family fun

By Jennifer Halter The newness of summer break is wearing off and, as a result, you may be hearing more comments such as “I’m bored!” or “There’s nothing to do!” around your house. As parents and caregivers, we know that there’s always something that can be done, like cleaning bedrooms, helping with chores, or other household tasks, but the kiddos aren’t trying to listen …

Story and Photos By Amanda Causey Baity When the weather starts to warm up, I always think of movie nights, which my family loves. Movie nights are even more fun when you bring them outdoors. My family only does this a few times a year since it takes a little extra effort, but the results and memories are worth it. On the day of movie …

Story and Photos By Amanda Causey Baity Although National Kite Month took place in April, as long as the wind is blowing and the sun is shining, it’s always a great day to fly a kite. Every time I think about loading up the kids for this activity, I immediately think of “Mary Poppins,” one of my all-time favorite movies. The iconic “Let’s Go Fly …

Provided by Occoquan River Maritime Association (ORMA) More than a hundred and fifty recreational boats are anticipated to take part in the Blessing of the Fleet on May 19. The Occoquan River Maritime Association (ORMA) is sponsoring the event. The Blessing of the Fleet is open to all boats in the area, drawing from a fleet of some 2,500 boats …

Provided by Town of Dumfries The Town of Dumfries holds the distinguished honor of being the oldest-chartered town in Virginia. In colonial days, Dumfries was a major port town bustling with activity from the thriving tobacco trade and the center of commerce, society, and politics in Prince William County. “The history of our town’s charter is an example of how …

Provided by Town of Occoquan The Town of Occoquan and the Occoquan Merchants Guild will host Discover Occoquan Day on Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 10:00 a. m. to 8:00 p. m. in downtown Historic Occoquan. This brand-new event features a full day of free activities for everyone, including a boat parade, interactive classes and free demonstrations hosted by Occoquan …

By Amanda Causey Baity As the spring starts to roll in so do the warmer days. Going to the farmers market is a fun outing for kids, but can also be a great learning experience for them. From an early age, I began taking my children to the farmers market to explain how farmers grow things and why eating healthy is important, as …

By Emma Young Nearly 600 people attended Silver Sparkles Family Fun Day on Saturday, March 3, estimated founder Kristina Schnack Kotlus, owner of PWCMoms.com. Proceeds from the annual family-friendly festival, held at Competitive Edge Sports Center in Woodbridge, benefit brain tumor research. Kotlus began Silver Sparkles Family Fun Day after the diagnosis of her own brain tumor. “Our beneficiary this …

Story and Photos By Amanda Causey Baity One of the few memories I have of my grandmother involves birds. She loved watching birds, feeding them and listening to their beautiful songs. She painted their images on a number of items, which instantly became family heirlooms. After her death, our family continued her love of bird watching, and bird seed was a common item on the weekly grocery …

Provided by Occoquan Merchants  Guild Sponsored by the Occoquan Merchants Guild ~ On Saturday, March 31, participating Occoquan businesses will display creative dioramas using marshmallow Easter Peeps. Dioramas can be based on current events, community happenings, politics, movies, art, science fiction and even pure fantasy.  Visitors to Occoquan will judge each diorama, vote for their favorite and enter the drawing …