Kristina Schnack Kotlus is a mom of three and known throughout the Northern Virginia community as the publisher behind PWC Moms, a long-standing, popular blog dedicated to family-friendly events and activities in Prince William County and beyond. The blog boasts an active social media following, and Kristina has received accolades such as the “40 Under 40 Marketing and PR Winner” in Prince William County and “Best Blog” in the Best of NoVA by Northern Virginia Magazine. In 2013, shortly before her 29th birthday, Kristina was diagnosed with a brain tumor and began many months of treatment that included surgery and radiation. She leaned heavily on her faith and always believed there was a plan. After surviving the illness, Kristina decided to dedicate her life to helping other people and raising money to further brain cancer research. “I'm very thankful every day that I get to be here and that I get to keep raising my kids and working in the community. I'm even more thankful I got to experience the love of the people around me- it was so humbling to have so many people step in and help with our kids, our dinners, even our laundry,” says Kotlus. Kristina started hosting the annual Silver Sparkles Family Fun Day event, now in its third year, to give back to the community and provide a fun-filled day for families. This year’s event is on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the giant Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center in Manassas.
Throughout the day, families can experience free classes, such as ballet and Minecraft in the community rooms, and the gym will be filled with family-friendly booths and games sponsored by local organizations. From hands-on activities, art projects, model trains, a photo booth, indoor bounces to putt-putt golf and much more, every vendor table at the festival has something fun for kids to do. Plus, there will be food and raffle tickets for sale. It’s a chance for families to discover local businesses and kid-friendly venues while the children have a great time playing. Tickets to the event are by family and available for advance purchase online. All profits from the event go to brain cancer research. Kristina adds, “Ironically, the presentation of my brain tumor is more common in children. That really made me think about how awful it would be to have to watch one of my own kids survive what I had to deal with. It makes me really passionate about research and donating as much as I can because while I was lucky it was me and not one of my children. Other people aren't as lucky and they are fighting this alongside babies or toddlers who can't even understand why they're being subjected to so much pain.” To see the current list of vendors, find out more about Silver Sparkles Family Fun Day, and to purchase tickets, please visit the official website here.
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by Micaela Williamson Whitehall Farms in Clifton, VA is Fairfax County's latest spot for agritourism, and is hosting Fall Fun Days on Saturdays and Sundays through the end of October. The farm has been in the Vazquez family since the 1960s and is filled with scenic pastures, beautiful woodlands, streams, and animals. Admission to the Fall Fun Days includes a large non-GMO corn maze, moonbounces for the kids, visits with farm animals (pigs, chickens, and cows,) a round-trip hayride through the woods to the farm market, cornhole and more. There are additional fees for face painting, food, feeding the farm's darling cow, Henry and picking your own pumpkin from the field (65 cents per pound.) We were impressed by the knowledgeable farm staff, always available and eager to teach both the adults and the kids about environmentally friendly farming practices and answer questions about the farm and animals. We found the hayride through the woods serene and pleasant, with the trees as the backdrop, not tacky decorations. The overall atmosphere is more low key than some of the region's mega festivals, but here it is about visiting a working farm, interacting with the animals, learning something new, having fun and of course, picking your very own perfect pumpkin right of the vine. Here are our pictures from our visit: Tips for Visitors:
There is a lot more information on the Whitehall Farms website, please visit:
Whitehall Farms, LLC 12523 Popes Head Rd. Clifton, VA 20124 703-968-3900 https://www.whitehall.farm/home.html Crazy humidity and afternoon thunderstorms aside, Northern Virginia is actually a fun place to be in the summer. Every year we scope out the local happenings and bring you the best family-friendly events of the summer. Here are our not-to-be-missed picks for Summer 2015. MAY Big Truck Days Town of Herndon: May 7 & 8, 2015 Get up close and personal with some of the public works' big trucks and heavy equipment. Children will get photo opportunities, see how the trucks operate and get free souvenirs. Light refreshments will be served. Spring Farm Day at Frying Pan Farm Park: May 9, 2015 Bring the whole family to watch farm demos, meet sweet baby animals, participate in games, ride a wagon pulled by a tractor, enjoy crafts and much more. 1771 Market Fair at Claude Moore Colonial Farm: May 16 & 17, 2015 Purchase herbs, plants, crafts and more. Children will love playing colonial games, learning from costumed interpreters, making crafts, watching live entertainment and trying delicious period