August 6, 2002
<cal1>AUGUST
<cal2>Service Week. An event featuring various community service activities for teens, sponsored by Activities in Motion. Call the Office For Teens at 703-228-7780 or 703-228-4611 (TTY) for times and locations.
National Night Out. An annual event observed in all 50 states. Arlington County Police sponsors the event and encourages residents to turn on their porch lights, hold cookouts, have ice-cream socials, have flashlight walks and do other activities that present opportunities to get to know your neighbors. Call Deputy Chief Hackney at 703-228-4123.
Bolivian Festival. Washington-Lee High School, 1300 N. Quincy St. Call 703-465-7411. Visit www.probolivia.com.
Cambodian Film & Dance. Lubber Run Amphitheatre, N. 2nd and Columbus streets, will host a free event about Cambodia's culture. Call the Office of Multicultural Programs at 703-228-1850 or visit www.arlingtonarts.org.
Ecuadorian Festival. Lubber Run Amphitheater, N. 2nd and Columbus streets, will host a full day of activities, arts & crafts, culture and folklore dances on Aug. 25, from noon-6 p.m. Call the Office of Multicultural Programs at 703-228-1850. Visit www.arlingtonarts.org.
Arlington County Fair. The Arlington County Fair takes place from Aug. 15-18 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S. 2nd St. The fair features exhibits, family entertainment, rides for children, food and more. Shuttle buses leave from the designated Park and Ride areas regularly. Call for information at 703-920-4556 or 703-228-3328. Visit www.arlingtoncountyfair.org. Admission is free.
<cal1>SEPTEMBER
<cal2>Rosslyn Jazz Festival. Free jazz concert from 1-7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Gateway Park, on North Lynn Street at Lee Highway. U.S. Army Blue Jazz Ensemble, Juanita Williams, Jerry Gordon and Harry Wilson. Free. A block and a half from Metro. Call 703-522-6628.
The Seventh Annual Vanguard Foundation National Run for Recovery. The race starts at the Navy Memorial Metro Station on Pennsylvania Avenue and loops around, on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. A 5K run to benefit people in alcohol and drug recovery programs in the Arlington and DC areas. The cost to enter is $15 if participants register before Sept. 14; $20 on race day. Call 703-841-0703, Ext. 97 or visit www.vanguardservices.org.
Argentina Festival. Enjoy an evening full of folklore dances and activities at the Rosslyn Spectrum, 1611 N. Kent St., from 7-10 p.m. on September 22. Call the Office of Multicultural Programs at 703-228-6415 (voice) or 703-228-4611 (TTY).
Fiddlers Contest. Enjoy an afternoon of music at the Lubber Run Amphitheatre, N. 2nd and N. Columbus Streets, and cheer for your favorite fiddler, noon-4 p.m., on Sept. 22. Call the Office of Multicultural Programs at 703-228-6415 (voice) or 703-228-4611 (TTY).
El Savador Festival. Enjoy a full day of activities on Sept. 15, from noon-6 p.m., at Barcroft Park, 4100 S. Four Mile Run Drive. Free. Call 703-538-5909.
<cal1>OCTOBER
<cal2>H.M.S. Pinafore. A production of H.M.S. Pinafore will be performed at the Thomas Jefferson Theatre from Oct. 4-19. Take a journey through the territory of unfulfilled love, mistaken identity, broad comedy and colorful patter songs on the quarter-deck of the H.M.S. Pinafore. Call 703-549-1063.
Earth Science Week. Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, will celebrate the earth sciences. Free program is open to children in grades 1-12. Parents are invited to stay and learn as well. Reservations are required. Call 703-228-6535.
United Nations Day Celebration. Seniors may celebrate at Aurora Hills Senior Center, 735 S 18th St., at noon, Oct. 24. Cost is $5 and pre-registration is required. Call 703-228-5722 by Oct. 21.
Pioneer Day. Each fall, families meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center's Walker Log House, 3608 N. Military Road, to celebrate Arlington's Pioneer Heritage. Pioneer day will be held on Nov. 2 from noon-4 p.m. Enjoy old time games and crafts, tour the log house, see the blacksmiths at work, sample butter fresh from the churn and more. There is a $3 fee. No reservations required. Call 703-228-3403.
