince William County, is Teen Miss Prince William County Fair. Addison Cooper, Teen Miss of the Stafford County Fair, placed a crown on Cooper.
Heflin and Swanger will tour the fair for the remainder of the week until Saturday, August 20. Afterward, the two Heflin will compete at the state level during the January Virginia Association of Fairs competition. The competition will be held in Williamsburg.
“I’m so excited,” said Heflin.
It’s the first day of the Prince William County Fair, and there are plenty of activities planned. The fair gates open at 5 p.m.
The tractor pull at the Grandstand is tonight’s main event at 7 p.m.
The Miss Teen and Miss Prince William County Fair Pageant begins at 6 p.m. Tonight’s beauty competition marks a return of the “Miss” pageant, something the fair has not seen in 30 years.
The beauty pageant continues Saturday, August 13. The Pre-Teen Pageant is at 2:30, the Tiny-Miss Pageant at 3:30 p.m., and the Tiny-Miss Pageant at 4:30 p.m.
On Sunday, August 14, the Baby Miss Pageant will start at 2:30 p.m., the Wee-Baby Miss and Mister Pageant will begin at 3:30 p.m., and the Teeny Baby Miss and Mister Pageant will start at 4:30 p.m.
Dr. Stephanie Streat, the first black woman to be crowned Miss Prince William County in 1987, will return to judge the contest.
Deggller’s Attractions will provide carnival rides on the midway. The Rockin Rancy Petting Zoo and 4H exhibits will be in the Agriculture Barn.
Farming antiques will be inside the Heritage Barn.
The Space Thrills Adventure Show will be at 7 and 9 p.m. in the Kids Zone. The Sea Lion Splash will be seen at 6 and 8 p.m. in the Kids Zone.
Camel, pony rides, and the Butterfly Encounter will also be in the Kids Zone.
Food vendors and mechanical bull rides will be featured at gate four.
The Commerical Building will feature Moon swings and local crafters and vendors.
On Thursday, August 18, country artist Tracy Byrd, known best for the song “10 Rounds with Jose Cervo,” will perform in the Grandstand. Spencer Hatcher and the Ol’ Song Gang will open the show at 7 p.m.
The concert requires a separate ticket: $30 for track seats and $25 for bleachers.
The Prince William County Fair has been a local tradition since 1949 and was founded by the Prince William Farm Club. The fairgrounds sit at 19624 Dumfries Road outside Manassas.
The fair runs from August 12 until Saturday, August 20. Fair gates open at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 13 and 14. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for children, and $30 for a ride wristband.
On Monday, August 15, gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for children, and $20 for a ride wristband.
On Tuesday, August 16, admission is free between 2 and 5 p.m. After 5 p.m., ticket prices are $12 for adults and $8 for children. A ride wristband will be $25.
On Wednesday, August 17, the gates will open at 5 p.m.; tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children, and ride wristbands will cost $18.
On Thursday, August 18, the gates will open at 5 p.m., and adult tickets will cost $10 and $4 for children. The prices are the same admission price fairgoers paid in 1997. A wristband will cost $25.
On Friday, August 19, the gates will open at 5 p.m., and adults will be charged $12 for tickets and $8 for children. A ride wristband will cost $30.
The cost of tickets includes parking and shows in the midway. A $2 activation fee per wristband.
Children under four and active-duty military are admitted free.
Potomac Local News is proud to be a sponsor of the 2022 Prince William County Fair.
In 1987, the Prince William County Fair crowned its first black queen.
“I was in high school, and the thing I remember is them messing up my music on the talent portion. So I was out there in my pose for the longest time, and they were like, ‘Stephanie, just relax. We’ll let you know when we’re ready.’ Everybody’s looking at me, and I was terrified,” said Dr. Stepahnie Streat of Prince William County.
Streat was 17 and had planned to use a Janet Jackson song for her routine. But she didn’t need it to win that summer day, as she was crowned Queen of the Prince William County Fair during its annual beauty pageant — the first African-American to earn the honor.
“It was a big deal at the time because I think there were two African-Americans at the pageant, and when I won, being the first [African-American] ever to win that pageant, it was exciting,” Streat told PLN.
For the first time in 34 years, the beauty pageant will return to the Prince William County Fair this year. Streat will return to help judge the contest.
The three-day pageant will welcome contestants one month to 22 years old and brings several new competitions, including an interview, personality, and gown competition, for girls, pre-teens, teenagers, and young women up to age 22. The pageant will also incorporate the long-running baby contests for boys and girls from one month to two years old, who will wear summer attire (no pageant gowns).
Earlier this year, organizers at the Prince William County Fair, the largest in Virginia, attended a statewide conference in Williamsburg where other fairs showcased their beauty competitions and each fair’s crowned queen.
“We didn’t have a queen at the convention, and they all looked so glorious, so we talked about it, and we’ve decided to bring back the beauty pageant,” said Prince William County Fair Organizer Chrissy Taylor.
Since 1949, the Prince William County Fair has awarded prizes to livestock, giant cucumbers, candies, cakes, and artists, to name a few. To be eligible to win the pageant, contestants must be single, never married, without children, and never have been pregnant.
Whoever is crowned Miss Prince William County must represent the fair and the community wherever they go, in person or on social media. Failure to do so could result in losing the title.
For Streat, she said that spending a week in 1987 wearing her crown and being escorted around the fairgrounds like royalty was the fun part. She toured the events daily, taking photos with attendees, friends, family, and classmates from Stonewall Jackson Senior High School (now Unity Reed High School) near Manassas.
Being the first black person to accept the award also brought challenges, as some were not ready to see an African-American hold the title. “I remember, a couple of times, being called the ‘N-word,” said Streat. “The thing that I remember most is somebody telling me ‘that’s not beauty,’ and it was difficult.”
Streat represented Prince William County later that year at the state fair but didn’t win. Her crowning at the Prince William County Fair started her competing in several pageants. When not at her full-time job as a Fauquier County Public Schools social worker, you can see her working beauty pageants, fostering the next generation of queens.
“I have a daughter, and she knows my story. I try to use it in motivational ways because you never really know what you’re getting into, and I had no idea how much support I had at the fair until it happened,” said Streat.
An anonymous donor gave $2,000 to the fair to be used for scholarship prizes for this year’s beauty pageant.
The Miss and Teen Miss Prince William County Fair will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, August 12, at the show barn on the fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Road in Manassas. The Pre-Teen, Little Miss, and Tiny Miss pageants will be held Saturday, August 13 at 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30 p.m., respectively.
The Baby Miss, Wee Baby Miss/Mister, and Teeny Baby Miss/Mister will be held Sunday, August 14, at 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30 p.m., respectively.
Information about registration, fees, orientation, and practice dates leading up to the competition are on the Prince William County Fair website. The fair runs from Friday, August 12, to Saturday, August 20.
