Families and adventure seekers in Stafford County can gear up for a fun-filled outdoor experience this spring as Blue and Terrence’s Excellent Egg Venture returns for another year. The event, which kicked off on April 1, 2025, encourages participants to explore local parks and tourism sites while hunting for hidden eggs and earning prizes.

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Hundreds gathered at Stafford Hospital on Wednesday afternoon to witness the unveiling of a historical marker commemorating Walker’s Inn. This once-thriving community hub served as a social and cultural landmark for African Americans in Stafford County during the mid-20th century.

The dedication ceremony, part of the Stafford African American Heritage Trail initiative, brought together descendants of the Walker family, local leaders, historians, and community members to celebrate the long-overdue recognition of Walker’s Inn and its role in Stafford’s Black history.

The event was a testament to the power of memory and preservation, featuring powerful speeches from Xavier Richardson, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer of Mary Washington Healthcare, and Connie Hilker, President of the Stafford Historical Society.

A Gathering Place for Generations

According to the historical marker outside the hospital, Walker’s Inn, founded in 1941 by Andrew “Norfolk” Walker and Rosie Tyler Walker, was more than just a restaurant—it was a beacon of joy and resilience during segregation.

Located on what is now Stafford Hospital’s campus, the inn served Black soldiers from Quantico and Fort A.P. Hill and families from Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and beyond. It hosted legendary musicians like B.B. King and Dinah Washington, providing a rare and cherished space for African Americans to dance, celebrate, and build community.

Xavier Richardson, a Fredericksburg native, spoke of the profound regional impact of Walker’s Inn.

“I always knew about Walker’s Inn. I’m 67 years old, so I was never old enough to go to Walker’s Inn. But thank God, on this day, at 67 years old, I finally made it to Walker’s Inn,” he said to applause.

Though he never visited the inn in its heyday, he recounted how it drew people from across the region.

“Even though it was Stafford, people came from all over to party at Walker’s Inn. So I was told. I heard it vicariously. But I’m so proud that this is a part of the history of Stafford, and it’s being recognized as a part of the history of Stafford. And most importantly, that it’s a part of the history of this place—Stafford Hospital.”

Richardson also emphasized that the community owns Stafford Hospital, just as it now owns the story of Walker’s Inn.

“Do you know who owns Stafford Hospital? Look in the mirror. It’s you. We are a non-profit organization. We belong to the residents of this community. I want you to feel that every time you walk through the halls, that you own a piece of this place.”

Introducing the African American Heritage Trail

The Walker’s Inn marker is one of 24 stops along the newly launched Stafford County African American Heritage Trail, a self-guided digital and mobile tour that highlights the contributions of African Americans throughout three centuries of history.

Hilker formally introduced the trail at the event, expressing her excitement and personal connection to the project.

“This project perfectly fits into the mission at the Stafford County Historical Society, as we continue to collect stories of people and places in Stafford, to research and document the facts of those stories with primary sources, to collect supporting material like photos and artifacts to further enhance those stories,” Hilker said.

The trail highlights key moments in Stafford’s Black history, from:

• Stories of enslavement and resistance at 18th and 19th-century plantations
• The self-emancipation of thousands of enslaved people crossing the Rappahannock River to Union encampments in the 1860s
• The emergence of Black churches as centers of community and hope
• Mid-20th-century entertainment and social hubs like Walker’s Inn

“History Is Not Static”

Hilker grew emotional as she spoke about the story of Anthony Burns, an enslaved man who was held at Hartwood, Virginia, before escaping to Boston, where he became a national symbol of the abolitionist movement. She emphasized how new historical discoveries continue to reshape Stafford’s story.

“This is just one example to show that history is not a static thing. It grows and evolves as new sources are discovered and as existing stories are reexamined in the context of these discoveries,” she said.

Hilker also underscored the urgency of preserving marginalized histories, particularly in light of recent efforts to erase records of minority communities at the national level.

“With this trail, we honor the African Americans of Stafford by featuring the stories of their lives and accomplishments. And I believe it is the digital version of ‘Say Their Name.’”

The Stafford Race Series is set to kick off on April 5, 2025, with four races scheduled throughout the year, bringing together runners, families, and fitness enthusiasts for a community-driven experience.

The first race in the series, the Stafford Hospital Spring Fever 5K, will take place at Stafford Hospital. Three additional races will follow: the Airport 5K on September 13, the Halloween 5K on October 25, and the Frosty 5K on December 13.

