Attendees of this weekend’s ViVa Vienna will have an opportunity to give back to the community in more ways than one.
Inova has partnered with Vienna-based Bards Alley Bookshop for a blood drive that will take place during the annual festival this Sunday and Monday (May 24-25).
Inova’s bloodmobile will be stationed in the parking lot of the bookstore’s future home at 103 Church Street NE from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Memorial Day. As of press time, time slots were still available for reservation online for both days.
“Open to neighbors and community members, everyone is welcome!” the event page says.
All donors will receive a free T-shirt from Heroes Supporting Heroes, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that supports military servicemembers and veterans. A photo identification is required, and the donation process takes approximately one hour, according to Inova.
Inova is also offering various rewards, including e-gift cards, to donors who schedule an appointment over Memorial Day weekend from May 22-25 at its donor centers in Centreville, Sterling and Annandale.
View this post on Instagram
Launched in 1984 and organized by the Rotary Club of Vienna since 1997, ViVa Vienna doubles as a celebratory kick-off for the unofficial start of summer and a fundraiser. The club donates all proceeds from vendor spots, sponsorships and other activities to charitable, educational and community organizations.
Now in its 42nd year, the festival will take over the Vienna Town Green and historic Church Street throughout the weekend, starting at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday) with carnival rides, food court vendors and two hours of the Vienna Singing Princesses.
The princesses, who typically also have a popular face-painting booth, kick off an extensive entertainment lineup that will expand to a second stage on Lawyers Road on Sunday. A Memorial Day tribute ceremony is also set for the Town Green stage at 1 p.m. on Monday.
Other highlights include Brewfest, which will serve beers from Caboose Brewing Company, Heritage and Beer Chase Brewery as well as hard ciders and wines from Vienna Vinter. Located on Mill Street, the beer garden will be operating from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and from 2-6 p.m. on Monday.
Drink tickets can be purchased for $8 online through Innovative Ticketing, where carnival ride passes and raffle tickets are also being sold. The raffle drawing will be held on Monday at 5 p.m., with the winner receiving a gift basket from the local shop Cherry Lane Gifts.
The festival’s official parking is at the Vienna Metro station and James Madison High School, with a free shuttle circulating every 20 minutes from 9:45 a.m. to 10:15 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and from 9:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday.
