Features - Page 2 of 139 - Potomac Local News

Manassas Young Marines March to the Top: Division 1 Unit of the Year Celebrates Leadership, Service, and Family

Published March 13, 2026 at 2:00PM

[Photo: Manassas Young Marines Facebook page]

The Manassas Young Marines, a dedicated unit of the national youth development program, has just been named Division 1 Unit of the Year—a testament to years of hard work, heart, and community impact.

The national Young Marines is a nonprofit youth education and service program open to boys and girls ages 8 through high school graduation (or age 18+). It emphasizes character building, leadership, discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to drug-free, healthy living—drawing inspiration from Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment, without requiring any military family background or pushing enlistment.

Spring Events Kick Off in Manassas: St. Patrick’s Parade This Weekend and Budget Town Hall Next Week

By Potomac Local News

Published March 13, 2026 at 10:00AM

[Photo: Mike Beaty]

Council Member Theresa Coates Ellis highlighted the event during the March 9, 2026, City Council meeting, calling it “a big favorite in our city.” She encouraged everyone to “wear your green so you don’t get pinched” and to “support our businesses afterwards—our restaurants and our shops, and our factory and our museum… so much to see and do in Manassas.”

The parade offers a classic seasonal kickoff, with participants and spectators alike filling the charming downtown area to celebrate Irish heritage and local spirit.

Jumping Shad, Diving Eagles: Witness Stafford’s Hidden Spring Wonder Along the Rappahannock

By Potomac Local News

Published March 12, 2026 at 2:00PM | Updated March 12, 2026 at 3:38PM

[Photo: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources]

From mid-March through early May, thousands of anadromous fish surge upstream, drawing wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, anglers, and families to the riverbanks. Stafford County stands out as a prime, accessible spot to witness this ancient migration—often called one of the region’s best-kept secrets for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience blending wildlife, history, and seasonal wonder.

American shad (*Alosa sapidissima*) and hickory shad (along with river herring like alewife and blueback) are the stars. These fish spend most of their lives in the salty Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay but return each spring to freshwater rivers to spawn.

Egg Hunts, Reptiles and Free Movies: Stafford Parks’ Spring Lineup

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 10, 2026 at 2:37PM

Stafford Parks and Recreation is gearing up for a fun-filled spring with a lineup of family-friendly special events designed to entertain kids and parents alike. From egg hunts to reptile encounters and sensory-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in the coming weeks.

Families looking for engaging ways to spend time together should mark their calendars and register soon—these popular programs tend to fill up quickly.

Paws for Healing: SNVMC’s Therapy Dog Program Grows to Five, Bringing Comfort to Patients and Staff

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 6, 2026 at 1:00PM

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) has expanded its therapy dog program from one to five certified therapy dogs over the past year. The program provides comfort and emotional support to patients, families, and team members throughout the hospital.

National research indicates that therapy dog visits in hospitals reduce patient anxiety by an average of 34 percent during short interactions.

Israel Mensah Wins Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 4, 2026 at 7:00AM

[Photo: CRRL]

Sponsored by the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club, Kiwanis Club of Fredericksburg, and Access Eye, and presented by the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, the event brought together 14 top spellers from Caroline, Colonial Beach, Culpeper, Fauquier, Fredericksburg, King George, Orange, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland counties. Contestants represented public schools, private schools, and home schools.

Mensah secured victory by correctly spelling “ahimsa” in the final round. The Sanskrit word refers to the doctrine of non-violence, or refraining from harming others or taking life—a principle central to philosophies like Jainism, Hinduism, and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

Free Joint Concert at National Museum of the Marine Corps Features Dordt University Wind Symphony and Quantico Marine Band

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 3, 2026 at 9:36AM

The National Museum of the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation are set to host a special evening of live music on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 7 to 8 p.m. The free indoor performance will bring together the Dordt University Wind Symphony and the Quantico Marine Band in the museum’s Leatherneck Gallery, offering the public a unique blend of collegiate and military musical talent amid iconic Marine Corps exhibits.

The concert is part of the Dordt University Wind Symphony’s 2026 national spring break tour, which takes the ensemble from northwest Iowa through the Midwest to the East Coast and back. Directed by Dr. Onsby C. Rose, the performance highlights the group’s repertoire, which often includes works by composers such as Robert Jager, Frank Ticheli, John Mackey, and David Maslanka.

Don’t Miss These Closing Shows This Weekend

By Potomac Local News

Published February 26, 2026 at 1:00PM

Hey neighbors, it’s your weekend vibe check from Potomac Local News—that cozy roundup of Don’t Miss Weekend Events right here in Prince William, Stafford, Fredericksburg, and our surrounding spots.

We’re wrapping up February 2026 with theater magic wrapping up, some community heart, skating fun, and more. Whether you’re grabbing the kids for a show, lacing up skates, or stepping out to support neighbors, here’s what’s worth your time this weekend. Let’s get into it!

Prince William Skater Stumbles In Free Skate

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 14, 2026 at 9:00AM

Prince William County athletes are making headlines at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, with gold medals, tough finishes, and final runs still ahead.

Key Takeaways

Planet Novak Lands in Spotsylvania Towne Center

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published February 13, 2026 at 9:00AM | Updated February 13, 2026 at 5:25PM

A new arcade in Spotsylvania Towne Centre is flipping the script on traditional gaming — replacing joysticks and tokens with skill-based claw machines designed to let players walk away winners.

Planet Novak, a claw-style arcade featuring nearly 50 prize machines, opened Nov. 1 across from Build-A-Bear and near the children’s play area.