<lst>To have community events listed free in the Fairfax Connection, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail Joy Allen at fairfax@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Friday before publication. Photos/artwork encouraged.
<cal1>Ongoing Events
<cal2>"Pedestrian," a multimedia work of public art by Shelley Eshkar and Paul Kaiser, will be on display from Sept. 22 to Oct. 15, at the George Mason University Johnson Center Gallery. Running simultaneously will be Kaiser's homage to theatrical maverick Robert Wilson, "Robert Wilson: Visionary of Theater," at the Center for the Arts Concert Hall. A talk by Bonnie Marranca and Kaiser takes places Sept. 25, at 3 p.m., in GMU's Mason Theater. A reception follows at 4:30 p.m., in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall.
Flea Market, co-sponsored by the Merrifield Lions Club and the Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge, takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, located at 8421 Arlington Blvd. (Route 50) in Fairfax. No rain dates. 175 vendor spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations for vendors can be made by calling 703-560-3023. Charge for vendors is $15 per space.
Fairfax farmers' market is open Tuesdays, through Oct. 29, at Van Dyck Park on Old Lee Highway. For more information about Fairfax County farmers' markets, call 703-941-7987; TTY 703-324-3988.
Kingstowne farmers' market is open Fridays, 4-7 p.m., at Kingstowne Center off Manchester Lakes, Alexandria. For more information about Fairfax County farmers' markets, call 703-941-7987; TTY 703-324-3988.
Burke Centre farmers' market is open Saturdays, through Nov. 8, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., in the Virginia Railway express parking lot at 5671 Roberts Parkway. For more information about Fairfax County farmers' markets, call 703-941-7987; TTY 703-324-3988.
Personalized Internet tutoring. Learn to use the Web or increase skill level, through Sept. 30. Call for an appointment. Ages 12 and up. At the Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Call 703-293-6227 to register.
Personalized Internet and catalog training. Basics for beginners, through Sept. 30. Call for an appointment. Adults. At the Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Call 703-644-7333 to register.
Personalized Internet tutoring. Learn to use the Web or increase skill level, through Sept. 27. Adults. At the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610 for appointment.
Book Sale. Through Sept. 30, at the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria.
Book Sale. Through Sept. 30, at the Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Adults who finish 10 books by Sept. 8 as part of the adult summer reading program can exchange completed reading logs for a free item from the used book sale.
Practice English. Every Wednesday, 10 a.m., at the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. Call 703-339-4610 to register.
Book Drive. The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia and Safeway are hosting their annual book drive at participating Safeway stores in Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria. Through Sept. 30, drop off new or gently used books at local stores. All books will be sold at the Literacy Council's annual book sale Oct. 3, 4 and 5 at the Literary Council office, 3431 Carlin Springs Road, Falls Church. For more information, call the council at 703-575-7900 or visit www.lcnv.org.
"Jewels of the Occoquan." Featuring digitally interpreted photographs of Historic Occoquan by Springfield photographer David Ernst and sterling silver jewelry by Fairfax artisan Wayne Verity, the show continues through Oct. 6 at the Artists' Undertaking Gallery, 309 Mill St., Historic Occoquan. The gallery is open Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For gallery information, call 703-494-0584.
'Beyond the Monuments in Washington, D.C.' and "Factories, Schools, Prisons." Massachusetts-based photographer Michael Jacobson-Hardy's looks at race, class and gender will be on display at George Mason University's Johnson Center and Fine Arts Galleries through Sept. 17. A talk and reception will take place on Sept. 15. The campus is located at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123 in Fairfax.
