FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Fredericksburg will be in the spotlight Friday morning as FOX 5 DC’s Zip Trip morning show rolls into town for a live broadcast from Riverfront Park.
The show airs from 7 to 11 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, and promises a festive, street-fair-style atmosphere. Residents, visitors, and fans of the FOX 5 news team are invited to gather along the Rappahannock River to meet the anchors, celebrate Fredericksburg’s community pride, and enjoy family-friendly fun.
The event will feature live interviews, segments with local businesses, and a Kids Zone filled with games and activities. Business owners will be on hand to promote their products and services, creating a bustling scene that showcases the city’s entrepreneurial spirit.
“Grab your crew, rep your city, and let’s show everyone what makes FXBG shine!” city officials said in a social media post promoting the event. The morning promises excitement for all ages and a chance to be seen on live television.
Parking Restrictions in Effect
To accommodate setup and broadcast needs, city officials have announced temporary parking restrictions around Riverfront Park:
- Sophia Street (in front of Riverfront Park):
No Parking from Thursday, July 24, at 6 p.m. through Friday, July 25, at noon. - Beside and behind Shiloh Baptist Church (near the park):
No Parking from Thursday, July 24, at 6 p.m. through Friday, July 25, at noon. - Riverfront Park Parking Lot (right of the park):
No Parking from Wednesday, July 23, at 6 p.m. through Friday, July 25, at noon.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and explore downtown Fredericksburg before and after the broadcast.
This week’s Zip Trip follows a July 11 stop in Occoquan, where FOX 5 celebrated the town with interviews, a live wedding, and scenes from the waterfront’s historic streets. After Fredericksburg, the next Zip Trip heads to Stafford County on Friday, August 15, broadcasting live from Embrey Mill Town Center.
Fredericksburg officials say the live TV event is a unique opportunity to show off the city’s history, small businesses, and community energy to viewers across the D.C. area.
Dynamic Foot and Ankle Center marked two major milestones with a ribbon-cutting celebration hosted by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The practice is celebrating 10 years of serving patients across Virginia and five years at its Fredericksburg-area office, located on Lafayette Boulevard in Spotsylvania County. Founder Dr. Danielle VonDerLinden shared that her team has helped more than 16,000 patients over the past decade — totaling nearly 60,000 visits. “We think of our mission — exceeding our patients’ expectations when they choose us to be part of their health care team,” she said during the ceremony.
In a Facebook video, Chamber President and CEO Susan Spears praised the clinic for opening its Fredericksburg office in 2020 — during the height of the pandemic — and continuing to grow. “They are doing fantastic work helping our community with all needs, foot and ankle,” she said.
Virginia Delegate Bobby Orrock also attended the celebration, calling the practice a vital part of the area’s health care network.
Dynamic Foot and Ankle Center has offices in both Fredericksburg and Lorton, serving patients across Northern and Central Virginia. The practice specializes in podiatric care, sports injuries, and mobile wound care for patients of all ages.
The proposed $70.6 million project would expand Dixon Street (Route 2) and Tidewater Trail (Route 17) from two to four lanes between Dixon Park and Imboden Street, just south of Shannon Airport. Funded through Virginia’s SMART SCALE program and local contributions, the project combines two separate applications from Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania into one construction contract.
What’s included in the project?
According to Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) spokeswoman Kelly Hannon, the improvements will:
- Add a travel lane in each direction to reduce delays for more than 28,000 drivers who use Dixon Street and 24,000 who travel Tidewater Trail daily.
- Lengthen several turn lanes at the busy Dixon Street and Lansdowne Road intersection to increase vehicle storage and prevent backups into through lanes.
- Add a 10-foot-wide shared-use path along the eastern side of Route 2/17, helping close a critical gap in the East Coast Greenway trail network.
- Build a new crosswalk and pedestrian signals at Shannon Park Drive and Mansfield Street.
- Install a bus shelter at an existing Fredericksburg Regional Transit stop at Dixon Park.
Why now?
“Stop-and-go congestion is a contributing factor to a pattern of rear-end crashes,” said Hannon. “Widening Tidewater Trail to increase vehicle capacity will improve traffic flow and reduce stop-and-go congestion.”
Local leaders, including those at the George Washington Regional Commission, say the project aligns with long-term goals outlined in the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s 2045 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The planned improvements are also expected to support future feeder bus service between Spotsylvania’s Bowman Center and downtown Fredericksburg’s train station.
Construction still years away
While the public is invited to weigh in at a design public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the Elks Lodge on Tidewater Trail, actual construction won’t begin anytime soon.