food, including lemonade and sugar cakes. Viva Vienna!: May 23-25, 2015 This giant community festival lines the streets of downtown Vienna with community booths, hundreds of vendors, carnival rides, live entertainment for all ages, food and much more. It is bigger than ever this year! Strawberry Jubilee at Great Country Farms: May 23, 24, 30 & 31, 2015 Pick your own strawberries in the field, enjoy great food, contests, and take advantage of all the fun the farm always has to offer; such as farm animals, giant slides, the bouncing pillow, cow train, pedal carts and more. JUNE Celebrate Fairfax: June 5-7 2015 This is Northern Virginia's largest festival! Celebrate Fairfax is filled with midway rides, community exhibits, vendors, lots of hands-on booths for children, animals, live entertainment for all ages and Friday and Saturday nights are capped off with fireworks! Manassas Heritage Railway Festival: June 6, 2015 Elaborate model train displays, memorabilia, entertainment, booths and more take over the streets of historic Old Town Manassas. Plus, train excursion rides to Clifton and back take place throughout the day. Tall Ship Hermione in Alexandria: June 10-12, 2015 Explore Hermione, an exact replica of the 18th century wooden tall ship that brought the Marquis de Lafayette to George Washington in 1780. Families can watch rope and sail-making demonstrations, view waterfront exhibits, interact with living history characters and enjoy related events and French dining throughout Old Town Alexandria. George Mason Day at Gunston Hall: June 13, 2015 Commemorate the June 1776 ratification of Virginia's Declaration of Rights with free admission to Gunston Hall. Converse with characters from the past, tour the home, watch a film about George Mason, view demonstrations and savor samples from the hearth kitchen. Taste of Reston: June 19 & 20, 2015 Reston Town Center comes alive with two days of the best local food and drink tastings, live entertainment, interactive demonstrations, carnival rides, and vendors. Plus, The YMCA Fairfax County Reston presents games, demonstrations, arts and crafts for children. Peter Pan Live at Threesixty Theatre Tysons: June 24- July 12, 2015 Sour to Neverland in this innovative live stage production that combines theater-in-the-round seating, overhead surround CGI projection, actors in dazzling flying sequences forty feet in the air, and whimsical puppets that this favorite tale to life. JULY Films in the Park: Mosaic District: (kid-friendly films on select Fridays in July and August) Come to the hip Mosaic District to enjoy FREE outdoor films. Grab a picnic from one of the many amazing locations that make the Mosaic District a foodie's paradise. Family-friendly titles for the summer include:
An American Celebration at Mount Vernon: July 4, 2015 This 18th century style celebration includes fireworks, old-fashioned fun and games, period costumed characters, mansion tours, military re-enactments, free cake and more. All activities are included with admission. City of Fairfax 4th of July Parade: July 4, 2015 One of the largest and most fun local parades complete with spectacular floats, performers, characters, fire trucks, marching bands and some big "Macy's style" balloons. Tip: Go early to secure your spot and park in the library parking garage for free, shaded parking. Shrek the Musical at Encore Stage and Studio: July 17-26, 2015 Join the gang of fairytale misfits for this must-see, musical comedy based on the 2001 DreamWorks Film Shrek and William Steig's 1990 book Shrek. Encore Stage and Studio is Northern Virginia's premier theatre for kids, by kids. Loudoun County Fair: July 27-August 1, 2015 A massively fun county fair with a carnival, professional bull riding, dairy and pet shows, children's activities, vendors, live music and much more. AUGUST
Starlight Cinema Drive-In: August 2015 This is Fairfax County's only free drive-in movie opportunity. It is a free, community favorite. Visit the link for information about parking, arrival times and what to bring. Each evening always begins with an outdoor pre-movie program of music, food and children's activities.
Brick Fair: August 1 & 2, 2015 LEGO brick fans take over the Dulles Expo Center with incredible models, displays, vendors, competitions and plenty of hands-on activities for kids and adults alike. Prince William County Fair: August 14-22, 2015 A highly-regarded county fair with animals, midway exhibits, rides, vendors, food, interactive booths, live entertainment and more. Check their website for coupons and special discounted admission days. Lucketts Fair: August 15-16, 2015 A charming annual event that caters to family and kids and celebrates Lucketts' agrarian roots Come for food, fun, demonstrations, antiques, music and more in this lovely little town. Disney in Concert at Wolf Trap: August 21, 2015 Watch Disney magic light up the stage as songs from Frozen, Aladdin, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and more are sung live, with accompaniment by the Wolf Trap Orchestra and synchronized video from the movies displayed on huge screens. By Amy Suski Each year our daughter comes home from school with colorful paper lanterns, hong bao (little red envelopes fulled with money to symbolize wealth and prosperity), and a Chinese greeting she's learned from her teachers. This year I vowed to go beyond what I've learned from preschool and Kai-Lan reruns and do