"Oy!" by Richard Orloff. The season opener for the Center Company, the professional theater of the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia. A string of touching and funny vignettes. Reserve early and use a JCCNV room for a pre- or post-show gathering. Meet the playwright on Oct. 1 or come for Open Mic Joke Night on Nov. 1. Performances are Oct. 22. through Nov. 23, with the final performance on Nov. 23, at 2 p.m. Tickets on Saturdays are $22 members, $24 nonmembers, $18 students/seniors with a group rate for 12 or more people of $18 each. Tickets on Sundays are $18 members, $20 nonmembers, $16 seniors/students, $5 college students, with a group rate for 12 or more of $15 per person. Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. is sold out. On Wednesday Oct. 22 and Thursday Oct. 23, a special price will be available of two tickets for $24, limit of four tickets; individual tickets are $18 members, $20 nonmembers, $16 for students/seniors. Reservations require pre-payment. Tickets are not refundable. Free parking. Wheelchair accessible. Call the box office at 703-323-7965.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 11
<cal2>Canceled: The Imperial Acrobats of China originally scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 11 through Sunday, Sept. 14 at the George Mason University Patriot Center has been canceled. Refunds are available at place of purchase up until Sept. 28. Patrons who ordered tickets through Phonecharge or www.ticketmaster.com will have their accounts automatically credited.
All Together Spent. Live music at Fat Tuesday's at Tuesday's Raw Bar, 10673 Braddock Road, Fairfax. 703-385-5717.
FamilySearch Introduction. Using genealogy databases and the Family History Library Catalog to search for ancestors. Age 12 and older. 2 p.m., at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Call 703-293-6227 to register.
Let's Hear it for the Girls. All-female book discussion group. Girls 9-11 with adult. 7 p.m., at Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. To register, call 703-978-5600.
Candlelight memorial service. The City of Fairfax will host a memorial service in recognition of the terrorist attack that occurred Sept. 11, 2001. The candlelight ceremony is at 7:30 p.m., in the Veterans Amphitheater next to City Hall. The hour-long program will include music from the City of Fairfax Band and the dedication of a memorial grove of trees planted next to the amphitheater. A memorial quilt will be on display. In case of rain, ceremony will take place on City Hall's front porch. For information, call 703-385-7850.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 12
<cal2>Bingo. 7:30 p.m., at Fire Station 3 in Fairfax City. Call 703-273-3638 for more information.
Canceled: The Imperial Acrobats of China originally scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 11 through Sunday, Sept. 14 at the George Mason University Patriot Center has been canceled. Refunds are available at place of purchase up until Sept. 28. Patrons who ordered tickets through Phonecharge or www.ticketmaster.com will have their accounts automatically credited.
Battle of Bands semi-final round, featuring Sould, Mod Flanders Conspiracy, Brutal Dysfunction and Sematic at Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. 7 p.m. All ages. Tickets are $7. For more information, call the Jaxx Hotline at 703-569-5940.
Ready, Set, MOVE! with Kinderdance. 10:30 a.m., at Borders, 6701 Frontier Drive, Springfield. 703-924-4894.
Nature Night hike. 7:30-9 p.m., at Lake Accotink Park, 703-569-0285. A romantic evening stroll to encounter nature's "night life." Dress for weather; leave flashlights at home. $4 per adult.
Clara's Fall Wildflower Walk. All ages, 10-11:30 a.m. Naturalist Clara Ailes leads a walk through the meadow and stream valley. Reservations required. Canceled in case of rain. Free. 703-451-9588.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 13
<cal2>Canceled: The Imperial Acrobats of China originally scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 11 through Sunday, Sept. 14 at the George Mason University Patriot Center has been canceled. Refunds are available at place of purchase up until Sept. 28. Patrons who ordered tickets through Phonecharge or www.ticketmaster.com will have their accounts automatically credited.
Estate planning seminar. Learn effective estate planning centered around the revocable "living trust" with the Law Firm of Steffan & Macdonald. 9-11 a.m., at Comfort Inn, 6560 Loisdale Court, Springfield. Free. For more information, call 703-691-4310.
Irish Traditional Music Festival. 12-6 p.m., at Van Dyck Park, 3730 Old Lee Highway in Fairfax. The festival will offer three stages of traditional Irish music and dance. Free. For more information, call 703-978-8265.
ECHO yard sale. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church gymnasium, 7600 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield. All items have been donated to ECHO and are not of use to its clients. Proceeds will go toward ECHO's plan to expand its facility to better assist clients in need. Vintage items include pottery, glass, linens, quilts and pictures; also, figurines and other contemporary collectibles. In addition, ECHO offers toys, jewelry, CDs, videos, scarves, hankies and purses. Boxes of new Christmas and Halloween items help get holiday shopping done early.
