Features - Page 24 of 140 - Potomac Local News

Kings Dominion Scraps WinterFest for 2025, Sparks Backlash from Season Pass Holders

Published January 29, 2025 at 9:36PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:50AM

[Photo: Kings Dominion]

The cancellation, confirmed by WWBT-TV, comes after the event mysteriously did not appear on the park’s annual event schedule, which was released on Wednesday, January 29. Initially, Kings Dominion promised that admission to WinterFest would be included with the purchase of a 2025 season pass. The sudden absence of the event raised concerns among fans, prompting the park to address the matter publicly.

Kings Dominion will open for its regular season on March 29, 2025, and will kick off its 50th anniversary celebrations. The park will highlight milestone attractions, including the debut of Rapterra, a new roller coaster, and host events such as A Golden Summerbration, Halloween Haunt, Oktoberfest, and Tricks and Treats. These events are designed to provide thrilling and memorable experiences for all ages.

White Belt Graduation Ceremony Marks Milestone for Children in Healthy Kid Initiative

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 23, 2025 at 8:21AM | Updated January 23, 2025 at 11:33AM

The Fourth Wish Foundation will hold a special white belt graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Underground Krav Maga and Fitness in Gainesville.

The event celebrates the achievements of 54 children who have completed three months of Krav Maga training as part of the foundation’s “Healthy Kid Initiative,” a program launched in 2024 to provide extracurricular opportunities to children from financially challenged families.

Behind the Scenes of Heartbreak Hotel at Riverside Theater | Meet the Stars of Elvis’s Story

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 4:00PM | Updated January 25, 2025 at 11:20AM

Step into the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with Riverside Theater’s electrifying production of “Heartbreak Hotel.” Featuring Elliott Litherland as “Old Elvis” and Luke Purcell as “Teen Elvis,” this high-energy show will have you singing, dancing, and cheering all night long.

Goolrick Pool Reopens After Extensive Renovation at UMW

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 10:52AM | Updated January 25, 2025 at 11:21AM

The University of Mary Washington (UMW) has reopened Goolrick Pool for the spring 2025 semester following a six-month, $1.5 million renovation. The upgraded facility, which first opened in 1969, now boasts modern features designed to enhance functionality and extend the life of the historic pool.

The reopening came just in time for the Eagles’ first home varsity swim meet of the season on Saturday, Jan. 18, which was also Senior Day.

Students speak on fulfilling ‘the promise of democracy’ at MLK Day event

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 9:59AM

Prince William Times – “Ahead of what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 96th birthday, local middle and high school students delivered speeches Saturday that urged Americans to “fulfill the promise of democracy.”

Inspired by King’s writings, six students spoke about what the promise of democracy means to them during the 40th anniversary of the annual MLK Day event, which was held this year at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Triangle.

Riverside Brings the King to Life with ‘Heartbreak Hotel’

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 20, 2025 at 9:14PM | Updated January 25, 2025 at 11:21AM

Photo: Suzanne Carr-Rossi

This winter, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is rockin’ with the sounds of Elvis Presley as the high-energy bio-musical Heartbreak Hotel takes the stage.

Created by the visionary behind the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet, the production delves into the life of the King of Rock and Roll, exploring his rise to stardom and the challenges that shaped his iconic legacy.

From Doubts to Riches: Spotsylvania Family Celebrates $10,000 PCH Win

By Mike Salmon

Published January 20, 2025 at 10:16AM

The initial surprise at the door. [Photo: Mike Salmon]

“I saw on the Ring doorbell, a guy with a big check and flowers,” said Shelly’s daughter Vicky. They are now $10,000 richer.

Shelly entered the Publishers Clearing House a few times before and won small prizes but continued to enter their drawing. This time it paid off – hefty, $10,000. However, PCH has given away bigger prizes in the past and continues to have drawings in the millions.

Fredericksburg Unveils New Visitor Center in Revamped City Center Building

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 10, 2025 at 4:18PM

Fredericksburg celebrated the grand opening of its new Visitor Center on January 10, 2025, with an open-house event that drew hundreds today at the newly renamed City Center government building, formerly known as the Executive Plaza. Community members gathered at 601 Caroline Street to explore the revamped space, enjoy light refreshments, and learn about the Visitor Center’s offerings.

The new facility, described as brighter and more accessible, provides an inviting hub for showcasing Fredericksburg’s artists and businesses. “The center is fabulous,” said Mayor Kerry Devine. “It has space for showcasing our artists and businesses, and we’re just so excited to welcome people to this new center.”

Fredericksburg’s New Year Pear Drop: Gone But Not Forgotten

By Mike Salmon

Published December 30, 2024 at 3:00PM

On Caroline Street, the pear drop was a big event.

For 11 years, Fredericksburg marked the new year by dropping a six-foot paper mâché pear from a spot above Caroline Street.

The drop-off platform was a building or the raised ladders of a fire truck. Still, it was a celebratory moment that the partiers in Fredericksburg celebrated at midnight on December 31.

From One Veteran to Hundreds: The Story of Simply Angels

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published December 17, 2024 at 9:15AM | Updated December 20, 2024 at 10:10AM

From delivering meals to providing emotional support, Simply Angels Veterans Outreach has become a vital resource for hundreds of veterans living with disabilities in Virginia. Simply Angels Veterans Outreach, a nonprofit organization that supports disabled and homebound veterans, has been serving six Virginia counties for nearly 40 years.

Founded by veteran Susan Purks, the group began when she helped a severely burned veteran regain his passion for life. Over time, Purks expanded her efforts to assist other disabled veterans, focusing on career plans tailored to their physical and emotional needs.