events | FFXnow

Morning Notes

Published June 6, 2022 at 7:30AM

The former Crate and Barrell building on International Drive in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Truck Fire Shuts Down I-95 South — “Saturday around 4:30 p.m., units were dispatched for a Truck Fire on I-95 South at Mile Marker 161. Multiple Vehicles on fire being transported by 18-Wheeler Vehicle Carrier, located in local lanes. Multiple Lanes were shutdown in southbound lanes. No reported injuries.” [FCFRD/Twitter]

BB Gun Drawn in Reston Over Smoking Confrontation — A security guard was surrounded by 10 juveniles outside a business in the 11900 block of Market Street on May 31 after telling them that smoking was not allowed there. One of the juveniles displayed a handgun that police later determined was “a replica style Glock BB gun.” No injuries were reported, but police intend to seek petitions for charges. [FCPD]

Around Town

Tysons Corner Center lines up a summer of pups, music, and ‘Encanto’

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 27, 2022 at 11:15AM

The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Tysons Corner Center’s Summerfest is back.

The annual line-up of free events at the mall’s Plaza ushers in Memorial Day weekend tomorrow (Friday) with a 7 p.m. screening of the Disney film “Encanto,” the first of five planned outdoor movies.

Around Town

Reston Pride returns for fifth annual festival with ‘dragapella beauty shop quartet’

By Fatimah Waseem

Published May 26, 2022 at 11:15AM

The festival returns this year to Lake Anne Plaza on June 1 (Photo via Chip McCrea Photography).

Reston Pride will return to Lake Anne Plaza this year for its fifth annual festival on June 4.

The annual event follows the theme “You Belong Here” in an effort to engage the LGBTQIA+ community.

Countywide

Fairfax County Democrats plan vigil at NRA HQ after Texas school shooting

By Brandi Bottalico

Published May 25, 2022 at 4:30PM

The exterior of the NRA building in Fairfax (via Google Maps)

Following yesterday’s mass shooting at an elementary school in Texas, Fairfax Democrats plan to host a vigil tonight (Wednesday) at the National Rifle Association’s building in Fairfax.

“Nearly ten years after Sandy Hook, little children and teachers are mass murdered in their classrooms,” the Fairfax County Democratic Committee’s event site reads. “Another young adult male with easy access to assault weapons matches the suburban teen who murdered with racist rage in Buffalo. Take action now. Join us tonight.”

Around Town

Memorial Day weekend brings events solemn and festive to Fairfax County

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 25, 2022 at 3:45PM

The National Museum of the U.S. Army will be open to the public for Memorial Day for the first time (courtesy NMUSA/Flickr)

As a holiday, Memorial Day is a bit of a contradiction.

Coming on Monday (May 30), the actual day is a somber occasion, tracing its origins back to the post-Civil War era as a way to honor military service members killed in war. With the weather heating up and schools winding down, however, Memorial Day has long also been treated as an unofficial kick-off for summer.

Around Town

McLean Day festival returns in full, with ride preview on Friday

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 19, 2022 at 1:30PM

McLean Day returns with amusement park rides like the Himalaya, pictured from 2019 (courtesy McLean Community Center)

Thousands of people are expected to descend on Lewinsville Park Saturday (May 21) for the first full-fledged McLean Day since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

After getting canceled in 2020 and limited to a drive-thru event last year, the McLean Community Center’s annual outdoor festival will return for its 107th year with all of the usual carnival rides, live entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.

Countywide

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published May 18, 2022 at 7:30AM

Jean R. Packard Center at Occoquan Regional Park in Lorton (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

FCPS Condemns Recent Mass Shootings — “Fairfax County Public Schools remains steadfast in our commitment to speak up and speak out against such acts of hatred and domestic terrorism. This past weekend, the Buffalo, New York, and Laguna Woods, California communities experienced unthinkable acts of violence. We grieve with the families who lost loved ones and are suffering.” [FCPS]

Metro Veers Into Another Safety Issue — “Metrorail repeatedly powered the electric third rail while workers were still on the roadway in recent weeks, bypassing safety procedures and putting people at risk of injury and death, according to a new report issued by the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission.” [DCist]

Around Town

Herndon carnival set for June in lieu of annual festival

By Fatimah Waseem

Published May 16, 2022 at 11:15AM

The Herndon Festival has been officially been canceled (via Town of Herndon)

This year’s alternative to the annual Herndon Festival — a carnival — is set for early June.

The Herndon Carnival will come to the Northwest Federal Credit Union (200 Spring Street), bringing rides, games, entertainers, food vendors and a 5k race to the campus.

Around Town

Second annual Tour de Hunter Mill returns to Reston tomorrow

By Fatimah Waseem

Published May 13, 2022 at 10:30AM

The third annual event returns to Reston in May (Photo via Walter Alcorn).

The annual Tour de Hunter Mill bicycle ride returns tomorrow (Saturday), taking riders through scenic routes in Reston and the Town of Vienna.

Introduced last spring by Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, the event is scheduled to take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Riders will start at the Vienna Town Green and continue throughout the district.

News

Reston Town Center renovations force cancellation of concert series

By Fatimah Waseem

Published May 11, 2022 at 9:45AM

Some events held in the Reston Town Center pavilion will be relocated (courtesy Boston Properties)

A popular outdoor entertainment series has been cancelled for the summer as some of Reston Town Center’s public spaces get a facelift.

Reston Concerts on the Town has been cancelled because RTC’s pavilion will not be available for events due to ongoing renovations.