Clothing orchard. 8 a.m. Immanuel Bible Church, located at the corner of Backlick Road and Braddock Road in Springfield, will be distributing free clothing and household items. All are welcome. For more information, call the church office at 703-941-4124.
The Double-Man Conspiracy, Swythe, Graywall, Strawman, Steeple at Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. 7 p.m. All ages. Tickets are $7. For more information, call the Jaxx Hotline at 703-569-5940.
Burke Centre Conservancy Fall Festival. For members and neighbors, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., after-hours 5-7 p.m. Includes a free shuttle bus from Burke Centre Parkway, WWA wine tasting, a Washington Caps caravan, antiques and crafts, ponies, rides, food, games and more. Visit www.burkecentre.org for details, or call 703-978-2928. Rain or shine.
Springfield-Terra Grande Community Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-1 p.m., off Alban Road and Rolling Road in Springfield.
Little Explorers Storytime. Weekly story reading and activities for children. 11 a.m., at Borders, 11054 Lee Highway, Fairfax. 703-359-8420.
Rocks and Minerals. Hidden Pond Nature Center shows and discusses local specimens; help with identifying personal collections as time allows. All ages. 10:30 a.m., at Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. To register, call 703-978-5600.
Nature Night hike. 7:30-9 p.m., at Lake Accotink Park, 703-569-0285. A romantic evening stroll to encounter nature's "night life." Dress for weather; leave flashlights at home. $4 per adult.
Puddle Jumpers. 3-5 years old. 1-2 p.m., at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 703-451-9588. Join naturalist Patricia Wood. Call for topic. Reservations required. $3.
“Tag Day” for the Robert E. Lee High School Marching and Concert Bands. Watch for band members who will be going door-to-door through the Springfield area to raise money for the band programs at Lee High School. This is the most important fund-raiser of the year. Watch for future notices of the bands’ performance dates — all concerts take place at Lee High School and are free.
Car Wash. Galaxy Spirit Cheerleaders are conducting a car wash and bake sale, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Shell Station, 8315 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, across the street from Cardinal Forest Plaza.
Fairfax High School Band Tag Day. Members of the Fairfax High School bands will be calling on central Fairfax area residents to talk about the coming season and ask for support. Funds raised will pay for instrument repair, new instruments, sheet music, uniform repair and transportation to performances and competitions. Call Fran Kashchy with questions: 703-815-4204.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 14
<cal2>Canceled: The Imperial Acrobats of China originally scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 11 through Sunday, Sept. 14 at the George Mason University Patriot Center has been canceled. Refunds are available at place of purchase up until Sept. 28. Patrons who ordered tickets through Phonecharge or www.ticketmaster.com will have their accounts automatically credited.
Frank Stringfellow Camp 822 Sons of Confederate Veterans has its annual barbecue at the American Legion Post located at 3939 Oak St., Fairfax. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. At 6 p.m., Karen Kinzey from the National Park Service staff at Arlington House will speak on the experiences of the Lee family women during the War for Southern Independence. Barbecue $20/adult; $15/senior citizens; $10/ages 7-18; children under 7 free when accompanied by a paying adult; $5/lecture only. For reservations or information, call 703-457-2565.
Bobaflex at Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. 3 p.m. All ages. Tickets are $10. For more information, call the Jaxx Hotline at 703-569-5940.
Burke Centre Conservancy Fall Festival. For members and neighbors, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., after-hours 5-7 p.m. Includes a free shuttle bus from Burke Centre Parkway, WWA wine tasting, a Washington Caps caravan, antiques and crafts, ponies, rides, food, games and more. Visit www.burkecentre.org for details, or call 703-978-2928. Rain or shine.
Kit Callahan's Miracle Mile. 5K fun run/walk and brain injury awareness fair. Registration is at 8 a.m., run/walk at 9 a.m., at George Mason University in Fairfax. The run will benefit Brain Injury Services, Inc., Northern Virginia Brain Injury Association and National Rehabilitation and Rediscovery Foundation, local charities that support survivors of brain injuries. Rep. Tom Davis (R-11th) will be this year's honorary chair and will participate in the run. Two courses are available, the 5K track and "Survivor's Circle of Hope," which circles back to the finish line after approximately a quarter mile. Registration is $25; $10 for survivors. Children under 10 are free. Registration fee is waived if $100 in donations is raised per individual. Call 703-451-8881 or visit www.kitsmiraclemile.org.
