<cal1>ONGOING
<cal2>Pumpkins, apple cider, hayrides, mountain slides, baby animals and a world of fun — it's all at the 32nd annual fall festival at Cox Farms in Centreville. Located at 15621 Braddock Road in Centreville, Cox Farms is open daily, Sept. 25 through Nov. 7, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., with the last entry at 5 p.m. Phone: 703-830-4121; Web site: www.coxfarms.com. Weekdays except Columbus Day, admission is $7; those 2 and under are free; Saturday, Sunday and Columbus Day, it's $11.
This 50-acre farm is a children's delight — a place where kids can experience the sheer joy of swinging on a rope and jumping into a mound of soft sponges. Or they can enjoy the simple pleasure of scrambling over bales of hay, exploring tunnels and castles and whizzing down mountain slides. There's also lots of food and live entertainment for "kids" of all ages.
<cal2>Owners of boats and recreational vehicles will find temporary spaces available to rent from October through next April in the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's Bull Run Regional Park Special Events Center near Centreville.
Spaces in this enclosure are open to the public for reservations. The fee is $39.75 a month for each 30-foot-long or smaller boat or vehicle stored by a resident of any of NVRPA's six participating jurisdictions or $44.75 for a nonresident. Space for a 30- to 40-foot boat or vehicle is $58.25 a month per resident and $63.25 a month for each non-resident's rental. NVRPA's participating jurisdictions are the counties of Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church.
To arrange an appointment for a storage reservation, call 703-631-0550, ext. 101, and ask for Dale Riggs.
<cal1>Now through Oct. 22
<cal2>The Big Apple Circus is bringing its art-inspired theme "Picturesque" to Dulles Town Center now through Oct. 22. The international cast of award-winning performers will be bringing the works of Renoir, Picasso, Calder and more to life through the use of sound and lighting. The BAC is a nonprofit that is able to provide free shows that entertain children with visual and hearing impairments through the use of special headsets.
<cal1>THURSDAY/OCT. 7
<cal2>A portion of all proceeds from flu shots given at Centreville Urgent Care this season will be donated to the Centreville Volunteer Fire Department. Flu shots are $20, and can be obtained beginning Thursday, Oct. 7 at 14001-A St. Germain Drive in Centreville Square II, across from the Grand Mart, at Route 28/Route 29 intersection. Call 703-830-8113, or visit www.centrevilleurgentcare.com, for more information.
<cal2>Mothers & More of Northern Virginia will have a general meeting on Thursday, Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Mothers & More is a support organization for women who have altered their career path to care for their young children at home. General meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at the Fairfax County Government Center. Visitors are invited! Free! Call (toll free) 866-716-7766 or visit www.novamoms.org <http://www.novamoms.org/> for more info.
<cal2>Mothers First — Chantilly/Centreville is dedicated to supporting women that have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home. Activities include parent/child morning meetings and field trips, moms night out, and lectures. The next meetings are Thursday, Oct. 7 and Thursday, Oct. 21 from 10:15 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 Saint Germain Dr. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 9
<cal2>Fall Festival. The City of Fairfax sponsors its annual Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 400 juried crafters and food vendors sell their wares along the streets of historic downtown Fairfax from Armstrong Street to North Street. Activities include children's rides, inflatable games and family entertainment. For more information, call 703-385-7858.
<cal2>Bring a blanket or lawn chair to Sully Historic Site for the Harvest Moon Musical Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 7-9 p.m. With the 1794 house as a backdrop, listen to live bluegrass performed by Jericho Bridge. Performers from diverse musical backgrounds make up this Baltimore area band, mixing traditional, contemporary and original songs and instrumentals. While bluegrass fills the autumn air take a ride on the hay wagon or just keep warm by the campfire. Snacks will be for sale. For reservations call 703-437-1794. The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children. This program does not include a house tour.
<cal2>The Centreville Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual Open House at Fire Station 17 on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fire Station 17 is located at 5856 Old Centreville Rd., Centreville. The Open House will conclude National Fire Prevention Week. Activities will include: door prizes, a new hazard house displayed in the recently renovated Pine Room, child fingerprinting cards, displays, photo opportunities, interactive games, food and refreshments.
<cal1>SUNDAY/OCT. 10
<cal2>Clifton Day will be held Sunday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Town of Clifton. The event includes crafters, local music, pony rides, Civil War encampments, food, antiques and fine arts, children's activities along the streets. Ride the VRE from Manassas or Rolling Road or Burke Station to Clifton (www.vre.org). Admission is free. VRE rides from Clifton are $5. Parking is $5. (Rain date is Oct. 17). Visit www.cliftonday.com. Call 703-968-0740.
