A group of Occoquan residents have been painting rocks and hiding them around the town for people to find, bringing some color to the town and its people.
People who find these rocks have been taking photos with them and then hiding them again for others to find.
Donna Sherman, owner of Puzzle Palooza, has seen several of these rocks herself:
“I have seen a few around town, and near my store. They definitely bring a smile to my face!” Sherman said.
Other local business owners have taken notice of these unconventional masterpieces and even joined in the effort.
Paint Your Heart Out owner, Nikki Vandover-Ballard, and her daughter, Chloe, found one of these hidden treasures and helped to create more.
“We found a rock and painted more rocks because we were inspired by the one we found! We have seen people photographing the rock because it is on the bench outside of our studio,” Vandover-Ballard said.
Another mother-daughter team, Sarah Burzio (owner of Hitchcock Paper), and her daughter, Lydia, joined the Vandover-Ballard team to “bring more rainbows to the town.”
When asked how Occoquan was responding to the rocks, Councilwoman Laurie Holloway reflected on her own experience:
“Yes, those rocks are great! I found one on a walk recently, and it made my day. I ended up picking it up and moving it to a nearby spot where an Occoquan neighbor’s dog recently passed away. She’s built a little memorial there, I thought it would brighten her day to know that someone was thinking of her and her beautiful dog,” Holloway said.
According to Mayor Earnie Porta, the group responsible for beginning this initiative want to remain anonymous:
“I do know the person whose idea it was and who is leading the effort with some friends. Last week I inquired about giving them some public recognition and thanks, but they indicated that they prefered to remain anonymous and simply enjoy seeing people’s positive reactions,” Porta said.
Recent Stories
The Dumfries Town Council reversed course and voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit (CUP) that will allow a local business to host cultural, entertainment, and community events on its property along Washington Street.
A heat advisory is in effect across the region today, with heat index values expected to climb as high as 107 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Drivers in the Fredericksburg region should prepare for overnight lane closures this week as road crews carry out maintenance and construction along major corridors in Stafford and Spotsylvania counties and the City of Fredericksburg.
Nearly 700 residents in Aquia Harbor are without electricity this evening as Dominion Energy reports a power outage affecting 697 customers.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