Merriefield Lions Crab Feast. 1-4 p.m., at the Dunn Loring Fire Station, 2148 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring. Tickets are available from Lions Club members for $26 ($28 at the door) and $12 for children ages 5-11. Children under 5 are free. Group rates available. Price includes all-you-can-eat crabs, potato salad, coffee and soft drinks. Beer will be available for a nominal fee. For more information, call 703-849-0708 or 703-527-6030. Visit www.erols.com/markarm.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 15
<cal2>Monday Night Football on the big screen at Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. Half price food and rib specials. 21 and over. Free. For more information, call the Jaxx Hotline at 703-569-5940.
It's Storytime! 11 a.m., at Borders, 6701 Frontier Drive, Springfield. 703-924-4894.
In the Jungle. Stories and activities. Age 2-5 with adult. 10:15 a.m., at Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Call 703-644-7333 to register.
9/11 Memorial Grove Garden dedication. 1 p.m., at the Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. The dedication is open to anyone interested. Attendees should gather in the forum area of the Government Center prior to the ceremony and proceed to the 9/11 Memorial Grove Garden site as a group. A permanent plaque will be unveiled and a local family will lay a wreath at the base of the plaque in memory and in honor of those affected by the events of Sept. 11, 2001. The Fairfax County Public Safety Honor Guard will present the colors and the Fairfax Jubilaires will perform the national anthem. For more information on the ceremony, contact the Office of Public Affairs at 703-324-3187, TTY 703-324-2935.
<cal1>Tuesday/Sept. 16
<cal2>"How you too can be a professional lobbyist, and make change happen." Del. James Dillard (R-41st) advocacy workshop, 7-9 p.m., at Church of the Good Shepard, 9350 Braddock Road, in Shead's Hall. Call to R.S.V.P., 703-532-3214.
"Sign Up for Girl Scouts Night." 7 p.m., at Fairview Elementary in the POD. Those who are unable to attend this session but want more information, or if the prospective scout attends a different school, contact Maria Rojtman at scouts5683@earthlink.net.
Book Signing and Discussion. Laura Donato discusses and signs her cookbook, "From Italia with Love." 6 p.m., at Borders, 11054 Lee Highway, Fairfax. 703-359-8420.
History Book Group. Join the first meeting of this book club. 8 p.m., at Borders, 11054 Lee Highway, Fairfax. 703-359-8420.
Book Club. "In American: A Novel" by Susan Sontag. Adults. 7:30 p.m., at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Call 703-293-6227 to register.
Semi-annual Book Sale. New and used books and other items of interest for all ages. 6-9 p.m., at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Call 703-293-6227.
Computers Demystified. Afraid to touch the keyboard? Having trouble finding files? Want to figure out the Web? This class will help. Adults. 1:30-3:30 p.m., at Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. To register, call 703-978-5600.
Book discussion group. "Warriors of God" by James Reston. Adults. 11 a.m., at Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. To register, call 703-978-5600.
Book discussion group. "Empire Falls" by Richard Russo. Adults. 7 p.m., at Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. To register, call 703-978-5600.
Trucks and Trains. Stories and activities. Age 3-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m., at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdown Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610 to register.
Evening book club. "The House of the Spirits" by Isabele Allende. Adults. 7:30 p.m. at Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Call 703-644-7333 to register.
Free Annual Showcase of Student and Faculty Work, presented by the George Mason University College of Visual and Performing Arts. 7:30 p.m., in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall; pre-show activities begin at 6:45 p.m. A dance party in the Concert Hall lobby, and a Jazz Club on the hall’s Grand Tier follow the performance. Between 12-1 p.m., and 4-5 p.m., Mason community members, and visitors to campus are invited to visit the CVPA tent located on the Arts Plaza on Mason Pond Drive on the Fairfax campus. Free.
