Occoquan

News

Volunteer Fair, Art Receptions, and Workshops Highlight Busy Weekend in Occoquan

By Potomac Local 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.

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Features

New Historic Markers Shed Light on Occoquan’s Past

By Potomac Local News
Overlooking Occoquan [Photo: Occoquan Town Instagram page]

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.

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News

Nancy Freeborn Britain Resigns from Occoquan Town Council; Bob Love Appointed to Fill Term

By Potomac Local 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.

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Press Release

Date Night Spotlight: Bistro L’Hermitage, Occoquan

By Potomac Local News

Tucked away in a charming cottage near historic Occoquan, Bistro L’Hermitage offers an authentic French dining experience that transports guests straight to the heart of Provence. Its warm lighting, classic French bistro décor, and intimate atmosphere make it the perfect setting for a romantic evening or a special celebration.?

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Press Release

Springtime Sweets and Whimsy: Peeps Week Pops to Life in Occoquan

By Potomac Local News
Buona Peep-etito! D’Rocco’s gets sweet and saucy with this pasta-perfect nod to Lady and the Tramp. Mangia, marshmallows [Photo: Visit Occoquan via Facebook]

Now in its 8th year, the town’s beloved Peeps Show is officially underway, running from April 15 through April 19, and it’s got local businesses, families, and kids competing — and laughing — with displays built entirely out of those colorful, sugary springtime staples: Peeps.

“It’s a lot of fun and it’s a family-friendly event for kids of all ages and adults,” said Sarah Burzio, executive director of Visit Occoquan.

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News

Occoquan Town Council Looks to Expand Riverwalk, Address Long-Term Maintenance Needs

By Uriah Kiser
Occoquan riverwalk. [Photo: Occoquan Town Government Facebook page]

The Occoquan Town Council is moving forward with plans to expand its Riverwalk and is weighing long-term maintenance strategies to protect the existing waterfront walkway.

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News

Will Prince William County Absorb Training Costs for Town Police?

By Uriah Kiser
Weir

The Board of County Supervisors has directed staff to review agreements between the Prince William County Police Department and incorporated towns regarding using the Mike Pennington Scenario-Based Training Center. The move comes after Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Weir requested a formal review of the Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) governing town law enforcement agencies’ access to the facility.

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News

Occoquan Town Council Moves Forward with Business Recruitment Study

By Uriah Kiser

The Occoquan Town Council has directed town staff to research the feasibility of a business recruitment program.

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News

Developer Seeks Changes as Costs Rise for The Mill at Occoquan Project

By Uriah Kiser
A rendering of the "Mill at Occoquan" presented in 2019.

The long-awaited Mill at Occoquan development faces financial hurdles. The project’s developer, Kevin Sills, is reaching out to the town council to discuss potential changes in the project’s scope.

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Features

Love, Music, and Classic Rock: Big Fat Doug Belford Experience Heats Up Occoquan

By Mike Salmon
Big Fat Daddy with Meri Schaefer and Brian Curtiss and John David Coppola with the peace sign. [Photo: Mike Salmon]

This combination of musicians is called “Big Fat Doug Belford Experience,” they rocked out a healthy list of covers for the appreciative crowd. The band was a combo of three members of a band called “Big Fat Daddy,” featuring Meri Schaefer, Brian Curtiss, John David Coppola on bass, and three others from Doug Belford Experience, which featured Doug Belford, Meri Schaefer, and Brian Curtiss. Meri Schaefer and Brian Curtiss play in both bands.

Sure, some of the songs are well-known covers from the heyday of rock and roll, but people dig those songs anyway. A beer or two feeds that love the staples in their rock list, including “Maneater” from Hall and Oates, “Psycho Killer” by the Talking Heads, and “Cinnamon Girl” by Neil Young. The tempo of the night stretched far and wide.

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