“The Stafford Race Series started in 2017 or 2018, and it has been going strong ever since,” said Lisa Logan, Tourism Program Director for Stafford County. “Obviously, things took a little bit of a break during COVID, but because people could do outdoor activities, the races didn’t stop for long. We’ve had over 100 people complete all four races in previous years, and most races see between 400 and 500 participants.”

A Series That Encourages Community and Fitness
Each race provides an opportunity for participants to explore different parts of Stafford while engaging in a fun and healthy activity.

“It’s a great way to get people outside, running, and spending time with family,” Logan said. “The community partnerships involved—like the hospital and the airport—really help make this a unique experience.”

For those who complete all four races, the Stafford Race Series offers exclusive participation medals and cash prizes for top finishers.

“If you complete all four races, there are cash prizes and participation medals,” Logan explained. “But more importantly, you get out there, exercise, and see different places Stafford has to offer.”

Themed Races Add to the Excitement
Two of the races in the series—the Halloween 5K and the Frosty 5K—are known for their festive themes, attracting runners who embrace the spirit of the season.

“The Halloween 5K is always a blast,” Logan said. “Everyone shows up in costumes, and it’s fun to see families dress up in themes together. It really makes for an entertaining event.”

The Frosty 5K in December brings a wintery holiday atmosphere, often featuring family-friendly activities and special giveaways.

“My family did the Halloween 5K, and it was so much fun,” Logan added. “I don’t do a lot of running myself, but my husband, children, and granddaughter all participated, and they had a great time.”

Growing Participation and Registration
Over the years, the Stafford Race Series has drawn consistent participation, with each race featuring between 400 and 500 runners.

“The last Frosty 5K had 110 people complete all four races in the series,” Logan said. “It’s a great way to stay active throughout the year, and a lot of people enjoy the camaraderie.”

For those interested in participating, registration details and race information are available at tourstaffordva.com.

Race Series Schedule

• April 5, 2025 – Stafford Hospital Spring Fever 5K
• September 13, 2025 – Airport 5K
• October 25, 2025 – Halloween 5K (Jeff Rouse Center)
• December 13, 2025 – Frosty 5K (Jeff Rouse Center)

Following concerns over underage drinking and unregulated alcohol consumption, the Manassas City Council has implemented a new policy to limit the number of events held downtown. The decision, discussed at the October 21 council meeting, aims to reduce the strain on city resources and improve public safety, particularly for the popular First Friday gatherings in Downtown Manassas.

The policy will reserve one weekend each month as a “respite weekend,” when no significant events will be held in downtown, allowing city infrastructure and staff a much-needed break. Furthermore, city officials are considering reducing the frequency of First Fridays and other recurring events to manage safety risks and improve the experience for residents and local businesses.

Concerns surrounding First Fridays, a popular monthly event featuring a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) where patrons can carry alcohol in marked zones, have escalated in recent months. Text messages exchanged on September 6, 2024, between Interim City Manager Doug Keen and Police Captain Tara Petty revealed growing worries about underage drinking and attendees bringing alcohol purchased outside the event’s permitted areas, including from nearby liquor and convenience stores. The DORA guidelines specify that alcohol should only be purchased from local restaurants participating in the event.

Still, city officials report that many patrons bypass these regulations, undermining public safety and harming local businesses.

“We’re thrilled that Old Town is such a popular destination,” Keen said, “but the high volume of events, particularly First Fridays, has created ongoing safety challenges that we need to address for the well-being of residents, businesses, and visitors.”

As part of the new policy, the city will also evaluate event permits to restrict how often individual organizations can host events in downtown. Some community members have voiced concerns that the abundance of large gatherings, while beneficial for tourism, has led to congestion, parking shortages, and noise, impacting the area’s day-to-day quality of life.

Local businesses have had mixed responses to the policy. Many welcome the changes, citing disruptions during First Fridays and other events that draw large crowds. Business owners note that while events are valuable for drawing new patrons, the influx of people—often with alcohol brought in from outside—can deter regular customers.

“Manassas has become a hub of activity, which is wonderful,” said Councilmember Ralph Smith. “But our priority has to be ensuring these events don’t overburden the community or compromise public safety. This policy lets us strike a balance between tourism and community needs.”

In response, event organizers and local businesses are working with city officials to adjust to the new policy and promote safer, more sustainable event practices. Some First Friday organizers are exploring measures like increased signage about DORA guidelines and added police presence to address potential safety risks.

The city plans to review the new policy after one year, gathering feedback from residents, businesses, and event organizers to ensure it meets the community’s needs.

The City of Fredericksburg will open a new Visitor Center on November 1, 2024, moving from 706 Caroline Street to 601 Caroline Street. The center will serve as a hub for tourists and provide information about local attractions and events.

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