Author Reading: Poet Tom Pow. 8 p.m., at George's Restaurant in the Johnson Center on George Mason University's Fairfax Campus. Scottish writer Pow is the author of four books of poetry, and writes radio plays, a travel book and books for children. His most recent publication, "Landscapes and Legacies," was described by fellow Scottish author Ali Smith as "beautiful, grave, and moving," with "a rare and infectious freshness in its vision." The reading series is sponsored by the creative writing program in the English department. For more information, call 703-993-1160.
<cal1>Wednesday/Sept. 17
<cal2>Practice Your English. Conversation group for adults learning English. 10:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdown Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610 to register.
Hello, Fall. Stories, activities and a craft. Age 2-3 with adult. 10:15 a.m., at Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Call 703-644-7333 to register.
Author Reading: Nonfiction writer Robert Rosenstone. 8 p.m., at George's Restaurant in the Johnson Center on George Mason University's Fairfax Campus. Rosenstone, whose acclaimed biography of writer and activist John Reed inspired the movie "Reds," imagines Isaac Babel's last trip home in his novel, "King of Odessa." The reading series is sponsored by the creative writing program in the English department. For more information, call 703-993-1160.
Silhouette artist: Clay Rice, third generation silhouette artist, will be in the Springfield Doodlehopper 4 Kids for one day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call store for appointment times, 703-912-7200.
Free Wellness Screening. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., at Quantum Healing Center, 4244 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Release disease at the root cause, and help make permanent changes in health. Call 703-937-3992 for a free wellness screening. More information and testimonials available at www.quantumhealingcenter.com.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 18
<cal2>In the Jungle. Stories and activities. Age 2-5 with adult. 10:15 a.m., at Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Call 703-644-7333 to register.
Annual Sidewalk Book Sale. Adult and children's hardback, paperback and recorded books. Sponsored by the Friends of Richard Byrd Library. All ages. 1-9 p.m., at Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call 703-451-8055 to register.
Novelist Porter Shreve. 8 p.m., at George's Restaurant in the Johnson Center on George Mason University's Fairfax Campus. Shreve is the author of the New York Times Notable Book in 2000, "The Obituary Writer." Shreve teaches fiction writing, creative nonfiction and literature at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and is the co-editor of three anthologies. Houghton Mifflin will publish his second novel, "Who's Going to Drive You Home," in 2004. The reading series is sponsored by the creative writing program in the English department. For more information, call 703-993-1160.
"Your Professional Image." Jean O'Brien will lead a half-day seminar on how to enhance professional polish and image. 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Il Lupo Restaurant, Fairfax. Cost is $225. Call 703-385-2597 to make a reservation.
Fairfax Antique Arts Association monthly meeting. 7 p.m. Wally and Gloria Cheney will be the speakers and give practical advice on how to buy or sell on eBay auction. Generate profit potential from antiques, collectibles, etc. All are invited. Free. 703-352-3007.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 19
<cal2>Bingo. 7:30 p.m., at Fire Station 3 in Fairfax City. Call 703-273-3638 for more information.
Open Mic night with Michael Sheppard at Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. 18 and over. No high school bands please. Free. For more information, call the Jaxx Hotline at 703-5569-5940.
Mamie Eisenhower Republican Women's Club fund-raiser. A dinner and silent auction fund-raiser will take place at 6 p.m., at the International Country Club, 12300 Lee Jackson Highway, Fairfax. Jane Woods, Virginia Secretary of Health and Welfare, will be the auctioneer. The cost is $45. For more information, call 703-620-3652.
Philip DeStefano, contemporary singer-songwriter/guitarist, performs, 8 p.m., at Borders, 11054 Lee Highway, Fairfax. 703-359-8420.
Ready, Set, MOVE! with Kinderdance. 10:30 a.m., at Borders, 6701 Frontier Drive, Springfield. 703-924-4894.
Semi-annual Book Sale. New and used books and other items of interest for all ages. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Call 703-293-6227 to register.
Lunch bunnies. Bring a lunch and listen to favorite stories. Age 1-5 with adult. 12 p.m., at Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. To register, call 703-978-5600.
