The ARTfactory is looking for high school students to submit their artwork to their 21st annual “Off the Wall” art exhibit and competition.

The exhibit, which runs from Dec. 18 to Jan. 19, 2025, features art created by Manassas City, Manassas Park and Prince William County high school students. Eligible mediums of art include art and technology; painting and drawing; poetry; wearable art; and photography. Students have the opportunity to showcase their work and be judged by a professional in their respective fields.


Journey Theater is pleased to present the World Premiere of Dr. Harry J. Kantrovich’s and Bruce H. “Doc” Norton’s Voices From Vietnam, a collection of interviews, stories, letter and reflections from Vietnam Veterans; Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines as well as the Nurses and Women who served, POWs, MIA families, a Vietnamese refugee, an embassy statesman and college and school students.

In February 2023, Harry Kantrovich, a retired Navy Master Chief met Bruce H. “Doc” Norton, a retired Marine Corps Major and Vietnam Veteran. Harry asked Doc to collaborate on a play and an accompanying book about Vietnam. Journey Theater in Warrenton, VA agreed to premiere the play and the accompanying book.


The Prince William District of National Capital Area Council, BSA (NCAC) hosted a successful 2024 John D. Jenkins Good Scout Award Dinner on October 17, 2024, at Old Hickory Golf Course in Woodbridge, VA. The event honored outstanding individuals who exemplify the ideals of Scouting and attracted community leaders, elected officials, business owners, Scout volunteers, and friends, creating a memorable evening of inspiration and recognition while raising $40,000 for Scouting programs.

The evening commenced with a warm welcome from Host Committee Co-Chair Marty Nohe, followed by an invocation led by Pastor Stephen Bohannon of St. Matthews Lutheran Church. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner while connecting with fellow attendees and reflecting on the importance of community service.


The Bull Run Rotary Club will host its 8th Annual Flags for Heroes event from November 8 to November 16, 2024, at the Manassas Museum lawn at 9101 Prince William Street, Manassas. This event will feature hundreds of American flags displayed in honor of Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, frontline workers, and Local First Responders who have sacrificed significantly to protect and serve their communities and country.

The opening ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, marking the beginning of this week-long tribute. All proceeds raised through hero sponsorships will benefit the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, a facility dedicated to supporting wounded veterans by providing them a peaceful place to heal and reconnect with their families.


Update from Mayor Earnie Porta:

Join us Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. for our annual family-friendly Halloween Costume Parade and Contest. Meet at the Riverwalk Shops at 125 Mill Street, from which we will begin our parade down Mill Street to River Mill Park. At the park judging will take place for the categories of cutest, scariest, funniest, most original, and family/group. First place winners in each category will receive $25 gift certificates that can be used at select businesses in town. No advance registration is necessary, there is no fee to participate, and this event is open to everyone. (To accommodate the parade Mill Street will be closed briefly on a rolling basis between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m.). For more information go to the Visit Occoquan web site at https://www.visitoccoquanva.com/costumeparade. Hope that you can join us for this popular annual Occoquan event.


From chisels to chills, Stafford High School’s (SHS) carpentry students have found a new way to haunt locals with their talent.

The Fredericksburg Fairgrounds’ upcoming Dead Whispers Haunted Attraction will feature a haunted maze, which is entirely the work of these budding carpenters. Led by carpentry teacher Dan Harding, the students have spent weeks constructing the maze, which adds a new element of scare and excitement to the Halloween event. 


Sheriff Roger Harris is honored to host our 3nd annual celebration in honor of Veterans of all military branches. The event will be held on November 9, 2024, between 10am and 2pm at the Spotsylvania Public Safety Building located at 9119 Dean Ridings Lane, Spotsylvania, Virginia 22553. Please join us at the opening ceremony at 10 am. A variety of guest speakers will help kick off our event. There will be performances by the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and the Kena Highlanders Pipes and Drums Team.

Multiple military equipment displays and various presentations from other military vendors will be on hand for attendees along with all military recruiter branches. This event is open to the public and we hope you and your family can join us to honor our military veterans.


The ARTfactory’s building, which many believe is haunted, will be transformed into different levels of scariness for visitors to enjoy. Ahyrel Tinker, director of education at the ARTfactory, created the haunted house.

“There’s nothing like this downtown and our community of spooky season lovers need something Manassas strong to haunt them this season,” Tinker said. “We listened to the feedback from last year’s sold-out Haunted Hallows event, and decided to ramp up the scare factor.”


The Town of Dumfries will host the Pink and Purple Brunch on October 27, 2024, at the Clyde Washington Community Center to raise awareness about breast cancer and domestic violence. This free event will feature local advocates and healthcare professionals, and attendees must register by October 23, 2024, as seating is limited.

Press Release:


The annual Art and Wine Festival will be held at Caledon State Park on November 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and November 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This family-friendly event features local art, wine tastings, live music, and food trucks. Attendees can enjoy free wagon rides, archery, and camping programs. Tickets are $25 online or $30 at the gate, with free admission for children and non-tasters. Pets are welcome but must be leashed. The festival will proceed rain or shine.


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