Hannon said VDOT expects to advertise the project for construction bids in 2029. Once work begins, crews will need 24 to 30 months to complete the widening. The road will remain open throughout the construction period, with most lane closures scheduled during off-peak travel times.
Access to driveways will be maintained, and VDOT does not expect any long-term detours. However, residents should be prepared for temporary traffic disruptions once construction starts.
Property impacts still under review
Some business and residential relocations are likely. Hannon said a final count won’t be known until the project moves into the right-of-way phase after design plans are finalized.
Comments on the project will be accepted at the public hearing and online through Saturday, August 2. Residents may email feedback to [email protected], referencing “Route 2/17 Widening” in the subject line.
The public hearing will be held in an open house format from 5 to 7 p.m. at Elks Lodge #875, 11309 Tidewater Trail. In the event of inclement weather, the meeting will take place the following Wednesday, July 30, at the same time and location.
I went in cautiously. I love musicals, but I knew the subject matter—mental illness, trauma, and grief—would be heavy. Still, after interviewing the whole cast on our podcast (the most guests I’ve ever had at once!), I had a feeling this show would be something special.
Before the performance began, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board spoke to the audience during dinner service—an unusual but fitting gesture. Their message on mental health services set the stage for the powerful experience ahead.
Next to Normal, an emotional powerhouse musical with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, explores a family’s struggle with the effects, impact, and treatment of mental illness with raw honesty and depth. On the surface, they seem like a typical American family: Dad’s an architect, Mom handles the morning chaos, and their two teens are bright and full of sass. But underneath, their world is anything but typical.
Adrianne Hick leads as Diana, a mother battling bipolar disorder and long-standing grief. Her real-life husband, Andrew Foote, plays Dan, who tries to keep the family together as things slowly unravel. Their daughter, Natalie, played by Madison Cox, fights to be noticed and understood, all while navigating a new relationship. Mason Blaine’s portrayal of their son, Gabe, is central and chilling, especially as a plot twist unfolds that’s more common in horror than in musical theatre. Adian Chapman provides much-needed comic relief as Dr. Madden, Diana’s therapist.
The show also powerfully showcases how a parent’s mental health can deeply affect their children, particularly teenagers trying to find stability and identity in the chaos.
Next to Normal is unlike anything I’ve seen at Riverside. It’s gripping, heartbreaking, and—yes—haunting. It sparked conversations that lasted for days and stayed with me long after the curtain fell.
This show is a bold choice for a nonprofit theatre, and Riverside’s decision to stage it shows a clear commitment to community connection. By portraying therapy, medication, and the pursuit of stability with honesty and heart, the show invites us all to reflect, discuss, and empathize. It’s PG-13 for themes including self-harm, substance abuse, and sexual references.
Hick and Foote are no strangers to Riverside’s stage—Adrianne has wowed audiences as Alice Murphy in Bright Star, Mother in Ragtime, and Francesca in The Bridges of Madison County. Andrew made his debut just last year as Robert Kincaid in Bridges. Together, they bring a powerful real-life chemistry to this performance that elevates the emotional weight of the story.
Next to Normal runs through August 2, 2025, and it is an absolute must-see. Bring tissues—and someone to talk to afterward. You’ll need both.
Fredericksburg’s sister city is Fréjus, France, and the Bastille Day celebration on July 14 was all about this international bond.
“I’ve been there plenty of times,” Mathalie Bullock, a French resident of Fredericksburg, who loves celebrating the sister city recognition. Part of the celebration is a giant omelet that wasn’t on the menu this year, but Bullock remembers seeing it in the past. “Everyone breaks eggs. They did it once here, it was really cool,” she said.
The band was jamming, the wine was flowing, and the tri-color French flag was flying as the crowd filed into the second floor at Galvin’s once word spread that it was relocating from the outside venue in the park due to the approaching storms. Mayor Kerry Devine waited until The Untouchables band finished a rendition of Sonny and Cher’s “I got you babe,” before grabbing the microphone.Â
“We have a deep connection to France,” Devine said. “Viva le France” was the toast before the band kicked in again. At one point, everyone was singing the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise,” before belting out “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Deli owners Emma and Paul Stoddard were presented with Sister City coffee mugs for their last-minute efforts.
All this French influence at the Bastille Day celebration does have an official meaning, as Fredericksburg is celebrating its association with Fréjus, France, its “sister city.”
Frejus is a French city located on the Mediterranean Sea, not far from Cannes, a renowned French town famous for hosting the International Film Festival. The city features the ruins of a Roman amphitheater and an aqueduct from the time when this was used as their primary method of plumbing.