Halloween Program. Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road, will present "Trick or Treat Critters and Craft," on Oct. 25 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. For grades 1-2. Find out about the mysterious creatures associated with Halloween: bats, owls and spiders. Decorate a trick or treat bag to take home. There is a $5 fee. Reservations required. Call 703-228-3403.
Trick or Treating. Ballston Common Mall, at the intersection of Glebe Road and Wilson Blvd., will host its 5th annual Halloween Trick or Treating Event from 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 31. Children of all ages are invited to trick or treat throughout the mall free of charge in a safe environment. Visit www.ballston-common.com or call 703-243-8088.
Senior Halloween. Culpepper Garden Senior Action Center, 4435 Pershing Drive, will hold its annual Halloween Party at 1:15 p.m. An intergenerational event. Includes a costume parade by Barrett Elementary School, music and refreshments. Cost is $1. Call 703-228-4403.
Arlington Jaycee's Annual Haunted House. This annual event is held at the Ballston Common Mall beginning in mid-October. Call 703-866-7162 for days and times as the event nears.
Marine Corps Marathon. The annual marathon sponsored by the Washington Post, begins and ends in Arlington at the Iwo Jima Memorial after running its course past Washington's monuments, on Oct. 27, beginning at 8:30 a.m. There will also be a Health Kids Fun Run on Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. Call 703-784-2225 or visit www.marinemarathon.com.
Clarendon Day. A street party held every year. This year's event will be held on Oct. 19, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Clarendon Day features the cuisine of local restaurants, the music of local bands, antiques and collectibles markets, and the art of area craft makers and artists. Call 703-276-0228 or visit www.clarendon.org.
Casino Night. The Animal Welfare League of Arlington will present its annual casino night and silent auction at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Conference Center, 4301 Wilson Blvd. Call 703-931-9241, Ext. 280.
<cal1>NOVEMBER
<cal2>Dia De Los Muertos Celebration. The Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd., will host a community event featuring food, art and performances in observance of the Mexican tradition, Day of the Dead. Free. Call 703-797-4573.
Health Fair. The Arlington Temple United Methodist Church, 1835 N. Nash St. in Rosslyn, will co-sponsor this event with Gold's Gym. Event includes blood pressure checks, chiropractors and body fat evaluations. Also, shoulder and neck massages, yoga and pneumonia and flu shots. Call 703-525-6075.
Thanksgiving Celebration. Seniors may attend festivities at Aurora Hills Senior Action Center. Turkey will be provided; attendees bring the trimmings. Reservations required for sometime around the end of November. Call 703-228-5722.
Light Up Rosslyn. This annual ceremony at Spice of Life Plaza, 1401 Wilson Blvd., includes music by the Arlington Symphony and chorus and refreshments from area restaurants, from 5:30-7 p.m. Call 703 522-6628.
Snow Queen. A family production of the Snow Queen will be performed at Classika Theatre, 4041 S. 28th St., from Nov. 21-Jan. 12. Call 703-824-6200, visit www.classika.org or email info@classika.org for ticket information.
The Nutcracker. The Green Parrot Puppet Theatre will perform the Nutcracker at Classika Theatre, 4041 S. 28th St., from Nov. 29-Jan. 12. Call 703-824-6200, visit www.classika.org or email info@classika.org for ticket information.
<cal1>DECEMBER
<cal2>Messiah Sing-Along. Westover Baptist Church, 1125 N. Patrick Henry Drive, will host the Levine School's annual Messiah Sing-Along. Join 600 choral singers and soloists in a massive rendition of Handel's "Messiah." Free. Call 703-237-5655.
Chamber Meeting. The Arlington Chamber of Commerce will host its annual meeting on Dec. 9 at the Sheraton Crystal City in Arlington. The Chamber will present its incoming officers for 2002. Visit www.arlingtonchamber.org or call 703-525-2400.