a little research about the Chinese New Year celebration, local events, and ways we could learn about the traditions at home too. (But for the record, Nick Jr.'s Ni Hao, Kai-Lan website is a fine place to start: preschoolers will really enjoy the colorful printables, cooking projects, crafts, and games.) What I learned is that Chinese New Year (a.k.a. the "Lunar New Year" or "Spring Festival") is the most important celebration in the Chinese calendar and has some inspiring traditions. The celebration starts on the first day of the lunar month and this year the Chinese New Year officially starts on February 19, 2015. During the celebration friends and families feast, celebrate and give each other gifts. Sounds good to me! But the new year is also about renewal, which in the dead of winter is a welcome endeavor. For ways to get your family in the spirit, read on! By Amy Suski 1 Help Others: More than just a day off from school, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity for families to honor the legacy of MLK by taking on a project during National Day of Service. Fun projects for kids include cleaning up local parks, bagging meals for shelters, and making cards for seniors. Find local service projects at www.nationalservice.gov, volunteermatch.org, Allforgood.org, Volunteerfairfax.org, www.montgomeryserves.org, www.volunteerhoward.org. 2 Visit the Memorial: Even if you're not up early enough for Monday morning's wreath-laying ceremony at 8:00-9:00 a.m., it is still a great weekend to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the downtown mall. National Park Service rangers will be on hand throughout the weekend to talk about MLK's legacy. www.nps.gov 3 Join a Parade: The Anacostia Peace Walk and Parade features the Ballou Marching Band and representatives from the community. The Peace Walk starts Monday at 11:30 a.m. and the Parade starts at noon. For route information see www.mlkholidaydc.org. The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King March and Celebration in Leesburg gathers Monday at the Leesburg Courthouse at 10:00 a.m. and begins at 10:30 a.m. For more info see www.facebook.com/MLKMarchLeesburg 4 Attend a Celebration: The Smithsonian Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Program will be held Friday, January 16, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the American Indian Museum. This year the theme of the celebration will be "The Beloved Community." Visit www.anacostia.si.edu for more information. Arlington's Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be held January 18 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Washington-Lee High School. The program includes speakers and performances by the Saint Augustine Choir and The Dance Institute of Washington. www.arlington.us. Reston's 30th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration spans the entire weekend with events geared towards all ages including service projects, concerts, speeches, a student art display, commemorative march, and children's activities at locations throughout Reston. Some of the children's activities require registration. For more information click here. Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park Annual King Day Celebration will be held on Monday at the Hylton Memorial Chapel, 14640 Potomac Mills Road, in Woodbridge. The event includes a student oratorical contest, writing contest, and performances by the Martin Luther King Community Choir. www.pwcacdst.org 5 See a Play: Theatre IV's "I Have a Dream" depicts the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The theatrical production is appropriate for both kids and adults. The Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Admission $10-$15. www.mcleancenter.org Photo courtesy of www.nationalservice.gov
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with your family at these upcoming community events with candle lightings, music, storytelling, crafts, donuts, latkes and more! Hands on Hanukkah at Barnes & Noble, Tysons Corner (VA) - December 14
Washington DC JCC Chanukah Celebration (DC) - December 14 Greater Gainesville Jewish Community Menorah Lighting (VA) - December 16 National Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony at The Ellipse (DC) - December 16 Lake Anne Chanukah Outdoor Festival in the Square (VA) - December 16 Fifth Night Hanukkah Party & Toy Drive (DC) - December 17 Happy Hanukkah to the Animals at Locust Grove Nature Center (MD) - December 17 Washington DC JCC Chanukah Candle Lighting at the J-GLOE Night (DC) - December 17 Clarendon Menorah Lighting (VA) - December 17 Chanukah On Ice! at Pentagon Row (VA) - December 18 Light Up The Night: Community Menorah Lighting at Mosaic (VA) - December 21 Alexandria-Arlington Chanukah Festival (VA) - December 21 Herndon Chanukah on the Green (VA) - December 21 JCC of Greater Washington Chanukah Celebration (MD) - December 21 Bethesda Row Chanukah Family Spectacular - (MD) - December 21 Village at Leesburg Hanukkah Celebration (VA) - December 28 Share your family's favorite ways to celebrate Chanukah in the comments section below! Every year on the Saturday before Halloween, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum hosts its annual “Air & Scare” Family Day at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Families can enjoy safe, indoor trick-or-treating and spooky activities for all ages at this popular free event.