This was all overseen by the Fredericksburg Sister City Association, which is “dedicated to cultivating a special friendship and cultural exchange between the citizens of FrĂ©jus, France, and those of the Fredericksburg area,” their description read. The pair was matched up as sister cities because they have similar socio-economic traits and population levels. This relationship dates back to 1980, when Fredericksburg and Frejus traded foreign exchange students, and they’ve done it several times since then, including in 2016, when a group came to Fredericksburg.Â
The ‘Giant Omelet’ was originally cooked to feed hungry troops, but it has fallen victim to the COVID-19 era and has not been in Fredericksburg since 2020. Cooks are planning to cook one up in Frejus this year, when several people from Fredericksburg visit on September 14 for the 45th anniversary of the Fredericksburg-Frejus Sister City relationship.
A band called The Unsuitables provided the soundtrack to the Bastille event, and this was the first time they played in Fredericksburg. Their song list covered popular tunes spanning 40 years from the 1950s to the 1970s. With male and female singers, they were able to play cover tunes of many genres. Their regular circuit includes Culpeper, Warrenton, and Charlottesville, but someone mentioned a Bastille celebration, and they got a spot on stage.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Fredericksburg planning commissioners are reviewing new recommendations to help revitalize aging commercial shopping centers throughout the city — a strategy officials say is key to shaping the next wave of growth and neighborhood vibrancy.
During a recent Planning Commission meeting, city planning staff and consultants from Rhodeside & Harwell presented the Phase II findings of the Commercial Shopping Center Revitalization Study, which focuses on eight commercial centers and outlines next steps to guide redevelopment in partnership with property owners.
Study Aims to Reimagine Aging Retail Sites
City leaders launched the study in response to long-term concerns over underutilized or declining strip malls and outdated retail centers. Many of these shopping centers — such as Westwood Plaza, Eagle Village, and Greenbrier — have faced increased vacancies and changing retail trends.
“Many of these centers were designed for car-centric shopping in the 1970s and 80s,” said one consultant during the presentation. “The city is now looking at how to encourage walkable, mixed-use redevelopment that better fits today’s community needs.”
The Phase II report provides redevelopment toolkits, visuals illustrating how sites could evolve, and zoning changes to enable greater flexibility for developers interested in blending housing, retail, and office uses. The plan also encourages active transportation connections, stormwater management improvements, and placemaking efforts to make the centers more inviting.
City officials declined our request for an interview for this story, while the developers with an interest in redeveloping city shopping centers did not return our requests for comment.
Commissioners Signal Support but Urge More Detail
Planning commissioners praised the vision behind the revitalization plan, while raising key questions about implementation and engagement with shopping center owners.
“We need to be sure that we are providing the right carrots — and maybe the right sticks — to help these property owners realize that redevelopment is in everyone’s interest,” said Planning Commission Chairman David Durham.
Vice Chair Carey Whitehead emphasized the importance of preserving commercial services that neighborhoods rely on. “It’s not just about bringing in new housing or tearing things down — we have to think about who’s using these places right now and how they fit into the community fabric,” she said.
Commissioners Jane McDonald and Joseph Winterer asked about the next steps in public outreach and how staff would work with landowners to discuss what is feasible. Dugan Caswell, the commission’s secretary, encouraged planners to develop more case studies showing successful redevelopment of aging centers elsewhere in the region.
Spotlight: Greenbrier Shopping Center
Of particular interest was Greenbrier Shopping Center on Route 3. The aging center has been the subject of preliminary redevelopment discussions. During the meeting, staff noted a potential developer had expressed interest in a mixed-use concept, but emphasized that no formal application had been submitted.
Planning commissioners asked if Greenbrier, formerly home to Burlington Coat Factory and Big Lots, could serve as a pilot site for implementing the study’s recommendations. Several said it offered an opportunity to showcase how a traditional shopping center could evolve into a walkable neighborhood hub.
What’s Next
City staff will refine the report based on feedback from the Planning Commission and community stakeholders. A final set of recommendations may be forwarded to the City Council later this year.
Officials said the city is not proposing a specific redevelopment for any of the centers at this time, but aims to prepare a framework that can attract private investment while ensuring redevelopment aligns with community goals.
The Planning Commission is expected to revisit the report in the coming months, possibly in tandem with future zoning updates as part of the city’s broader development code rewrite.
STAFFORD, Va. – The window to become a new teacher in our area is closing, but school divisions are still hiring as the first day of the 2025–26 school year approaches.
