Frying Pan Farm Park

Published October 23, 2026 at 3:45PM

Jubilee and her handler race down the track. (Staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

A crowd cheered on the winner of a race last night (Thursday) at Frying Pan Farm Park, as she approached the finish line. But Jubilee could only be coaxed to wear her crown and sash for a reluctant minute: for a Jersey cow, alfalfa and grains from local breweries were the true prize.

Jubilee was one of seven bovine contenders who took to the “track” — a smooth path around a corral — during the seventh annual NASCOW FundRACER to help support the animals at the farm (2709 West Ox Road) in the Frying Pan area south of Herndon.

Around Town

Cows compete for crown in annual NASCOW race to benefit Frying Pan Farm

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published October 21, 2026 at 1:45PM

2025 NASCOW winner JoJo with her crown and sash (Courtesy Laura B. Poindexter)

Frying Pan Farm Park’s popular bovine competition, billed as “the slowest race you will ever cheer for,” is set to return to the Herndon-area park this week.

Seven cows will take to the “race track” Thursday evening (Oct. 22) for the seventh annual NASCOW FundRACER at the farm (2709 West Ox Road) in the Frying Pan area south of Herndon. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with cows taking to the track at 6 p.m.

Around Town

Annual Fairfax County Carnival and 4-H Fair return to Frying Pan Farm Park tomorrow

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 29, 2026 at 3:45PM

People watch a horse demonstration at the 2025 Fairfax County 4-H Fair (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The annual Fairfax County Carnival and Fair will return to Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon tomorrow (Thursday) for four days of food, rides and animals.

Now in its 76th year, the event serves as the county’s signature summer celebration and a showcase for the local 4-H organization, which promotes agriculture, civic engagement, science and healthy living through a variety of programs for kids aged 5 to 18.

Countywide

First Hike Fairfax photo contest opens voting for People’s Choice Award

By Emily Leayman

Published January 9, 2026 at 3:50PM

Joshua Brick's photo of a bird at Huntley Meadows Park won Best in Show for wildlife in the 2026 First Hike Fairfax contest (courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority)

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

Fairfax County Carnival and Fair brings summer fun for 75th year this week

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 29, 2025 at 8:30AM

Visitors leaving the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair (via Fairfax County Park Authority/Facebook)

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

Fairfax County’s 4-H Fair to return to Frying Pan Farm for 74th year

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 26, 2024 at 2:30PM

Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival attendees pet a lamb (via Fairfax County Park Authority/Twitter)

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

Historic Ellmore Farmhouse reopens with new cafe and gift shop run by people with disabilities

By James Jarvis

Published May 2, 2024 at 2:30PM

Elmore House Service Source ribbon cutting ceremony on May 1, 2024 (courtesy of ServiceSource)

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

Annual horse expo returns to Frying Pan Farm next month

By Fatimah Waseem

Published March 29, 2024 at 11:00AM

The annual horse expo returns to Frying Pan Farm Park next month (courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority)

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

Spring celebration to take over Frying Pan Farm Park next month

By Fatimah Waseem

Published March 15, 2024 at 2:30PM

Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon (staff photo by James Jarvis)

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

Belgian draft horse dies at Frying Pan Farm

By Fatimah Waseem

Published February 20, 2024 at 3:45PM

Charlie, a longtime horse at Frying Pan Farm Park, died from a stomach infection last week (via Fairfax County Park Authority)

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).