By Delia Engstrom
Celebrate the year round beauty of our community and support the organization that helps keep it that way by attending the Keep Prince William Beautiful Festival. On Saturday, April 23, the local nonprofit group Keep Prince William Beautiful (KPWB) will partner with the Potomac Nationals to transform the grounds of Pfitzner Stadium into a family, pet and earth-friendly event. From 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p. m. the festival will showcase local businesses, non-profits, and food vendors that have joined together to promote the mission of KPWB.
A certified affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, the largest community improvement organization in the United States, Keep Prince William Beautiful leads local programs highlighting litter removal and prevention, community beautification, and water quality improvement. In the last year alone, their efforts were responsible for removing over 100,000 pounds of litter from the greater Prince William County area. They believe that the goal of maintaining a beautiful Prince William County is found through environmental education of residents and businesses- and what better way to bring the two together than through a fun-filled festival!
An affordable $5.00 admission fee grants you access to as much fun as you can fit into a beautiful spring day. The whole family will enjoy music provided by local artists as you visit with exhibitors and enjoy educational showcases. Opportunities for everything from soap making to massage therapy will be available, along with plenty of pet-friendly vendors that will have treats and water for your leashed pet.
A wonderful opportunity for attendees to interact with their everyday heroes and those that operate their favorite vehicles can be found at the Touch-a-Truck section of the festival. Hands-on experiences are available with fire trucks, garbage trucks, race cars, cranes and more. Scheduled “quiet times” for Touch-a-Truck will be posted at the event, giving parents and children a chance to enjoy the area without the potential for engine, siren, and horn noise.
More vehicle fun awaits visitors that have worked up an appetite at the Food Truck area. A variety of trucks will be in attendance offering everything from healthy and organic menu items to the ever-popular deep fried Oreos. Eager contestants can line up at the prize wheel supplied by Glory Days Grill where every spin is a win and prizes range from free menu items to gift cards.
Children are sure to enjoy a chance to experience the inflatables and additional games inside the stadium at the Potomac National’s Kids Zone. PWL The Boy Scouts will also provide a large rock climbing wall for those youngsters that want to get a better view of the Keep Prince William Beautiful Festival.
If you’re interested in adding to your current landscaping and gaining some much-needed shade to get your through the summer months, tree seedlings will be available from Bartlett Tree Experts. Be sure to visit the Keep Prince William Beautiful table and take advantage of a limited time offer. KPWB membership cards will be available for a discounted festival rate of $10.00. Yearly membership with Keep Prince William Beautiful grants you a 10% discount at nearly 20 local businesses. All proceeds directly support efforts of KPWB within the community. Kids and adults that visit the Friends of the Occoquan booth will have an opportunity to help paint a rain barrel that will be donated back to KPWB for their annual Tropical Escape fundraiser and silent auction.
Held on May 26 at Bahama Breeze in Potomac Mills, attendees enjoy live music, unlimited appetizers, and complimentary drinks with their $40.00 Tropical Escape ticket purchase. The silent auction receives numerous donations of amazing gifts and services, even including a week-long camp stay valued at over $2,000.00. This event consistently sells out and advance registration is required. Please visit tropical-escape.eventbrite.com to secure your opportunity to win fabulous prizes and mingle with top business and community leaders all while supporting Keep Prince William Beautiful.
Create a beautiful today, and leave a beautiful tomorrow on April 23 by attending the Keep Prince William Beautiful Festival. Pfitzner Stadium is located at 7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge VA 22191. Visit kpwb.org for the most up-to-date information on the festival, future events and volunteer opportunities or visit them on Facebook. Any local businesses that are interested in securing a limited spot at the festival are encouraged to contact Keep Prince William Beautiful as soon as possible. They can be reached at (571)285-3772 or at info@kpwb.org.
Delia Engstrom is a writer and photographer that has lived all over the country, but currently calls Prince William County home. She enjoys traveling near and far, usually with her family in tow and her camera slung over her shoulder.
