DUMFRIES, Va. – Fireworks will light up the sky over Garrison Park this Sunday as the Town of Dumfries hosts its annual Independence Fireworks Show.

The event takes place on July 6, 2025, from 5 to 10 p.m. at 17749 Main Street and promises an evening full of family fun. According to a news release from the Town of Dumfries, attendees can enjoy live music, food trucks, games, vendors, and a fireworks show starting at 9:30 p.m.

The town says the celebration is a chance for residents and visitors alike to gather in the spirit of community and patriotism.

Click here to see more Independence Day events happening across the region.

July will be a fun and (hopefully less) warm month around Prince William County and Manassas with dozens of activities scheduled. Take a look at some highlighted events and meetings.

Thursday (July 3)

• Teen Pocky and KitKat Taste Test, 2 to 3 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)

Friday (July 4)

• Celebrate America, 3 to 10 p.m. (Manassas City)

July 7

• Mini Mandalas, 2 to 3 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Teen Bunny Cuddle, 4 to 5 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• A Dicey Affair, 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Summer Scares Book Tasting, 6 to 7 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)

July 8

• Bugman, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Hawaiiana, 10:30 to 11::30 a.m. (Central Library)
• Animal Therapy Petting Zoo, 11 a.m. to noon (Potomac Library)
• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m.
• DIY Soapmaking for Teens, 2 to 3:30 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• TAG Makers – Summer Edition, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Central Library)
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday (Enslow Duo), 7 p.m.

July 9

• Friends Book Sorting, 1 to 3 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• CASA Health Navigators, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Miniature Painting Sessions, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Potomac Library)

July 10

• Sidewalk Chalk Day, 10:30 a.m. to noon (Central Library)

July 11

• BUG Fest, 10:30 a.m. to noon (Central Library)
• Fascinating Fossil, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Independent Hill Library)

July 12

• Tiny Art, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Dale City Library)
• Beautiful Binding Basics, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Manassas City Library)
• Latin American Artisans & Entrepreneurs Expo, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Manassas City)
• Swift Escape, 1 to 2 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• Drawing 101, 1 to 3 p.m. (Central Library)
• Murder Mystery, 2 to 4 p.m. (Potomac Library)

July 13

• NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Manassas City)

July 14

• Paper Clip Washi Jewelry Take and Make, All day (Dumfries Library)
• Winnie-the-Pooh, 2 to 3 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Stuffie Taxidermy, 2:30 to 4 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

July 15

• 8-Bit Art with Perler Beads, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Bull Run Library)
• Murder Mystery: Teen Edition, 2 to 3 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Ransom Note Bookmarks, 2 to 7 p.m. (Central Library)
• Acoustic Tuesday (Kevin Koa), 7 p.m.

July 16

• Retro Horror Movie Night, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)

July 17

• Cryptid Party, 2 to 3 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)

July 19

• Kinderquarium, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• Ghost Talk with Old Spirit Investigations, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Central Library)
• Twilight Trek, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)

July 21

• Melodic Adventures: Our Colorful World of Feelings, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Potomac Library)
• Once Upon a Crime, 2 to 3 p.m. (Montclair Library)

July 22

• Wildlife Center of VA, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Central Library)
• Cup of Cozy Mysteries, 11 a.m. to noon (Nokesville Library)
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday (Grayson Moon Duo), 7 p.m.

July 23

• Not Just a Pretty Face, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Potomac Library)

July 24

• Alcohol Ink Art Night, 2 to 4 p.m. (Central Library)

July 26

• Circuit Court Clerk’s Seals on Wheels, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Murder Mystery, 11 a.m. to noon (Lake Ridge Library)
• Nature’s Palette, 2 to 3 p.m. (Potomac Library)

July 27

• International Food & Culture Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Manassas City)

July 28

• Pipecleaner Dragonfly, All day (Dumfries Library)
• Teen Stipple Art, 2 to 3 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
• Books Alive, 6 to 7:30 p.m. (Virtual)

July 29

• Halloween in July Story Trail, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m.
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday (Shane Gamble), 7 p.m.

July 31

• Intro to Glass Fusing, 2 to 4 p.m. (Central Library)

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Prince William County is making it easier for local business owners, contractors, and developers to connect with experts—without leaving the job site or office.

