Prince William

The Spring RiverFest and Craft Show, held June 7–8, drew crowds despite intermittent rain, thanks to the efforts of nearly 90 volunteers and a dedicated town staff. New events coordinator Tammy Hassett and Town Manager Adam Lynn were credited with steering the complex operation. Hassett, known for her modesty, emphasized the team effort and praised police officers, municipal employees, and volunteers alike.

Mayor Ernie Porta extended his appreciation to the participants and supporters who made the festival a success. “We appreciate all of you and the substantial effort you exerted,” Porta said on the Occoquan Radio Podcast. “Without you, of course, it could not have been such a success.” He also thanked former events director Julie Little, who recently retired but helped with the event right up to her official departure.


Business

With its pastel earrings, woodland-themed accessories, and shelves full of colorful handmade creations, To Bee is more than just Occoquan’s new gift shop — it’s a deeply personal tribute to love, loss, and artistic resilience.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.


News

OCCOQUAN, Va. – A charming new boutique is now open in Occoquan’s historic downtown.

To Bee, located at 308 Poplar Alley, welcomed shoppers during its grand opening weekend on May 10–11, 2025. Owned by Thalia Wyatt, the shop features handmade candles, custom earrings, and curated gifts—many crafted by Wyatt herself. Guests can also join “Master Salons,” creative workshops led by Wyatt’s mother, Alma, to make their own one-of-a-kind treasures.


Prince William

OCCOQUAN, Va. – Leaf & Petal is welcoming customers to its new location at 204 Washington Street after celebrating a grand re-opening on Friday, May 23, 2025. 🌿

The shop has moved just around the corner from its former home at 201 Union Street, affectionately described as a “sweet little shop.” The new space carries a bit of local history — it’s where Ogle Harris began selling ice cream and later opened the Ogle Harris & Son grocery store in the early 1900s.


Prince William

OCCOQUAN, Va. – A downed tree and a blown transformer caused road closures and power outages in the Town of Occoquan on Friday evening, prompting a quick response from town officials and utility crews.

Around 7 p.m., a public safety alert from the Town of Occoquan announced that Tanyard Hill Road was closed in both directions between Old Bridge Road and Union Street due to fallen trees. At the same time, a power outage hit the Route 123 traffic light, and drivers were urged to steer clear of the area.


Prince William

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, drivers in Woodbridge can expect some long-term changes and temporary traffic headaches as construction begins on major improvements at the I-95 Exit 160 interchange with Route 123 (Gordon Boulevard).

The $76 million project aims to improve safety, traffic flow, and pedestrian and bicycle access. Among the most noticeable changes will be the removal of the current northbound Route 123 loop ramp to southbound I-95, replaced by a signalized left turn. Crews will also widen the southbound Route 123 ramp to I-95 from one to two lanes and add a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists between Annapolis Way and Devil’s Reach Road.


News

OCCOQUAN, Va. – Plans to extend the popular Occoquan Riverwalk have hit a major roadblock after Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed $1.2 million in state funding that town leaders had counted on to move the project forward.

The veto was one of 37 line-item cuts to the bipartisan budget recently passed by the General Assembly. Governor Youngkin justified the cuts, totaling $900 million, as necessary due to “short-term risks as President Trump resets both fiscal spending in Washington and trade policies.”


News

OCCOQUAN, Va. — Occoquan will host a series of events this weekend aimed at connecting residents with local volunteer opportunities and celebrating the arts.

The Occoquan Volunteer Fair will take place Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to noon at Town Hall. The open-house-style event will feature representatives from the town government, Visit Occoquan, and nonprofit organizations. Attendees can learn about ways to get involved in community events, environmental cleanups, historical preservation, gardening projects, and board service. No RSVP is required, and refreshments will be provided.


Features

OCCOQUAN, Va. — Two new historical markers have been installed in Occoquan, highlighting little-known aspects of the town’s early economic and environmental history.

Funded by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), the markers are located near the Mill House Museum and Mamie Davis Park. The project is part of a broader effort to add interpretive signage along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which runs through the town.


News

OCCOQUAN, Va. — A series of notable developments unfolded at the April 15, 2025, Occoquan Town Council meeting, including a leadership change and updates to the town’s ongoing budget planning.

Councilwoman Nancy Freeborn Britain, who was elected to the Town Council in 2022, formally announced her resignation, citing a new career opportunity that will take her to Staunton during the workweek. Britain was recently hired as the Program Director for a master’s degree program at Mary Baldwin University, where she will oversee 120 students and serve as a department chair.


View More Stories