This year’s fair introduces the Polar Pals Fun Run for elementary students at 10:15 a.m., with a route around the high school. The Polar Crew welcomes participants at 10 a.m.; hot chocolate is available after the run. Registration is open for those eager to join.

Attendees can enjoy activities, including giveaways, school nutrition tastings, health screenings, life-saving technique demonstrations, and interactions with local organizations and businesses. The Fair emphasizes Stafford Schools’ eight wellness areas: Occupational, Physical, Emotional, Social, Spiritual, Intellectual, Financial, and Environmental. The goal is to inspire healthy living, empower the community, and foster overall family wellness, according to the school division.


Each year, the iWRITE literacy organization organizes a publishing contest for young writers and illustrators in grades three through 12.

This year, Anushka Misra, a seventh-grade student at Gainesville Middle School, emerged as one of the 125 winners chosen from across the globe.


On January 17, 2024, Karyn Riddle, Assistant Principal at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School, was honored as the 2024 Outstanding Secondary School Assistant Principal of Virginia by the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP). According to a Prince William County Schools spokeswoman, a panel of school leaders, including principals and division superintendents, carefully selected Riddle for this prestigious recognition.

Riddle, a proud graduate of Osbourn Park High School, has dedicated 24 years to the education of students in Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS). Her journey began at Osbourn Park High, where she spent a decade teaching and served as the school’s assistant principal for four years. Subsequently, Riddle contributed eight years in the central office as a student management supervisor, specializing in leadership development. In 2018, she assumed the role of assistant principal at Colgan High.


To widen and vary the audience scope, Castaways Theatre has initiated a survey to collect opinions from the community on the types of plays they would like to see in future productions. The goal is to ensure that the theater caters to diverse preferences.

The recent productions, including the stage adaptation of the award-winning 1985 film documentary “SHOAH” and the upcoming performance of “Heathers,” highlight Castaways Theatre’s commitment to presenting various theatrical experiences.


Snow, ice, or wind won’t deter audiences from experiencing this award-winning musical’s phenomenal music, memorable characters, and captivating storytelling.

“Jersey Boys” chronicles the evolution of four blue-collar children who became one of the greatest success stories in pop music history – Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards and Olivier Awards, the show provides an intimate look behind the scenes at the 40-year friendship that propelled these young talents from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom.


Leadership Prince William announces its upcoming “Mardi Gras Casino ” fundraiser, which is scheduled for March 22, 2024, at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, near Manassas.

The event runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and features a live auction, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. Tickets are $75 each and open to the public.


As Fredericksburg city grows, the local bicycling community grows along with it.

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Dumfries turns 275 years old this year, and the town council got an update on a planned three-day event to commemorate the milestone.

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The FredNats, Fredericksburg’s Minor League Baseball team, and the city’s convention center are working to draw more people.

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Stafford County Government: “Stafford County is pleased to announce the opening of the 2024 Florence D. Helms Award nominations. This award was originally established in 1975 in memory of Florence D. Helms, who made significant contributions to the youth of Stafford County. It is the highest annual award given to an individual and/or organization that has made significant lifetime volunteer contributions to the youth of Stafford County.”

“We could not provide many of the services we do without the generous assistance of our wonderful volunteers,” said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Meg Bohmke, Falmouth District. “Florence Helms led the way for parks volunteers and this award recognizes those who have carried on in her spirit.”


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