On June 30, 2025, the Department of Development Services and the Fire Marshal’s Office launched a new Virtual Appointment Scheduling System. The system allows users to schedule meetings online, 24/7, and speak directly with county staff via Microsoft Teams at a time that works for them.

“We are continuously looking at our process and procedures to enhance customer services, accessibility, and convenience,” said Ginny Person, a county spokeswoman. “This latest service builds on previous efforts like SolarAPP+, our Inspection Timeframe Service, and new two-hour service email notifications.”

The virtual system opens the door for up to 34 appointments per week across three service areas:

• Commercial Walk-Thru Plan Reviews with the Fire Marshal’s Office
• Early Assistance for Commercial Project Management, which helps users assess sites and feasibility
• Plan Intake Quality Control, offering guidance on development rules and the permit process

While appointment types and availability vary by project and department, the system is designed to make it easier to ask questions, get immediate answers, and move projects forward faster.

According to Person, the county doesn’t track the number of customer meetings, only overall project cases. But officials say the virtual model is designed to increase capacity over time. Feedback from businesses during pilot testing was positive, with users citing the flexibility and convenience of meeting virtually.

“Increased customer satisfaction is a high priority for the Department of Development Services,” said Person. The department has listed customer satisfaction as one of its key performance indicators for the upcoming fiscal year.

And while the service currently focuses on commercial projects, the county may expand to include residential development and other services in the future. “As we monitor customer experiences and feedback from the launch, we will investigate new service expansion options that may be possible,” Person said.

To learn more about the virtual appointment options or to schedule a session, visit PWCWorks, call 703-792-6930, or email [email protected].

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – A town hall meeting hosted by Prince William County Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin drew a passionate crowd Monday night, as residents of the Belmont Bay community voiced their overwhelming opposition to a proposed $100 million flyover interchange at Routes 1 and 123.

Franklin and county transportation officials presented a concept plan to elevate Route 123 over Route 1 and extend it directly into the Belmont Bay neighborhood, describing the project as a long-awaited second access point for the growing residential community. The meeting, held near the Belmont Bay neighborhood, included a presentation outlining the flyover’s features, including new trail access, a pedestrian bridge, and a reconfiguration of local roads to improve traffic flow.

But attendees quickly pushed back, questioning the need for such a large infrastructure investment. Many demanded to know which residents or businesses had requested the project — a question Franklin and staff did not answer with specifics.

“Who do you think is driving this?” asked Rob Hartwell, a member of the community’s HOA and vocal critic of the plan. “They keep saying there are neighbors who want this, but I’ve only talked to two people, and they were both here tonight.”

Hartwell said both the Belmont Bay HOA and the Concerned Citizens United for Belmont Bay are already on record opposing the project. He also challenged the project’s premise.

“This flyover was originally proposed to support over 1.5 million square feet of office and retail development — but that’s no longer happening,” he said. “We are a residential community now. We don’t need this level of access anymore.”

Franklin told attendees the proposal remains in the concept phase and emphasized that no additional funding beyond a $3 million design allocation from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority has been secured. She said the meeting’s goal was to gauge community interest before pursuing more funding.

As part of the meeting, Franklin asked residents to scan a QR code on their phones to access a survey asking whether they support the project. Several attendees raised concerns about the survey’s integrity, noting that county officials controlled the voting platform and provided no transparency about how results would be tallied or shared.

“You’re taking a secret vote?” Hartwell asked.

Franklin responded that the survey would help determine next steps, and that the county would also release a second online survey for the broader community in the coming days. She reiterated that the proposal remains “on ice” and that the county won’t move forward without public input.

Still, for many in the room, the process felt rushed and opaque.

“If you say this is for us, but can’t name who asked for it, how can we trust this process?” one woman asked from the crowd.

The current design under consideration is a scaled-back version of a 2011 plan that included a full diamond interchange. Officials said the original project was too expensive and prompted a new study in the early 2020s, resulting in the current flyover concept. County officials said the design has support from VDOT and was selected as the preferred alternative after a STAR (Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions) study.

Franklin told residents the survey results would guide her decision.

“If the majority says no, this is done,” she said. “There is no alternative on the table right now. This is the one that has made it the furthest.”

But to many in the audience, the absence of answers to key questions — including who supports the project and how the vote will be verified — left more doubt than confidence.

