Features

Captivating ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Performance at Riverside Center Delights Audiences with Classic Charm and Modern Twists

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Suzanne Carr Rossi]

The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents “The Wizard of Oz,” a production that captures the essence of the beloved classic. The crowd responded enthusiastically, with applause reaching a peak when Toto took the stage. Sammy, a three-year-old Shih Tzu, plays him.

The immersive set brings the audience close to the action, especially those in the front row, making them feel part of the show. The design focuses on the farm scenes from the first and final acts, creating a familiar and engaging environment.

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Widewater State Park to Host Palmer Hayden Art Event

By Uriah Kiser
Life in the Dark: Widewater State Park (via Tour Stafford VA)

On June 15, 2024, Widewater State Park will host an event dedicated to the life and work of Palmer Hayden, a celebrated artist from Widewater. The event will run from 1 to 3 p.m. throughout the park.

Palmer Hayden, born on January 15, 1890, in Widewater, in Stafford County, became a prominent painter during the Harlem Renaissance. His paintings are known for depicting everyday life in African-American communities.

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Lil’ Bowl makes a lil’ move

By Barbara Simon
Lil' Bowl has moved to 9121 Manassas Drive.

Lil’ Bowl, formerly in the Fresh World Supermarket on Liberia Avenue, has a new home. In May, they moved to 9121 Manassas Drive in Manassas Park.

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Coles District to Host Annual Dumpster Day Event

By Uriah Kiser

The Coles District will hold its annual Dumpster Day on June 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at West Gate Elementary School, located at 8031 Urbanna Road near Manassas. This event is open to all county citizens at no cost. The county’s website provides additional information on Dumpster Days, including what items are accepted and specific guidelines for the event.

Residents are asked to ensure that refrigerators are emptied of their contents and cleaned. Glass trays should be removed from microwaves, and the doors should be secured with tape. The following items will not be accepted at the event: fuel tanks, motor oil, fuel drums, household hazardous waste, antifreeze, paint thinners, pesticides, pool chemicals, commercial waste, and electronics. These items can be disposed of at the county landfill.

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NOVA BMX hosts free registration event in Woodbridge

By Kelly Sienkowski
NOVA BMX is hosting a registration event on June 8, 2024.

USA BMX is hosting a “National Registration Week” in Woodbridge on June 8, offering a glimpse into the world of BMX racing. Participants can try out the track, borrow equipment, and learn about the opportunities available through USA BMX. The organization, with over 70,000 members across the US and Canada, aims to promote cycling from grassroots to Olympic levels through various programs and events.

NOVA BMX is hosting the free event. Participants need long pants, long-sleeved shirts, closed-toe shoes, a bike, and a helmet. Limited rental bikes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. All participants will receive a certificate.

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Prince William opens historic marriage license archives

By Amelia Breeden

The Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk’s Historical Online Portal (HOP) now includes marriage licenses from the Civil War era to the early 1900s, making historical documents more accessible for research. Funded by a technology grant, this initiative provides genealogists, academics, and residents worldwide with access to pre-20th century court records at no cost to taxpayers.

Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk: The Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk’s Historical Online Portal (HOP) now contains marriage licenses recorded from Civil War times to the early 1900’s. This is part of the Clerk’s ongoing initiative to make historical papers more easily accessible for research. The HOP, which launched in early 2023, also offers access to Deeds, Wills and Lists of Heirs.

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Sweet Julia Grace Foundation Celebrates 10 Years with Epic 5th Annual Field Day Fundraiser

By Uriah Kiser

Despite a rainy day, the event at The Farm Brewery at Broad Run was a resounding success. It emphasized the foundation’s motto of rising to challenges, just as the Raindancers do daily.

Over 150 volunteers and nearly 50 sponsors contributed to the event’s success, including event, vendor, and prize sponsors. The Farm Brewery at Broad Run, a long-time partner of SJGF, generously provided the space at no charge and even renamed their best-selling blonde ale to “Dance in the Rain Ale” in honor of the occasion.

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Panera to open at Embrey Mill

By Amelia Breeden

“You Pick Two” meals will allow rewarded guests to select any combination of two half-size entrees from the Panera Bread menu.

The new restaurant will be at 940 Wonder Road, in the Embrey Mill Town Center in Stafford. Even if you don’t make the first 50, all guests who visit on opening day between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. will have a chance to spin a prize wheel to win free tumblers, car coasters, cookies, bagels, and more.

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Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Riverside Center for “The Wizard of Oz”

By Uriah Kiser

The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is staging a production of “The Wizard of Oz.” This classic tale follows young Dorothy Gale as she travels from Kansas to the magical Land of Oz. Audiences will join Dorothy on her journey along the yellow brick road to the Emerald City in this stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s work, which includes the iconic score from the MGM film.

Performances are scheduled as follows: Wednesday matinees will have meal service from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., with show-only arrivals at 12:45 p.m., and the performance starting at 1:30 p.m.. Thursday to Saturday evenings will have meal service and appetizers from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., show-only arrivals at 6:45 p.m., and the performance starting at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees will feature meal service and appetizers from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., show-only arrivals at 2:15 p.m., and the performance starting at 3 p.m.

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