A local family tradition for more than 30 years, Cox Farms Fall Festival 2005 will open this weekend, starting Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and continues through Nov. 6. The farm, owned by Eric Cox and Gina Cox-Richard, is located at 15621 Braddock Road, Centreville, at the corner of Pleasant Valley and Braddock Roads.
The 96-acre farm is a fantasy playground for children, offering unlimited hayrides, various slides, a Billy Goat Village, farm animals, rope swings, a penny pit and much more.
For youngsters, there's the Fairyland Castle slides, Panda Pagoda slides, Pooh's House and Candy Hill.
The Farm Market has a huge array of apples, kettle corn, baked goods, fresh cider, fruit and honey, corn, squash and thousands of pumpkins.
The cost is $7/person weekdays and $11/person weekends. Children under 2 are free.
In addition, there's hot dogs, pizza and snacks weekdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a larger menu on weekends until 5 p.m. Birthday parties, field trips and play groups of 20 or more are welcome.
"This year we've added a brand new music stage and the pumpkins are looking fantastic," said Eric Cox.
This year, Cox Farms will once again donate $1 per opening weekend admission to support WFCM's work (Western Fairfax Christian Ministries) in providing emergency help for people living in the Northern Virginia community.
Cox Farms is located at 15621 Braddock Road, Centreville, at the intersection of Braddock and Pleasant Valley Roads. To make a reservation (on weekdays only), call 703-830-4121 or go to www.coxfarms.com.