MANASSAS, Va. – Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District is officially underway, thanks to a major investment from the state.

Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced a $2.6 million grant from GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative focused on strengthening regional economies and supporting high-wage industries. Local governments, businesses, and educational institutions will contribute an additional $1.3 million, bringing the total initial investment to $3.9 million.

The funding supports the launch of the Innovation District centered around George Mason University’s SciTech Campus in Prince William County and the City of Manassas. The 3,800-acre district is expected to accelerate growth in sectors like life sciences, aerospace, defense, and semiconductors while helping residents build careers without leaving the region.

According to a 2024 concept plan, the Innovation District will serve as a connector between local jurisdictions, research institutions, and private industry. “Serving as a catalyst, convener, connector, communicator and capacity-builder, the Innovation District will be a destination for ambitious minds to fuel lasting economic growth,” the plan states.

Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe of Manassas said the partnership between Manassas, Prince William County, and George Mason University leverages the area’s existing strengths. “We’ve got a critical mass of technology and brain power, and frankly, money, that can come together and create a technology hub that will benefit everyone,” Wolfe said.

The district will be guided by the Innovation District Committee, a public-private partnership chaired by Amy Adams, executive director of George Mason’s Institute for BioHealth Innovation. While the committee will oversee funding, marketing, and outreach, land use decisions will remain with Manassas and Prince William County.

Several programs will roll out over the next 18 months, including a Fall 2025 launch of an International Life Science Soft Landing Program to attract global startups, a corporate mentorship initiative for senior engineering students, and a Winter 2026 launch of a Life Science Certificate Program and Young Professionals Network.

Founding partners include George Mason University, the City of Manassas Department of Economic Development, Prince William County, and private firms such as Micron, ATCC, and Employment Enterprises. Dominion Energy, IMEG, and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce are also backing the effort as SciTech Innovators.

The funding will also help pay for staffing, marketing, and accelerator programming to support start-ups and existing companies in navigating regulatory pathways, building strategic plans, and connecting with investors.

“The Innovation District will connect education, research, and industry,” Adams said. “It gives students and employers new ways to create real-world impact.”

DALE CITY, Va. – One of the region’s most popular Independence Day traditions is back: The Dale City 4th of July Parade kicks off Thursday morning at 10 a.m. along Dale Boulevard.

The festive, family-friendly event runs eastbound from Kirkdale Road to Gemini Way, with marching bands, colorful floats, and community groups making their way down the heart of Dale City. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and bring chairs or blankets to stake out a good viewing spot.

Road closures begin at 8:30 a.m., with police directing traffic and closing intersections across the eastbound side of Dale Boulevard. Expect delays, and consider parking at nearby lots, including Mapledale Plaza, the VDOT lots near the Boys & Girls Club and Hillendale Fire Station, or Beville Middle School.

Immediately following the parade, the fun continues with Family Fun Day near Center Plaza from 12 noon to 2 p.m. This post-parade celebration features booths hosted by local nonprofits, amateur crafters, and food and drink vendors. It’s a great way to keep the patriotic energy going and support local groups.

Safety reminders for parade-goers: Stay off the parade route, especially children who may be tempted to run for candy—participants are not allowed to throw items from floats or vehicles. Bring water, sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes for the summer heat.

For questions or more information, organizers can be reached at [email protected].

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – The Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney has cleared officers involved in the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old man at a senior living facility earlier this year.

The independent criminal investigation into the April 26 shooting at Westminster at Lake Ridge has concluded, with no charges filed against the Prince William County Police officers involved, according to a June 27, 2025, statement from the department. The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), a multi-agency group of Northern Virginia law enforcement investigators, led the probe and presented its findings to Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth. After evaluating the evidence, Ashworth determined that no criminal charges would be pursued.

The case now enters a new phase: an internal administrative review by the police department’s Office of Professional Standards. Following that, the department’s Use of Deadly Force Review Board will decide whether the officers’ actions were justified and in line with departmental policy.

The incident occurred just before 10 a.m. on April 26 at the Westminster at Lake Ridge retirement community, located in the 12100 block of Clipper Drive. Police were called to the scene for a report of a man in crisis armed with a knife. Upon entering an apartment, officers encountered Joseph Anthony Cassell, who allegedly approached them with the weapon and ignored verbal commands.