<cal2>Wild Birds Unlimited, located in the Sully Plaza Shopping Center at 13950 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Chantilly, 703-961-0198, will host three educational events during the month of October. They are as follows:
* Live Birds of Prey, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2 p.m. The Raptor Conservancy of Virginia will present an educational program exhibiting live owls, falcons and hawks.
* Birdfeeding for Kids, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2 p.m. Children will make an edible bird feeder while discussing and identifying local birds. Reservations required for adequate supplies.
<cal1>MONDAY/OCT. 11
<cal2>New Mothers Luncheons are held every Tuesday for mothers and newborn babies to 8 months old. The group meets for lunch, speakers, discussions and fun — a different program every week. Bring a friend or come alone — it's a great way to meet other new moms and babies in the area. Meets Tuesdays from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Il Lupo Italian Restaurant, 4069 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Lunch is $20; four-lunch series is $75. Reservations required. Call Rochelle Goldberg at 703-961-9179 or e-mail eventbuilders@hotmail.com.
* Monday, Oct. 11 — “Toys! Toys! Toys!” Susie Waterstreet, Tree Top Toys;
* Monday, Oct. 18 — “Traveling with a Baby,” Rochelle Goldberg;
* Monday, Oct. 25 — “How to Take Great Pictures of Your Kids,” Johanna Waisley, Simply Create Photography.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/OCT. 13
<cal2>Join members of the community for Conversation Cafe, a lively, hosted, drop-in conversation group that will make your cup of joe a little more interesting. On Wednesday, Oct. 13 from 7-8:30 p.m., the group discusses everything from everyday feelings and thoughts to actions as a society in this complex, changing world. Topic of the week: "Read out loud." Having read something interesting/inspiring/funny or just plainly absurd recently? Want to share/discuss them with other strangers? Meets at Jammin Java, 227 Maple Avenue E., Vienna (in the Glyndon Shopping Center between Safeway and Outback). Call 703- 554-9595 for more information or visit www.conversationcafe.org.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/OCT. 13
<cal2>The topic for this month's discussion on Wednesday, Oct. 13 of "Meditation and Healing in Daily Life" will be an exploration of "dialogue journaling." John Duggan will lead the discussion at Centreville Library from 7:15-8:45 p.m. The public is welcome to participate in the program, sponsored by Wellspring Church.
<cal2>The Dillon Rule is used in interpreting state law when there is a question of whether or not a local government has a certain power. Dillon's Rule construes grants of power to localities very narrowly. It will be the subject of discussion at the October unit meetings of the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area.
The Fairfax Station unit, comprised primarily of residents of Clifton, Fairfax Station and Burke, will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome. For directions, call the hostess at 703-690-0908 or the membership chair at 703-335-9723.
For a meeting at a more convenient day or time, call the League office at 703-658-9150. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, community-based political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
<cal2>The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area (LWVFA) has devised a method to answer questions such as: Confused about who makes decisions for Fairfax County? Don’t understand the tax system and who really has taxing power in Virginia? Don’t know why schools and roads are overcrowded or why elections occur every year?
The LWVFA presents “More Power to You,” an overview of how local government works and relates to Virginia state government. Four sessions are scheduled on Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. in the Fairfax County Government Center.
* Oct. 13 — Navigating Authorities, Commissions and Departments;
* Oct. 27 — Functions of the Fairfax County School Board.
Each class will have a guest speaker representing aspects of county government. The fee for the four two-hour evening sessions is $25 which covers all materials. Participants who attend all four sessions will receive certificates of completion. Pre-registration and payment for the classes can be arranged by calling 703-227-2231.
<cal1>OCT. 15-17
<cal2>More than 400 artists and craftsmen from 27 states will fill the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly with thousands of their original concepts and creations, Oct. 15-17, with the return of the Craftsmen's Classic Arts and Crafts Festival.
The event will showcase contemporary and traditional treatments of handthrown pottery, custom made jewelry, wood turning, fine art, decorative metalwork, leathercraft, basketry, toys, folk art, sculpture, photography, stitchery, furniture, musical instruments, ornaments, blown glass and virtually anything that can be conceived by a creative mind and fashioned by skilled hands.
