Countywide

Photographers braved the cold to capture moments from their New Year’s Day hikes for a chance to win the Fairfax County Park Authority’s (FCPA) First Hike Fairfax photo contest.

The annual contest invited Fairfax County residents to submit photos from their first hikes of 2026 on the park authority’s more than 420 parks and 334 miles of trails.


Around Town

Carnival rides, farm animals, live entertainment and more will mingle at Frying Pan Farm Park this week for the 75th annual Fairfax County Carnival and Fair.

Organized by Fairfax County 4-H and the Fairfax County Park Authority, the festivities at 2709 West Ox Road in the Herndon area will kick off this Thursday (July 31), with the carnival rides and games operating from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.


Around Town

The Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival is ready to jump back into the frying pan — Frying Pan Farm, that is.

With carnival rides, farm animals and various family-friendly activities in tow, the 74th annual 4-H Fair will set up shop at Frying Pan Farm Park (2709 West Ox Road) in the McNair area south of Herndon from Aug. 1-4.


News

The historic Ellmore Farmhouse at Frying Pan Farm Park has finished renovations and is now ready to offer programming for adults with disabilities.

The two-story farmhouse, which dates back to 1891, was restored and repurposed by ServiceSource, a national nonprofit that provides employment training and support resources to adults with disabilities.


Around Town

Horse enthusiasts will once again get a chance to enjoy the Annual Horse Expo at Frying Pan Farm Park’s Equestrian Center.

The event, which is set for April 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is open to all and will include equestrian demonstration, a variety of horses in a Parade of Breeds, speeches by expert speakers, and businesses offering horse-related products and services.


Around Town

Fairfax County residents don’t have to head to D.C. to experience the flair of cherry blossoms.

Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon will be the site of a spring celebration to celebrate the arrival of cherry blossoms on Saturday, April 6.


News

The animal family at Frying Pan Farm Park is one member smaller this week following the death of a Belgian draft horse.

Charlie died in his sleep on Feb. 15 at the age of 20, the Fairfax County Park Authority announced last Friday (Feb. 16).


News

Some facility upgrades are in the works for three Fairfax County parks.

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Board approved a total of $55,325 in Mastenbrook grants on Wednesday (Dec. 13) to help fund improvements at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, McLean Central Park and Frying Pan Farm Park south of Herndon.


News

The ducks, turkeys and peafowl at Frying Pan Farm Park now have a reason to celebrate.

A new bird enclosure was recently completed to house the park’s creatures, funded by contributions from the nonprofit Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park. Local officials gathered last Thursday (Aug. 24) to celebrate the grand opening of the project.


Around Town

The third annual Tour de Hunter Mill will return to Reston in May.

Participants take part in three routes that begin and end at Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road).


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