Officers discharged their service weapons, striking Cassell. Police said that after the initial gunfire, Cassell attacked a 91-year-old woman—identified by police as a relative—prompting officers to fire again. Cassell died at the scene. The woman suffered serious injuries and was flown to a hospital. She is expected to recover.

No officers were injured during the encounter, which remained contained to the residence. The names of the officers involved have not been released.

The department has not announced a timeline for completing the administrative review.

The National Wildlife Federation and EcoSchools U.S. awarded Forest Park High School the Green Flag, making it the first school in Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) to receive this prestigious recognition. The award highlights the school’s commitment to sustainability education and promoting positive environmental change within the community.

For Ashley Tayon, the school’s sustainability coordinator, and her students, the Green Flag was the main goal for the year. “It was truly an honor to be part of the new sustainability movement within PWCS,” Tayon stated in a press release, adding that the achievement was a collaborative effort among students, staff, and community partners. Their initiatives included collecting data, developing action plans, and diverting 1,600 pounds of waste from landfills.

Melinda Landry, sustainability coordinator for PWCS, praised Forest Park for piloting the EcoSchools program. “Their students actively addressed local environmental challenges and underscored their efforts by also winning first place at the PWCS Student Environmental Action Showcase,” Landry said. Looking ahead, the Forest Park team plans to create an outdoor classroom, establish a garden and greenhouse, and launch a mentorship program called “Forest Friends” to help other schools pursue their own Green Flag awards.

Meanwhile, Battlefield, Charles J. Colgan Sr., Gainesville, and Gar-Field High Schools were named 2024-25 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools. This national honor celebrates their commitment to rigorous STEM programs that unlock student potential.

“This recognition properly belongs to our PLTW engineering students, who unfailingly apply themselves to the toughest challenges,” said John Ruf, PLTW lead teacher at Gar-Field High. To earn the distinction, schools must offer at least three PLTW courses and meet participation benchmarks that show strong student engagement in STEM learning.

These accomplishments reflect PWCS’s broader efforts to provide high-quality, future-focused education, preparing students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. More than 6,000 schools nationwide participate in the EcoSchools U.S. program, and millions of students benefit from PLTW’s hands-on learning.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Drivers planning to use the Interstate 95 and 395 E-ZPass Express Lanes on Independence Day should be aware of a modified reversal schedule designed to accommodate holiday traffic headed to the nation’s capital.

On Friday, July 4, 2025, the toll lanes will remain in northbound operation until approximately 7 p.m. to support increased traffic traveling into Washington, D.C., for fireworks and other celebrations. The lanes are expected to reopen southbound by around 8:30 p.m. to assist with the return flow of holiday travelers.

The normal summer reversal schedule will resume on Saturday, July 5, with northbound travel in the morning and southbound travel beginning around midday.

The Interstate 95 and 395 E-ZPass Express Lanes are reversible toll lanes designed to relieve congestion on two of Northern Virginia’s most heavily traveled corridors. Spanning over 40 miles from the D.C. line to Fredericksburg, the lanes operate under a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Transurban, which manages tolling and maintenance.

The lanes use dynamic pricing, which means toll rates fluctuate based on real-time traffic conditions to ensure consistent speeds. Vehicles must have an E-ZPass transponder to use the lanes, and those with three or more occupants can travel toll-free with an E-ZPass Flex set to “HOV ON.”

On most days, the Express Lanes operate northbound in the morning to accommodate commuter traffic heading into Washington, D.C., and southbound in the afternoon and evening to handle the outbound rush. However, the schedule can change on holidays and weekends to meet shifting travel patterns.

Motorists are encouraged to check expresslanes.com or use the Express Lanes mobile app for real-time traffic updates, toll rates, and access point information.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A Dumfries woman was struck and killed early Tuesday morning while walking along Interstate 95 in Prince William County.

Virginia State Police say the crash happened at 4:56 a.m. on July 1, 2025, in the northbound lanes near mile marker 152.

According to investigators, a 2012 Toyota Corolla was heading north when it hit Karen S. Rosa Hernandez, who was in the travel lane. She died at the scene.

Troopers found a gas can nearby and located a disabled vehicle registered to Hernandez just south of the crash, in the Express Lanes.

The incident remains under investigation.