Children’s Holiday Shopping Tour. The Arlington Jaycees will hold this annual event in partnership with the Arlington County Offender Aid and Restoration Center. The tour takes 20 of the area's less fortunate children shopping for gifts for the families at a local department store. Volunteers are needed to take children through the store and help wrap the gifts. Call the Jaycees Hotline at 703-866-7162 or visit www.varlingtonjaycees.org.
Christmas Pageant. Little Falls Church, 6025 Little Falls Road, will present its annual Christmas Eve pageant and candlelight service at 5 p.m. Meditation music begins at 10:30 p.m., followed by a candlelight watch hour service at 11 p.m. The public is welcome to this free holiday event. Call 703-538-5230.
‘Tis The Season. The Arlington Planetarium, 1426 N. Quincy St., presents a holiday program that explains the reasons for the seasons, what is solstice and what people have done throughout history to mark it. Reservations suggested. Call 703-228-6070.
Advent Fair. Little Falls Church. 6025 Little Falls Road, will hold its annual event the first Saturday in December, featuring Christmas craft projects for all ages, cookie decorations, a light supper, carols and the making of an advent wreath. Free. Call 703-538-5230.
<cal1>JANUARY
<cal2>Martin Luther King. Thomas Jefferson Theater, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, will host the annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The evening will feature music and dance and readings from award-winning student essays. Sponsored by the Arlington County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Resources. Free. Call 703-228-5210 or 703-228-4743.
The Chinese New Year. The Flat Tops Grill, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, presents the traditional Lion Dance. Celebrate the year of the sheep with special new year foods and festivities. Call 703-528-0078.
"Plaza Suite." TAP will take viewers on a journey to the Plaza Hotel in the Big Apple as three comical situations are played out in Neil Simon's humorous stage performance. The production will be performed at the Thomas Jefferson Theatre from Jan. 31-Feb. 15. Call 703-549-1063 for ticket information.
Hispanic Theater Festival. Teatro de la Luna presents its annual Festival of Hispanic Theater for adults and children at the Gunston Theater Two, 2700 Lang St. Call 703-548-3092 for schedule and ticket information or visit www.teatrodelaluna.com.
<cal1>FEBRUARY
<cal2>Mardi Gras Celebration. The Clarendon Courthouse Mardi Gras begins with a parade at 8 p.m. marching up Wilson Boulevard from Danville Street to the Metro at Highland. Call 703-276-0228.
<cal1>MARCH
<cal2>"Uncle Venya." Classic adult Russian stories will be told at the Classika theatre, 4041 S. 28th St., from March 21-May 4. Call 703-824-6200, visit www.classika.org or email info@classika.org for ticket information.
The Fifth Annual Northern Virginia Homeless Memorial Day Concert And Luncheon. From noon-2 p.m. on March 14. Guest speakers and music performed by members of the Mount Vernon Orchestra Association. Free. Call Gene Culbertson at 703-751-1080, Ext. 5.
Spanish-Language Book Fair. Arlington Public Schools will hold their annual Spanish-Language Book Fair at Francis Scott Key Elementary School, 2300 Key Blvd. Call Arlington Public Schools Community Outreach Specialist Ricardo E. Campos at 703-228-7208.
Career Expo. Arlington Public Schools will hold its 3rd annual Career Expo at the Arlington Career Center, 816 Walter Reed Drive. High school students will explore post-secondary education and career options at information booths and through hands-on demonstrations. Apply for summer jobs and meet with professionals. Call Nancy Opsut at 703-228-5731.
<cal1>APRIL
<cal2>Spring Fair. Glebe Elementary School, 1770 Glebe Road. Pony rides, moon bounce, face painting, games and more. Admission is free. Call the PTA at 703-522-9654.
Tax Blues Night. Clarendon's annual farewell to tax season. April 15, 6 p.m.-midnight at the Clarendon Post Office, Washington Boulevard and Hudson Street. Entertainment includes rock, blues, youth singers and belly dancers. Free. Call 703-276-0228.