In Stafford County, just over 120 licensed staff positions remained open as of late June. Of those, 98 are classroom teaching roles, while the rest include specialists like counselors. “Special education across all grades and elementary positions are our highest-need areas,” said Patrick Byrnett, the division’s Chief Talent Officer.
To fill positions, Stafford has boosted its recruitment efforts this year. The division hosted regular job fairs and information sessions for residents, partnered with Stafford County Government on a joint event, and engaged more deeply with teacher preparation programs across Virginia and nearby states. New hires will attend a week-long “Prep for Success” orientation starting July 28, which combines school-based mentoring with division-wide training in curriculum and instructional practices.
“Stafford remains a great place to live, work, and learn,” said Byrnett. “If you are someone who is a constant learner and cares about children, make Stafford a part of your story.”
In Fredericksburg City Public Schools, 21.5 licensed positions remain open, including general and special education teachers, a reading coach, an instructional coach, a school psychologist, and a speech-language pathologist. Most of the division’s staffing needs are at the elementary level, said Chief Human Resources Officer Sue Keffer.
Local job fairs have been Fredericksburg’s most effective tool for finding candidates. New hires there will attend a four-day “New Staff Academy,” which introduces them to the division’s culture and includes sessions on classroom management, special education, technology, safety, and community partnerships.
Keffer encourages interested educators to reach out. “We are a small, closely knit school community with many supports in place to help our staff be successful,” she said.
School begins in early August for many local divisions. Those interested in applying should check their school division’s website for the latest openings.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Two people were evaluated for smoke inhalation after a house fire broke out Monday morning in the Fox Chase Subdivision.
The fire was reported at 8:33 a.m., according to the Fredericksburg Emergency Communications Center. Firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from the front and back of a three-story home. Crews entered through a walk-out basement door and encountered heavy smoke and high heat, ultimately extinguishing a fire in a basement room.
A second hose line was deployed to the first floor to protect the stairwell and stop the fire from spreading upward. Fire crews searched all three levels of the home and confirmed that both occupants had safely exited the building.
Units from Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County, and Stafford County responded to the scene. Although no one was transported to the hospital, two people were treated on-site for smoke inhalation. Officials have not yet determined if the home is safe to return to.
The Fredericksburg Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire. A final report is expected in the coming days.
One aging sign in the window reads “We’re Evolving, Paragon Village is now EVO Entertainment,” but above the door, it’s labeled “Hooky Now Open.” It was also called “Muvico,” at one time.
On the north end of Hooky, closest to the shopping mall, there are several movie theaters. On the other end, the bar features a wall of windows that display the traffic on Interstate 95. Earlier this month, when downed wires forced the road to close, the bar was the place to be for many. “We had quite a few people come in, good for a Monday,” said bartender Willow Leyva.
Fourteen bowling alleys are located in a few small areas between the theaters and the bar, and a section featuring computerized games and a snack bar is nestled under an assortment of colored lights. The air hockey table is always busy, and this traditional game from the 1970s remains a popular favorite among fans.
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QUANTICO, Va. – Independence Day celebrations are gearing up across the region, with events planned in both Fredericksburg and at Marine Corps Base Quantico in honor of America’s 249th birthday—and the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.
On Wednesday, July 3, Marine Corps Base Quantico will host a special celebration at Lejeune Field from 4 to 9:30 p.m., featuring a fireworks show at 9 p.m. The event is open to authorized ID card holders and promises an evening packed with family-friendly fun. Attendees can enjoy live music from Huntley—winner of the 2023 season of The Voice—and the band Full Moon Fever, plus food trucks, inflatables, a rock wall, and more. The event marks the start of festivities commemorating the Marine Corps’ 250th year.
Meanwhile, the City of Fredericksburg is preparing for its own full day of patriotic activities on Thursday, July 4, with a focus on downtown accessibility and fireworks safety. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead using the city’s parking map at fredericksburgva.gov, which details available public parking lots and garages.
A free shuttle will run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. between Eagles Lodge on Cool Springs Road, Ferry Farm, Patawomeck Museum & Cultural Center, and the new Visitor Center at 601 Caroline Street. Handicap parking is available only at Ferry Farm.
Several streets—including portions of Sophia, Hanover, and Charlotte Streets—will be closed from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the city’s “Festival in the Streets.” The day wraps up with fireworks at approximately 9 p.m. near Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Visitors should avoid parking along roadways near the stadium, and only use designated event parking zones to avoid ticketing or towing.
For more event details, visit fxbg.com/fourth-in-fredericksburg.
