If it’s fall, then it is fair time. Around the area, churches, schools and civic groups are putting on their fall fairs and bazaars. Several have already had theirs, including St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Mount Vernon United Methodist Church and Pohick Church. Fort Belvoir held their annual Oktoberfest two weeks ago. Oktoberfests were also held at both St. Aidan’s Church & Day School and the Huntington Community Center. In addition, Nelly’s Needlers held an event called Autumn Market Days this past weekend at Woodlawn Plantation.
St. Aidan's community-wide event was a fundraiser for programs at the day school and the church. It included a Kinderfest, which featured games, crafts, a pumpkin patch and a hayride for the children. A variety of baked goods showed the creative styles of the day school parents and a cakewalk for the kids sent a number of delicious cakes home.
The day included a German band, authentic German wursts and salads, and a newly expanded silent auction, which included Class Baskets, parent and parish-member donations and many community business offerings.
AT HUNTINGTON COMMUNITY Center, the community was invited out to have fun, meet their neighbors and learn about various programs and activities. To facilitate this, several vendors set up booths; among them Fairfax County Health Department; Burke & Herbert Bank; Hope United Church of Christ; Adult Day Care Center; and Systems Management. The Health Department table attracted many children who were fascinated by the bottled specimens on display — among them a copperhead snake and exotic insects. While the children enjoyed looking, the health department knows that it’s no joking matter, and find these things in houses that are not properly maintained and where the owners are excessive hoarders.
“We educate people on what we do,” said Pat Petro, environmental health specialist with the agency. She, along with Doug Woodward, explained how they try to work with people to rehabilitate them.
“The last resort is to condemn the house,” Petro said. “We look to the community to try to help us.”
There was plenty of food for the fair-goers, as well as entertainment on the stage. Up first were the James Lee Sparkettes, who put on a lively show with their dancing and cheerleading moves. Several politicians stopped by to say hello, including 8th district congressional candidate Lisa Marie Cheney, Del. Marian Van Landingham (D-45) and Del. Kristen J. Amundson (D-44)
There are still many more fairs and bazaars scheduled for October and November such as the Fall Fair at Burgundy Farm Country Day School this Saturday. The Fall Fair features games, pony rides, children’s crafts, works by local artists, a moon bounce, book fair, entertainment, white elephant sale, scarecrow making, haunted house, and food and beverage booths. Free parking is available with continuous shuttle bus service to and from satellite parking areas. Admission is free. Everyone is invited to attend this fun day.
The Mega Craft Sale will be held at Hollin Hall Senior Center on Saturday. This annual event attracts crafters from all over the area. The silent auction has certificates, gift items, jewelry, toys and much more. See the schedule on this page for a complete listing of upcoming fairs and bazaars.