Manassas Park

Festive Fun in Manassas: Tree Lightings, Parades, and Ice Skating Await

By Potomac Local News
The Christmas lights are up on Meredith House in Downtown Manassas, a newly renovated, 165-year-old house turned social club.

We’re getting our first look at Christmastime events in and around Manassas, and it’s shaping up to be a season full of festive fun for the whole family.

Manassas City has a lineup of holiday happenings in early December. On Friday night, December 6, at 5:15 p.m., the city will light up with Santa Lights Manassas. Santa will arrive to bring holiday cheer and officially kick off the season with the lighting ceremony. The celebrations continue with the 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7, at 10 a.m. This year’s theme, Christmas in Candyland, promises a delightful parade filled with sweet surprises, from colorful floats to festive marching bands.

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New Leadership on the Horizon for Manassas Park

By Uriah Kiser

Following the Tuesday, November 5, 2025, General Election, Manassas Park will see a new mayor and a fresh face on the city council. Democrat Alanna M. Mensing, who ran unopposed, will assume the mayoral role, succeeding outgoing Mayor Jeanette Rishell. Mensing received 83.87% of the vote, marking a significant shift as Rishell, mayor since 2016, did not seek re-election this year.

Mensing, who has been involved in city government, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She has served as Vice Mayor from 2022 to 2024 and has been a city council member since 2019. Additionally, she sits on the Manassas Park Planning Commission and previously served a term on the city’s school board. Outside of her public service, Mensing is a self-employed music teacher, offering lessons to local children and teaching piano at the Manassas Park Community Center from 2015 to 2020. She has resided in Manassas Park since 2009.

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Election Night Update: The Latest from Local, State Races

By Potomac Local News

Updated 1 a.m, November 6, 2024 — The race for Virginia’s U.S. Senate seat remains closely watched, with updated numbers showing incumbent Senator Tim Kaine in the lead:

Currently, 2,050 of 2,536 precincts have reported, and an estimated 885,261 early votes are still outstanding, which could impact the final outcome.

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Updated: DOJ to Monitor Elections in Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park

By Potomac Local News
Voters stand in line to cast their ballots at a DMV in Woodbridge.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will deploy federal monitors to observe elections in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park on Election Day. These monitors will focus on ensuring local compliance with federal voting laws, specifically related to accessibility for voters with disabilities and the availability of language assistance.

Susan Reed, the Voter Registrar for Manassas, confirmed the DOJ’s involvement, stating, “DOJ has contacted me and have agreed to allow DOJ to monitor the precincts. The DOJ monitored right after Manassas City was language required several years ago. The DOJ’s focus is ensuring localities are making progress with ADA and language requirements. I have had positive feedback and also helpful suggestions from them. The DOJ’s monitors are doing their job to ensure federal laws are being followed, and Manassas City wants to adhere to federal law.”

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Manassas Park Honors Veterans with Flag Raising Ceremony

By Uriah Kiser

On Friday, November 1, at 1 p.m., Manassas Park City held its annual Veterans Flag Ceremony outside City Hall, paying tribute to the men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Led by the Manassas Park Honor Guard, the event commenced with reverence and respect as the American Legion Post 10’s Color Guard presented the colors, marking the beginning of a solemn yet celebratory occasion.

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Mixed Trends in Mail-In and In-Person Voting; Early Ballots Surge

By Potomac Local News
Stafford County voters wait to cast absentee in-person ballots ahead of the November 5, 2024 General Election.

As early voting continues across the area, the voter turnout for 2024 reflects shifts in participation compared to previous election cycles, with mixed trends between mail-in and in-person ballots.

Manassas Park Overview

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Manassas Park Personal Property Tax Bills Due

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Personal Property Tax bills are due on 11/6. If you wish to pay your bill online, by check, you may need a new account number. Please call/email our Customer Service team at 703-361-9306 or [email protected]. Provide your name, address, and old account number. pic.twitter.com/YlduZMp0Jc

— City of Manassas Park (@ManassasParkGov) October 22, 2024

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VRE Ridership Increases Slightly as System Adjusts to the ‘New Normal’

By Uriah Kiser

As the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) heads into 2025, its proposed budget reflects its challenges and opportunities in a post-COVID world. The budget discussed at the October 18, 2024, Operations Board meeting outlines plans to support ridership recovery, maintain reliable service, and position VRE for future growth as a regional rail provider.

VRE, like many public transit systems, saw a significant decline in ridership during the pandemic. However, the 2025 budget aims to address passengers’ slow but steady recovery by investing in enhanced service offerings and critical infrastructure projects. These efforts are intended to transform VRE from a commuter-focused system to a broader regional transportation network.

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Prince William County Fire to Hold Public Safety Expo Saturday

By Caitlyn Meisner
Prince William County's Fire Department is hosting an all-county safety expo. [Photo by Craig Adderley via Pexels]

There will be several different special guests, performances, challenges and local agencies present at the expo. Read more below for the event schedule.

Schedule

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