by Micaela WilliamsonThe Northern Virginia area is filled with many wonderful fall events, but sometimes the admission prices for the whole family can get hefty. For those looking to have some fall fun on a budget, check out one of these upcoming FREE Fall Festivals:
Fall Lakes FallFest September 27, 2014 1 PM-4 PM Fair Lakes Circle, Fairfax, VA Free! Families will love this festival, packed with a live animal show, musical and dance groups, a free train ride, community booths, giant inflatables, carnival games and more! Fairfax County fire and police vehicles will be on display. Plus, tasty food and artisan crafts will be for sale. View the full schedule of entertainment online here. Clarendon Day September 27, 2014 11 AM-5 PM Clarendon, VA Free Lots of talented artisans and yummy local restaurants will be at Clarendon Day. Kids can climb, play, bounce, and have a blast in the special Kids' Zone. There is also face-painting, storytelling, kids' performers, and few surprises. Everyone can take advantage of the live entertainment too! c Manassas Fall Jubilee October 4, 2014 10 AM-5 PM Old Town Manassas Free! Now in its 32nd year, this year’s Jubilee will include an assortment of live entertainment for both kids and adults. With over 100 crafter and community booths, live music and entertainment, wine tastings, farmer’s market, children’s rides and activities and a pumpkin patch (sponsored by Wegmans Food Markets) you are sure to find something for everyone in the family! Fall for Fairfax October 4 & 5, 2014 10 AM-7 PM (Sat,) 10 AM-5PM (Sun) Free This is a massive festival that is free to attend. All entertainment and most programs are also free of charge. Some activities have a minimal fee to participants, which are indicated within their activity descriptions. The festival includes amazing train displays by the National Capital Trackers, a free ride on the trackless train, a petting zoo, rides, community booths, hands-on kids' crafts, and top notch entertainment such as The Great Zucchini, Mad Science, Wildlife Ambassadors and many more. This is a fun event geared towards toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school aged children. Art on the Avenue October 4, 2014 10 AM-6 PM Mount Vernon Avenue (Del Ray,) Alexandria Free Here visitors can experience over 300 artisans, taste amazing gourmet food and be entertained with live music and children’s activities. Artist will be displaying and selling handmade items such as glassware, baskets, jewelry, hats, tiles, paintings, and much more. Kids will enjoy the Kids’ Art corner with over a dozen activities hands on activities. The whole event is jam packed with live entertainment, and the special children’s stage features dance and musical groups, a magic act, and a puppet show. SterlingFest October 11, 2014 Sterling Park, VA Free SterlingFest is a free admission community event filled with a variety of foods, crafts, businesses, community booths, and vendors. Children will love interactive activities and rides, and local entertainers, such as the Sterling Playmakers, will charm the whole crowd. Clifton Day October 12, 2014 9 AM- 5PM Clifton, VA Free Visit quaint and historic Clifton for a festival packed with artisans, unique products, antiques, children's activities, and entertainment. For added fun, ride the VRE train from Burke or Manassas. Merrifield Fall Festival October 18, 2014 11 AM- 6 PM Mosaic District Free This year the festival will feature: food vendors, a pumpkin patch, a beer garden, musical entertainment, craft vendors, local artists, and children’s activities and rides at the fun Mosaic District. Air and Scare-Smithsonian Air & Space October 25, 2014 2 PM-7 PM Udvar-Hazy Museum, Chantilly, VA (Must pay for parking,) Free admission Dress up in your costume for this fun, safe, indoor trick or treating option. The event includes kids' crafts, science themed activities, characters from Star Wars & Ghostbusters, storytelling and more. Plus, all the great regular museum exhibits are also open. We're not kidding when we say this is one of our FAVORITE festivals of the year. Come take a "vacation in your backyard" and start your summer here. The Celebrate Fairfax! Festival is Northern Virginia’s largest community-wide event. Presented by Celebrate Fairfax, Inc, the annual festival hosts tens of thousands of visitors during the three-day run. Enjoy features such as:
Event: The 33rd Annual Celebrate Fairfax! Festival Dates: June 6th – 8th, 2014 Location: Fairfax County Government Center Tickets: At the gate: $15 adult (13 & Older); $5 youth (3-12); 2 & Under Free; $10 Seniors & Active and Retired Military with ID. Discounted tickets can be purchased in advance at www.CelebrateFairfax.com Performances on the Bud Light Main Stage include: Friday, June 6th at 8:00pm – The All-American Rejects Saturday, June 7th at 8:00pm – Cheap Trick Sunday, June 8th at 4:30pm – The Hunts We received free tickets for sharing this information. No other compensation was received. All opinions are our own.
20th Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival June 7, 2014 10:00 am – 4:00 pm HISTORIC DOWNTOWN MANASSAS Free to attend We are HUGE FANS of the Manassas Heritage Railway Festival and have attended for the past couple of years. Each year it gets better and better! There are elaborate model train and Lego displays, vendors, food, entertainment, kids' activities and more throughout the streets of Old Town Manassas.
While it is free to attend the festival, a big highlight for kids is taking the excursion VRE train to Clifton and back. This year, the princesses from Frozen will be on board. Excursion Times include: 10AM/11AM/12PM/1PM. Tickets are $5.00 each and can be purchased at the Manassas Train Station (9431 West Street), starting May 1st, from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Previously the excursion tickets were just bought at the festival. With the popularity of Frozen, we can't predict the availability of tickets ahead of time so highly suggest getting them in advance if you can! |
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