The Connection

    Cub Scout Pack 2525 waves American flags during last year’s parade.
By Bonnie Hobbs   

Live music, a colorful parade, children’s activities and fun galore on an early fall day – all that and more are in store at the 31st annual Centreville Day. It’s set for Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., in Historic Centreville Park. The free event will be held at 5714 Mount Gilead Road (off Braddock Road, across Route 29 from the IHOP). 

Event Chair Cheryl Repetti and her tireless group of volunteers have been working on it since February and can hardly wait to see it come to fruition. “The Centreville Day Planning Committee is so excited about Centreville Day 2023,” she said. “We’re looking forward to seeing old friends, exploring historic sites, enjoying live entertainment and eating great food. We hope everyone will be able to join us to learn from and support the members of their community.”

The opening ceremony is at 10 a.m. on the Abogados En Virginia Main Stage, where Supervisor Kathy Smith (D-Sully) will present Centreville Day’s Citizens of the Year awards. 

American Legion Post 1995 organizes the parade, which includes various Scout groups, dancers. fire, police and sheriff’s personnel and McGruff the Crime Dog. Individuals and families are also welcome to decorate a bike or scooter and join the fun; Halloween costumes are encouraged. Participants gather near Wharton Park Court, with the parade stepping off from Wharton Lane at 11 a.m., passing the stage for review around 11:30 a.m. and continuing along Mt. Gilead Road toward Braddock.

Afterward, visitors can visit the many craft and business vendors in the Marketplace while children stop at their tables to receive candy along the Trick-or-Treat Trail. And throughout the day, music at the stage will fill the air as attendees enjoy performances by RearVue (formerly known as the VaDeatles), Mixed Greens, Centreville Dance Academy, Harmony Road Strings, and Korean Dance and Autoharp Ensembles. 

Performing, as well, will be Jonathan Acosta, a Venezuelan singer and songwriter who plays the violin and Venezuelan cuatro, similar to a small guitar. His theme of “Vamos Paisano!” and messages of optimism are evident in his songs. Acosta has entertained audiences throughout the world and, in 2017, was nominated for a Latin Grammy award. He’ll take the stage at 12:30 p.m. 

Also giving a demonstration there will be members of the Northern Virginia Wushu Academy. Then at 2 p.m. onstage, the Rotary Club of Centreville-Chantilly presents the pet cavalcade, “Pets in the Park.” People are encouraged to bring their pets and show them off. No registration or fees are necessary, and every pet is a winner. Later on, children may vie for the coveted pineapple award during the Hula Hoop Contest at 3 p.m. 

There’ll be a variety of games and activities for children, throughout the day, including a challenging climbing wall and fun-filled double slides in the Wegman’s children’s area. And the Boy Scouts are bringing back their monkey bridge, which was a big hit at last year’s Centreville Day.

After working up an appetite, attendees will be able to enjoy the diverse flavors available at the food court. Among those offering their tasty dishes will be Taste of Asia, Srithon’s Kitchen, A Southern Fish Fry, Asian Grill, El Chef Latino and Tiki Grill. On hand, as well, will be Snowie Nova. Kona Ica and Uniontown Coffee. 

In the Safety Expo, children may meet their local first responders, including Fairfax County police and especially officers from the Sully District Station. They’ll get to see their vehicles up close and get lots of safety tips, too. And new this year, Covanta is sponsoring the Eco Expo, where people may learn more about recycling and the power of bees. 

Attendees may also hop onto the Southwestern Youth Association (SYA) History Train to quickly travel from Mount Gilead to the Old Stone Church area.

From the Braddock Road train stop, it’s just a short walk to the historic Old Stone Church (the Church of the Ascension), which will be open to the public.

There, historian John Carter will answer questions about Centreville’s history and provide walking-tour guides. And natural philosopher Rachel Pelovitz will share the many wonders and mysteries of 18th-century science. Other historic sites open that day include the Spindle Sears House, St. John’s Episcopal Church and cemetery, and the Mount Gilead house. 

This family-friendly event also offers free parking and shuttles from Carrabba’s parking lot on Route 29, with overflow parking available at the Trinity Centre, 5860 Trinity Parkway. For more information about Centreville Day, along with vendor and parade forms, go to www.CentrevilleDay.org.

Centreville Day benefits Friends of Historic Centreville, the nonprofit that organizes Centreville Day in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority, to encourage residents to discover Centreville’s rich history. 

It’s made possible through the generosity of community partners who provide sponsorships, donations and volunteers. They include Stone Middle School, Korean Central Presbyterian Church, Navy Federal Credit Union, Pets Supplies Plus, and the Centreville Immigration Forum.

Hoping for a great turnout, Repetti said, “The Friends of Historic Centreville enthusiastically invite friends, families and neighbors from throughout Northern Virginia to celebrate community and history with engaging, educational and joyous activities for all.”

— Cheryl Repetti contributed to this story.