Annual Sidewalk Book Sale. Adults and children's hardback, paperback and recorded books. Sponsored by the Friends of Richard Byrd Library. All ages. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., at Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call 703-451-8055 to register.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 20
<cal2>Robinson High School's Arts and Crafts Showcase. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Robinson High School, 5035 Sideburn Road, Fairfax. Admission is $3; children under 12 are free. Over 85 artisans will present their wares. Door prizes and food sales will also be part of the festivities. Sponsored by the Robinson High School PTSA, assisted by the Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild. Proceeds will help fun the seniors' All-Night Grad Party.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, "Ode to Joy." 8 p.m., at George Mason University Center for the Arts. The orchestra will open its season with Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D Minor. William Hudson, musical director. With guest soloists Linda Mabbs, Kirsten Gunlogson, Jingma Fan and Francois Loup, along with the Fairfax Choral Society and the Reston Chorale. A free pre-concert lecture is open to all ticket-holders and begins at 7 p.m. Single ticket prices range from $25 to $50 and may be purchased through www.tickets.com or by calling 703-218-6500. Students are eligible for a 10 percent discount.
"An Evening of Art." John Bannon, a local, award-winning artist, will provide a still-life painting demonstration, 6-8 p.m., at Broadway Gallery, 12231 Fair Lakes Promenade Drive in Fairfax. The event is free and all are welcome.
Little Explorers Storytime. Weekly story reading and activities for children. 11 a.m., at Borders, 11054 Lee Highway, Fairfax. 703-359-8420.
Semi-annual Book Sale. New and used books and other items of interest for all ages. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Call 703-293-6227 to register.
Annual Sidewalk Book Sale. Adult and children's hardback, paperback and recorded books. Sponsored by the Friends of Richard Byrd Library. All ages. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call 703-451-8055 to register.
Slugfest. All ages. 2-4 p.m., at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 703-451-9588. Slime trail drawings, slug facts, slug poetry, the play "Slug Pirates of Suburbia," and games including the run sluggy derby races. Reservations and advance payment required.
Introduction to canoeing. 9 a.m.-12 p.m., at Lake Accotink Park, 703-569-0285. Ages 8 to adult. Basic mechanics will be covered with an emphasis on safety and enjoyment. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $16 per person, all equipment provided.
Little Angel Consignment Sale for gently used children's clothing, equipment, toys, coats and costumes. 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m., at Fairfax United Methodist Church, 10300 Stratford Ave., Fairfax. Half-price sale, 11:30 a.m.- 12 p.m. Proceeds go to support local missions of the church.
Steeple, a Christian rock band from Springfield, performs on the regional stage at ShoutFest 03, on the grounds of Manassas Baptist Church in Manassas, Va. Other Christian rock bands appearing at the show include ZOEgirl, Tait, Skillet and six others. The regional stage runs from 2-4 p.m., with the main stage lasting from 4-10 p.m. Tickets can be bought in advance from Steeple for $10, by e-mailing management@steepleonline.net. Tickets can also be bought through www.christianhappenings.com for $15 or for $20 at the gate the day of the event. For more information about Steeple, visit www.steepleonline.net. For more details about ShoutFest, visit www.shoutfest.com.
Artist's Reception. Circa Home & Garden hosts a reception for an exhibit of watercolors by regional artist Miriam Hunter. The free exhibit and reception will take place 5-7 p.m., at Circa Home & Garden, 10435 North St., Fairfax. Refreshments and an opportunity to win an original work be the artist will be offered. For more information, call 703-385-1995.
The USS Athena, a science fiction and community service organization, hosts an educational contest and fun activity — building a model bridge using some common household items. The bridge that supports the greatest weight wins. Prizes will be awarded to winning entries. This is a fun activity for people of all ages and levels. The contest will take place at 1:30 p.m., at Centreville Library, 14200 St. Germaine Drive, Centreville. The event is free, and all materials will be provided. Spectators are welcome too. Contact the USS Athena through its Web site at http://athena.QL.ORG, via e-mail at ussathena@QL.ORG, or call 703-862-0457.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 21
<cal2>Walking Tour: The Ratcliffe-Farr Family Legacy. Discover the influence of two important Fairfax families in building a town. This tour will include stops at four buildings: the Fairfax County Court House, Ratcliffe-Allison House, Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, and the Farr House. The tour begins at 1 p.m., at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, 10209 Main St., Fairfax. Cost is $4 for adults, and $2 for children under 12. For reservations, call 703-385-8414.