<cal1>FEBRUARY
<cal2>The Chocolate Lover's Festival runs Feb. 1-2 throughout the City of Fairfax and includes the Chocolate Challenge display of chocolate baked goods, carvings, sculptures, and creations by local chefs both amateur and professional, as well as the Taste of Chocolate event for sampling a variety of culinary delights. There are children's events, games, and more. Fee is minimal. Call 703-591-2450.
<cal1>MARCH
<cal2>Annual genealogy conference, sponsored by the Fairfax Genealogical Society, is held every year in March. The conference is an all-day, in-depth presentation by nationally known genealogists designed to enhance your genealogical research skills. Members of the Fairfax Genealogical Society receive a discount of $5 off the registration fee. This year’s conference will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2003 at the Fairview Marriott.
<cal1>APRIL
<cal2>Business Showcase. The Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a free presentation on April 24 by business members, to include lectures on various business activities and opportunities. Displays of more than 200 exhibitors. Prizes and more. Call 703-591-2450.
<cal1>JUNE
<cal2>Celebrate Fairfax, a three-day festival held the second weekend after Memorial Day at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax, features vendors, entertainment, a laser show, fireworks, carnival rides and more. Call 703-324-FAIR or 1-800-880-6629.
<cal1>AUGUST
<cal2> A tea, sponsored by the League of Women Voters to celebrate the anniversary of the Woman Suffrage Amendment, will be held Aug. 25, 2002 and include musical entertainment. The event is open to the public. The League is a non-partisan organization that encourages citizens to play an informed and active role in government. May become an annual event. Call 703-658-9150.
<cal1>SUMMER
<cal2>Braddock Nights concert series at Royal Lake Park and Lake Acotink Park, every Friday in June, July and August. Call the park department at 703-324-8566.
<cal1>SUMMER/FALL
<cal2>Burke Centre Farmers Market is held every Saturday, May through October, from 8 a.m. – noon at the VRE Parking Lot, 5671 Roberts Parkway. Free. No dogs. Call 703-941-7987.
Fairfax Farmer’s Market, every Tuesday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., May through October. Van Dyck Park on Old Lee Highway, Route 237, Fairfax. Free. Call 703-941-7987.
<cal1>SEPTEMBER
<cal2>Annual Golf Outing sponsored by the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce. Open to chamber members, other business, and guests. Teams are formed to complete the 18-hole course; prizes are given for best team score and other golfing activities. Event takes place Sept. 9, and fee is varying. Call 703-591-2450.
The Burke Centre 25th annual Fall Festival, which attracts 12-13,000 people from all over Northern Virginia, includes food venders, games for kids, magic and puppet shows, a wine festival, and bingo. Many local radio stations, as well as the police and fire department, also attend. There is also free admission and a free shuttle bus service. This year’s festival will be held Sept. 14 and 15 on the Burke Centre Conservancy grounds. Call 703-978-2928.
<cal1>OCTOBER
<cal2>Fall for Fairfax, including entertainment, health, fitness, and educational activities takes place in October on the eight-acre ellipse behind the Government Center, 10 a.m. -4:30 p.m.
Ghost train ride is held weekends in October at Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Road in Fairfax Station. Call 703-323-6600 for exact dates and times.
Candy hunt for kids, as well as a bone hunt for dogs and a dog costume contest, held around Halloween time at Lake Acotink Park in Springfield. Call 703-569-3464.
The Memory Walk, sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter will be held in October. Call Sandra Fields at 1-866-259-0042 (ex. 114).
<cal1>DECEMBER
<cal2> The Red Ribbon Run, a 5k road race sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, will be held Dec. 31. Call 703-352-3944.
New Year's Eve Party will be held at American Legion, 6520 Amherst Ave. in Springfield. Call 703-440-0336.