Hours are Friday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission will be $7 for adults and $1 for ages six through 12, with same day free return and free parking. Visit www.CraftShow.com or by calling Gilmore Enterprises, toll-free, at 1-888-96-CRAFT or via e-mail: gilmoreshows@triad.rr.com.
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCT. 16
<cal2>It’s time for the “4th Annual Teen Night” at Fair Oaks Mall. The event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 6-8 p.m. in the Grand Court. “Sight Unseen,” made up of Annandale High School students and winner of the 2004 Fair Oaks Battle of the Bands, will headline with a performance at 6 p.m. A fashion show will follow and feature all the trendy new styles from popular teen stores such as Hot Topic, Free Styles, Express, Benetton and much more. Hot 99.5 DJ, Julian, will be on hand to host the show, play music and give away prizes.
<cal2>More than 20 Girl Scout troops from Northern Virginia are selling all types of handmade crafts, baked goods, used books and toys, etc. from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 8421 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax. There will also be activities for children such as face painting, hair braiding, and weables. Crafts include: jewelry, knitted and crocheted scarves, fleece blankets, handpainted Christmas ornaments, decoupage candles, and more!
<cal1>OCT. 16-17
<cal2>The aircraft that stopped Hitler and the heroes who flew them will be part of a special "Tribute to America's Greatest Generation" during the 6th annual Festival of Freedom on Oct. 16-17 at Manassas Regional Airport, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. both days. The Collings Foundation "Wings of Freedom" tour, including a B-17 Flying Fortress, B-25 Billy Mitchell Bomber and B-24 Liberator, will be among an array of vintage "war birds" that will participate in the festival at the Freedom Museum, located in the airport's main terminal. The 6th Annual Festival of Freedom will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Donations of $10 per adult and $6 for children under 10 are requested (infants free).
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCT. 16
<cal2>A Baseball and Sports Card Show will be held Saturday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tysons Corner Holiday Inn, 1960 Chain Bridge Road (Route 123). Admission is $3. Dealers with vintage and new "Hot" sports cards, autographed material and sports memorabilia and a selection of nonsports cards too. Special autograph guests are Washington Redskins stars of the past: Billy Kilmer (noon-1 p.m.) and Chris Hanburger (noon-1:30 p.m.) Call 301-990-4929.
<cal1>SUNDAY/OCT. 17
<cal2>A flu shot clinic will be held Sunday, Oct. 17 from 4-7 p.m. at the Little Rocky Run Rec Center #2, located at 6201 Sandstone Way in Clifton. Cost is $17/adult payable in cash or check. The clinic is sponsored by Damon Nicholas of The DamonSellsHomes Team, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, and the Little Rocky Run Homeowner's Association. Refreshments will be served.
<cal2>A gourmet gospel brunch featuring Out of Eden with special guest Anthony Evans will take place on Sunday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Waterford at Fair Oaks, 12025 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax. Tickets are $34.99, which includes the brunch buffet and live music. The brunch includes slow-roasted steamship round of beef, grilled salmon filet in a red peppered basil cream sauce and three egg cheddar cheese omelets. To purchase tickets, call 1-877-793-9500 or visit www.melangepresents.com.
Join members of the community on Wednesday, Oct. 20 from 7-8:30 p.m., for Conversation Cafe, a lively, hosted, drop-in conversation group that will make your cup of joe a little more interesting. The group discusses everything from everyday feelings and thoughts to actions as a society in this complex, changing world. Topic of the week: "Is it under-employment or over-education?" Location: Jammin Java, 227 Maple Avenue E., Vienna (in the Glyndon Shopping Center between Safeway and Outback). Call 703-554-9595 or visit www.conversationcafe.org.
<cal1>THURSDAY/OCT. 21
<cal2>Celebrate National Business Women's Week with business and professional women of Northern Virginia on Thursday, Oct. 21 from 6-9 p.m. at Cabell's Mill in E.C. Lawrence Park, Centreville. Guest speakers are Marsha Clark and Dottie Gandy, co-authors of 'Choose! The Role that Choice Plays in Shaping Women's Lives.'? Both ladies will be available to sign books. Wine Tasting with finewines.com, a woman-owned business, will demystify the secrets of wine tasting and provide a selection from the wonderful world of wines to taste. Registration is $30 before Oct. 15; $45 after Oct. 15. Make check payable to BPW of Northern Virginia and mail it to: Pam Mossburg, 233 Meadows Lane NE, Leesburg, VA 20176. Send questions to: NRegionBPWVA@aol.com or call Debi Kabir at 703-733-3073.
