Features - Page 9 of 140 - Potomac Local News

Town of Dumfries to host free Trunk or Treat Halloween celebration

Published October 30, 2025 at 9:56PM

“Join us for Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Garrison Park, 17749 Main St.,” the Town of Dumfries announced. “Enjoy thrilling music, games, and of course: CANDY!”

The free, family-friendly Halloween event invites residents to dress up, play games, and collect treats in a festive community setting. Hosted by the Town of Dumfries in partnership with the Heavenly Minded Club, the celebration encourages costumes and promises a “spooktacular” evening of fun for all ages.

Prince William Water launches new podcast to highlight water service effort

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 30, 2025 at 8:36PM

Prince William Water has launched a new quarterly video podcast called “Behind the Tap,” offering residents a behind-the-scenes look at the county’s largest water and wastewater utility. The podcast will feature interviews with staff, answers to frequently asked customer questions, and tips on how to protect local water resources.

The debut episode includes an interview with Deputy General Manager and Chief Administrative Officer Ari Nelson, who discusses the national “Imagine a Day Without Water” campaign and the utility’s emphasis on reliability and infrastructure. The podcast aims to raise awareness about the systems that deliver clean water and treat wastewater for over 380,000 people in Prince William County.

Prince William County launches first-ever Rippon Lodge Gingerbread House Contest

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 30, 2025 at 4:30PM

“Do you want to show off your gingerbread architect skills?” the Prince William Office of Historic Preservation announced. “Enter the First Annual Rippon Lodge Gingerbread House Contest and celebrate the holidays by creating a gingerbread masterpiece for all to see.”

The contest features Amateur, Family, and Professional categories, with winners chosen by popular vote. Entry forms are due by December 5, and houses must be dropped off at Rippon Lodge by December 8 for display during the Holidays Through the Ages event. Winners will be announced December 12, and entry is free.

“Off the Wall” invites high school students to showcase their creativity across art, tech, and poetry disciplines

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 30, 2025 at 9:26AM

“The ARTfactory is pleased to present the 22nd Annual Off the Wall High School Art Exhibit & Competition,” the ARTfactory announced. “Each year, area high school students are invited to share their talent by participating in a high school art exhibit and competition presented by the ARTfactory.”

“The exhibit includes student work in the following categories: Art & Technology, Painting/Drawing, Poetry, Wearable Art, and Photography,” the organization stated. “Each category is adjudicated by a professional in the field.”

Holiday puppet show “The Velveteen Rabbit” coming to Riverside Center

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 29, 2025 at 10:53PM

“The Velveteen Rabbit, filled with gentle humor and warmth, is Margery Williams’ classic tale of a toy rabbit that dreams of becoming real,” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts announced. “Told with hand puppets, storytelling, and song by a solo puppeteer, the story highlights friendship, changes, magic, and what it means to love and be loved.”

The family-friendly 60-minute puppet show arrives November 22 at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, following the success of the puppets featured in The Sound of Music. Children will also have a chance to visit Santa after the show. Tickets can be reserved by calling 540-370-4300.

Empowerhouse marks 35th Annual Candlelight Vigil honoring domestic violence survivors

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 29, 2025 at 10:07PM

“We were honored to take part in this vital community event,” the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office stated. “Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office is one of only three law enforcement agencies in the area with an Empowerhouse Advocate co-located within their office.”

Empowerhouse hosted its 35th Annual Candlelight Vigil on October 25, 2025, to honor and celebrate survivors of domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The nonprofit provides free, confidential support services for survivors and their children, focusing on safety, healing, and empowerment. Empowerhouse’s 24-hour hotline is 540-373-9373.

ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre announces cast for Grease at Hylton Performing Arts Center

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 27, 2025 at 12:17PM

The Hylton Performing Arts Center outside Manassas.

“Announcing the cast of Grease, presented by ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre,” the Virginia ARTfactory posted. “Performances will be held in the Gregory Family Theater at Hylton Performing Arts Center January 16–25. Sunday, January 18th will be an understudy performance.”

Tickets for the production are now on sale through the ARTfactory’s ticket link. The community theater’s rendition of the classic musical will feature local youth performers, continuing ARTfactory’s tradition of fostering arts education and live performance in Prince William County.

12,000 visited Riverside Center during ‘The Sound of Music’ run; Theater announces next production

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 27, 2025 at 11:54AM

Photo: Suzanne Carr-Rossi

“Riverside Center was THRILLED to present The Sound of Music for 10 weeks,” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts announced. “12,000 people entered our doors and created memories to last a lifetime. Thank you for supporting Riverside. Thank you to our cast, crew, and staff. So long, farewell for now.”

Following the close of The Sound of Music, Riverside will welcome audiences back for its holiday production of White Christmas, continuing the theater’s tradition of bringing classic musical performances to the Fredericksburg region.

UMW student leads Fredericksburg memorial honoring Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 26, 2025 at 7:00AM

University of Mary Washington student Madelaine McDonough speaks during a Turning Point USA memorial for Charlie Kirk at Hurkamp Park in Fredericksburg on Oct. 14, 2025.

Under soft park lights and the sound of worship music, University of Mary Washington junior Madelaine McDonough stood before dozens gathered in Hurkamp Park on October 14, 2025, to honor the life of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA.

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Families show off spooky style at Downtown Fredericksburg’s Costume Stroll

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2025 at 9:34PM

Downtown Fredericksburg was filled with Halloween spirit Saturday morning as families took part in the annual Costume Stroll, kicking off a festive day of trick-or-treating and community fun.

The event began with the Family Costume Stroll at 9:30 a.m., where participants lined up at VRE Lot B before parading down Caroline Street in their best spooky, silly, and creative costumes. Children, parents, and even a few pets joined in, drawing cheers and smiles from spectators.

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