The 11th Annual Columbia Heights West Pride Day Festival and Mini-Parade. Tyrol Hills Playground, 4900 S. 7th Road. Parade begins at Greenbriar Baptist Church, 5401 S. 7th Road. Call 703 228-6431.
"The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." The Thomas Jefferson Theatre will present this musical comedy from April 25-May 10. Call 703-549-1063 for ticket information.
<cal1>MAY
<cal2>Arlington Tourism Month. Festivals and tourist attractions will spring up all over the community this month. Call 703-228-5720 or 1-800-677-6267 for more details.
Neighborhood Day. A parade at 2 p.m., the Saturday before Mother's Day each year, from the Clarendon Metro to N. Wayne Street. Multicultural festival in Courthouse Plaza, 2100 Clarendon Blvd. Events throughout the county. Call 703-228-3952.
Taste of Arlington. Ballston Common Mall, 4238 Wilson Blvd. Street festival with restaurants, entertainment, crafts, auctions and more. Free admission. Ticket books available. Benefits the Community Residences program. Visit www.TasteofArlington.com.
Columbia Pike Blues Festival. A free event held every year on Walter Reed Drive on the north side of Columbia Pike. Food, crafts and music. Call 703-892-2776 or visit www.columbiapikepartnership.com
<cal1>JUNE
<cal2>Ice Cream Social. The Pilot Club of Arlington will hold this annual event on June 20 at the Lyon Village Community House, 1920 N. Highland St., from 6:30-9 p.m. Call Sally Sullivan at 703-532-3038.
The Seventh Annual Music for Moms Concert benefiting the Borromeo Housing Community. The concert is free, but there is a suggested $10 donation. Contact Nick Baric at 703-228-6535 or nbaric67@msn.com.
The Clarendon Cup. The U.S. Postal Service Clarendon Cup is an annual event featuring a course that is 1 km in length, beginning at the Clarendon Metro stop. Professional athletes and local riders participate with thousands of spectators watching. Kid's Race and Women's Race. Visit www.arlingtonsports.com.
<cal>JULY
A Taste of Cultures Day. The Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC) will host an event at the end of July from noon-4 p.m., at the Walter Reed Community Center, featuring traditional ethnic foods, music and art in celebration of the diverse cultures and heritage of the area's immigrant community. This year's celebrations will include music and dancing from African, Asian, Latin American, and European cultures; Ethiopian and Caribbean food; African artwork and jewelry; and face painting for the children. Call 703-685-0510, Ext. 227 or visit hanan.bedri@ecdcinternational.org.
Battle of the Bands. Cheer for your favorite band at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S. 2nd St., in July. Event is sponsored by Activities in Motion. Call Office For Teens at 703-228-7781 or 703-228-4611 (TTY).
Summer Watershed Cleanup. Adults, teens and families are invited to join Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment at Barcroft Park, 4100 S. Four Mile Run. Educational activities are also planned. Free. Call 703-228-6427.
Summer Salon at the Ellipse Arts Center. This is an exhibition in all media featuring the work of artists who live, work, or maintain studios in Arlington. Free. Call 703-228-7710.
<cal1>OnGoing
<cal2>Farmers Markets. An open-air market featuring a wide selection of produce, flowers, herbal soaps, eggs, cheeses, meats, breads and other baked goods runs through Dec. 21, on Saturdays, from 8 a.m.-noon, at Courthouse Plaza, North 14th Street and North Courthouse Road. Free parking in the lot behind the Arlington Executive Building at 2009 N. 14th St. Call 703-228-6423 or visit www.arlingtonfarmersmarket.com.
On Wednesdays, from 3-7 p.m., through October, there's a farmers market at Clarendon Metro Park adjacent to the Metro station entrance. Look for a variety of regional fresh and homemade goods.
Thursdays through November, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., check out the farmers market in Rosslyn at 1401 Wilson Blvd. Produce and flea market featuring glassware, photography, crafts and more. Every third Thursday, an artists market is also presented. Call Lynn Shulsinger of Spice of Life Café at 703-524-2066.
Another convenient farmers market is located at Pike Park on Columbia Pike at South Walter Reed Drive. Market is open every Sunday from May 6 through the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Call 703-892-2776.