<cal1>OCT. 22-23
<cal2>Come experience recent works of art by local artists Elaine Florimonte, Krister Killinger, Rory Marcaccio Schaffer, Pat Washburn, and Pam Young. The show will be open Friday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. A donation to the railroad museum is encouraged for admission. An opening reception will be held Friday evening from 6-10 p.m. The show will be open Saturday from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call 703-994-9329 or email Artsgr8@aol.com.
<cal1>OCT. 22-24
<cal2>The Friends of the Chantilly Regional Library are sponsoring a Used Book Sale Friday, Oct. 22 through Sunday, Oct. 24. The library is located at 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. Call ages. Call 703-502-3883.
<cal1>FRIDAY/OCT. 29
<cal2>Halloween Hunt at Bull Run Regional Park — Paint a pumpkin, decorate trick-or-treat bags and gather up a mass of candy — that's the Halloween fun planned at Bull Run Regional Park's Pavilion near Centreville on Friday, Oct. 29, with check-in and crafts from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the candy hunt at 7 p.m. Children ages 2-9 should come in costumes and be ready to parade for a costume contest. The fee is $6 per child. Children may pose for spooky pictures for $2 each and a meal deal of slice of Papa John's pizza and a beverage will be available for $2. Reservations are required by Thursday, Oct. 28; call 703-631-0550, ext. 103 or email bullrunpool@aol.com. Space is limited.
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCT. 30
<cal2>Centreville Baptist Church's semi-annual Community Clothing Giveaway will be held Saturday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. until noon at Centreville Baptist Church, 15100 Lee Highway, Centreville. In order to demonstrate the love of Christ, free clothing will be given to anyone in need in the community. Call the church at 703-830-3333.
<cal1>SUNDAY/OCT. 31
<cal2>The 17th annual Mall-O-Ween takes place on Halloween, Sunday, Oct. 31, at Fair Oaks Mall. Thousands of young ghosts, goblins, clowns, and other costumed children will parade through the mall from 4-6 p.m. Children and parents are invited to trick-or-treat throughout the mall at participating retailers. Friendly over-sized costumed characters will stroll throughout, greeting children along the way. For more information, visit www.ShopFairOaksMall.com or call 703-359-8302.
<cal2>Clifton Horse Society is sponsoring the CHS Costumed Great Pumpkin Ride on Oct. 31, at Fountainhead Regional Park, Fairfax Station. Call 703-222-8253 or write to wkime@cox.net for more information.
<cal1>THURSDAY/NOV. 4
<cal2>Centreville Baptist Church is hosting a Mom and Loving It! concert by 2MOMS on Thursday, Nov. 4, from 7-9:30 p.m. at 15100 Lee Highway, Centreville. This event is for "moms who love it — and those who want to." 2MOMS (Laurie and Sharon) are wives, mothers, speakers, singers, and sisters who have been sharing their message of hope all across America. Tickets are $6 in advance, $9 at the door. Call the church at 703-830-3333 for tickets or more information.
<cal1>SUNDAY, NOV. 7
<cal2>A Fun Shoot: Partner Shoot Tournament will be held on Sunday, Nov. 7. The start time is 10 a.m. and entries will be allowed until 2 p.m. NVRPA’s Bull Run Regional Park Public Shooting Center, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville
Take aim; enjoy the challenge at this contest sponsored by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority’s Bull Run Shooting Center. No advance registration. For fees and more information, call 703-830-2344.
The Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement Committee will celebrate its 20th anniversary of supporting excellence in minority students in Fairfax County Public Schools with a Scholarship Support Banquet. The event is open to the public and will be held at the Hyatt Fair Lakes Hotel, 12777 Fair Lakes Circle, Fairfax. The reception will start at 3 p.m. followed by a Dinner/Program from 4-7 p.m. The combined cost and donation to support the event is $50 per person. Proceeds will help provide scholarships and academic achievement awards for the children.
<cal1>FRIDAY, NOV. 19 - SATURDAY, JAN. 8
<cal2>Miracle of Lights will be run from Fri., Nov. 19-Sat., Jan. 8, It will be open from 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. nightly at Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, VA.
Santa, angels, the universe and an enchanted forest—the Miracle of Lights—Northern Virginia’s only drive-thru holiday light show, features five holiday theme groups and more than two miles of lighted entertainment.