Antiques and Collectibles Market. The Clarendon Antiques and Collectibles Market, a year-round Saturday event, is located at 2900 Wilson Blvd. About 50 vendors participate from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free parking available at 3033 Wilson Blvd.
The Arlington Civilian Flea Market and Community Garage Sale. The first Saturday of the month from 7 a.m.-1 p.m., April-November. The sale is held at the garage over I-66, next to the Board of Education and Washington-Lee High School at N. Quincy and N. Washington streets. Call Philip Rickey at 703-525-9840 or visit www.civitan.org/userpages/Arlington.html.
Community Market. Arlington's West End Community Market features arts and crafts made by local residents and fresh produce grown by local farmers every third Sunday through October, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Arlington Mill Community Center parking lot, 4875 Columbia Pike. Call Jennifer Abel at 703-228-6417 on weekdays, or Eileen Kenna at 703-845-1817 on weekends.
Public Swimming Pools. From summer into fall, the county operates four swimming pools open to the public. Call for hours of operation: Upton Hill Regional Park, 6060 Wilson Blvd. (703-534-3437); Yorktown, 5201 28th St. N. (703-536-9639); Washington-Lee, 1300 N. Quincy St. (703-228-6262); and Wakefield, 4901 S. Chesterfield Road (703-578-3063).
Ball-Sellers House, 5620 S. Third St. (opposite Kenmore Middle School), is open for the season on Saturdays through Oct. 26, from 1-4 p.m. Log cabin built in 1750 with historical displays, furnishings of the period and a demonstration garden. Special events through the season. Call 703-892-4204.
Stop in for Stories. Presented for children 2-4 at 11 a.m., Thursdays, at 735 S. 18th St. in Aurora Hills. Call 703-228-5715. Also, Fridays at 10 a.m., ages 3-6, at the Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Call 703-228-5990. No registration is required.
Tiny Tots and Preschool Programs Long Branch (703-228-6535) and Gulf Branch (703-228-3403) nature centers offer programs for children 1 1/2 years through the end of their second year and preschool-age children. Morning and afternoon programs available. There is a $1 fee per child, payable on the day of the program. Reservations must be made by phone only during the month the program is offered.
Master Gardeners' Plant Clinic at Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., at 7 p.m. Each Thursday, gardening and plant-care advice and identification is dispersed. Call 703-228-6400.
Arlington Arts Al Fresco. Held throughout the summer, free performances at locations around Arlington feature music and dance for all ages. Call 703-228-1850 or visit www.arlingtonarts.org.
Military Band Concerts. Held from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 3700 Four Mile Run Drive. These free concerts feature at various times the Army Band (703-696-3399), the Navy Band (202-433-2525), the Marine Band (202-433-4011) and the Air Force Band (202-767-5658).
Marine Corps Sunset Parades. Every Tuesday evening at the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and the Silent Drill Team are featured. Call 202-433-6060.
Latin Dance for Teens. Learn to dance different types of Latin dance: salsa, merengue, mambo and cha-cha. Teens also practice their leadership skills as they teach others. Free classes take place on Tuesdays (4-6 p.m.) and Thursdays (3-5 p.m.) at the Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center, 4200 S. Four Mile Run. Call 703-228-7783.
Puppy Parties. Join other dog owners on Saturdays from 9-11 a.m. at the fenced-off area inside Shirlington Dog Exercise Area, located along the bicycle path behind a storage facility along South Four Mile Run (between Shirlington Road and South Walter Reed Drive). One-year old or younger puppies with proof of vaccinations are welcome. A volunteer will be on hand to answer questions. Call 703-578-0522, or visit www.arlingtondogs.org.
Senior Travel. The county's Office of Senior Adult Programs (OSAP) offers a variety of travel opportunities and day excursions throughout the year. Seniors need to join OSAP to access the travel program at an annual cost of $5. Call Mimi Fitzgerald at 703-228-4749.
Senior Walking Clubs. There are four senior walking clubs in Arlington sponsored by senior action centers. Call the Office of Senior Adult Programs at 703-228-4744.