<cal1>SEPT. 25-26
<cal2>A Children's Consignment Sale will take place at Church of the Apostles in Fairfax. The hours are Thursday, Sept. 25 from noon to 8 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be clothing, toys, books and equipment for infants and children as well as maternity clothes at one of the area's largest consignment sales. Most items half-price on Sept. 26. Entrance between noon and 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 25 is by number. Numbers are given out starting at 10 a.m. The address is 3500 Pickett Rd., Fairfax. Call Carolyn Courtright Smith at 703-321-2210.
<cal1>FRIDAY/SEPT. 26
<cal2>Pack 1862 is now accepting boys ages 6-10 into Cub Scouting in the Cub Run area. Parents of boys should attend the first Pack meeting, Friday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m., also in the Cub Run cafeteria. Call Heather Blersch at 703-815-8565.
<cal1>SEPT. 26-27
<cal2>Center for the Arts' Pied Piper Theatre announces auditions for its musical production of "The Hobbit." Actors, singers and dancers ages 8-18 are needed for this adventure that precedes the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Auditions will be held in Woodbridge on Friday, Sept. 26 and Saturday, Sept. 27 with possible callbacks on Sunday, Sept. 28. Directed by Vincent Worthington, performances will be Jan. 17, 18, 24 and 25 at Woodbridge High School. Auditions are by appointment only. Call the Center for the Arts at 703-330-ARTS.
<cal1>SEPT. 26-28
<cal2>Fall for the Arts, a juried, contemporary art festival, will be held on the grounds of the Ellipse at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. The event will feature 180 award-winning artists from across the country, as well as a wine tasting with eight of Virginia’s finest wineries. Tasty cuisine from some of the area’s best restaurants and an entertainment stage with light jazz and a cappella round out the festival.
The festival will be open Friday, Sept. 26, 4-7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27 , 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission for the fine arts festival is $5, with an additional charge for food and wine. Because of the shorter hours on Friday evening, wine will be available by the glass from individual wineries; admission for the wine tasting on Saturday and Sunday is $10. Contact Celebrate Fairfax at 703-324-3247 or 1-800-880-6629. Visit www.FallForTheArts.com.
The Capital Home Show will be held at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly Sept. 26-28. The remodeling and decorating show features more than 350 exhibitors, celebrity experts, seasonally-decorated design rooms, "how-to" workshops and "Hot Picks." Scheduled celebrities include Andrew Dan-Jumbo of TLC's "While You Were Out," Michael Payne of HGTV's "Designing for the Sexes," Peter Fallico of HGTV's "This Small Space," and Hugh McMahon, master pumpkin carver. The hours are Friday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 703-378-0910.
<cal1>SATURDAY/SEPT. 27
A Nepalese organization will host an evening of rock and blues music for charity on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 8 p.m. at the Shark Club in Centreville. Almost all of the proceeds will go to a unit of Gyanaday School, which provides scholarships for deserving students who come from families with low incomes in Kathmandu, Nepal. The evening will showcase 1974 A.D., a hot Nepali group with a bluesy-rock flavor, traveling all the way from Nepal for this event. In addition, the local Warehouse band will be performing a few songs as well. Visit www.ihelpNepal.org, or 1974ad.us. Contact: pdeuja@hotmail.com. Or call 703-803-8172.
<cal2>Fair Oaks Mall's Third Annual Teen Night will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. Area teen-agers are invited to "hang out" at Fair Oaks Mall for an evening filled with special store offers, fashion tips, makeovers, and contests all designed to celebrate the unique styles and trends of teenagers. The event is free and open to everyone. Washington's radio station 99.5 FM will host the event with "Say What" Karaoke. A turn at the microphone can earn participants prizes including CDs, gift certificates and more. One person will win four tickets to Tony Hawk's Boom Boom Huckjam at the MCI Center including limousine and dinner for four. Visit www.ShopFairOaksMall.com or call 703-359-8302.
<cal2>Cox Farms' Pumpkin Patch extravaganza is open to the public daily, from Sept. 27-Nov. 2, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (last entry at 5 p.m.). Located at 15621 Braddock Road in Centreville, this 50-acre fantasy land is a children's paradise — complete with hayrides, rope swings, mountain slides, baby animals, music, food and lots of fun surprises. Group reservations are available; phone: 703-830-4121; Web site: www.coxfarms.com.
Weekdays except Columbus Day, admission is $7; Saturday, Sunday and Columbus Day, it's $9; those 2 and under are free. The last weekend, Nov. 1-2, children may bring their old Halloween pumpkins for "Pumpkin Madness." Pumpkins will be dropped 50 feet from a cherry picker to smash on the ground. And some will even be flung into a lake from a giant slingshot.
Youth For Tomorrow holds its 18th annual Country Fair and Auctions, Saturday, Sept. 27, at the YFT campus near Manassas from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. YFT founder, NFL Hall of Fame Coach and NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs will host the event along with Honorary Chair, WUSA news anchor JC Hayward. Admission tickets can be purchased online or at the gate for $5 each. Food tickets will be sold separately.
Silent auction participants will have an opportunity to bid on NASCAR gear and Redskins memorabilia, 18 holes of golf at some of the premier golf locations in the U.S., framed art and holiday items. Live auction items will include a 2004 Super Bowl package, tickets to NASCAR races, heirloom firearms, gourmet dining packages, and some tropical getaways. All proceeds will benefit YFT programs. Call 703-631-3360 or visit www.youthfortomorrow.org.
The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum will be hosting its Annual Living History Day, themed "The Civil War Comes to Fairfax Station" on Saturday, Sept. 27. Gates open at 10 a.m. Admission is $4.
Five re-enactment groups will bring to life the realities of camp life during the Civil War. History will come alive as re-enactors participate in a "Load and Fire" demonstration, illustrating how Civil War soldiers handled their muskets.
Jeff Smith, a living historian will portray Col. John Mosby, whose Rangers so dominated this region during the Civil War that its core became known as Mosby's Confederacy. Red Cross founder Clara Barton will demonstrate how wounds were tended during the conflict and describe life during the war.
The role of the railroad prior to and during the Civil War will be explored with special attention paid to the Orange & Alexandria Railroad, the original line in the Fairfax Station area.
In addition, there will be a telegraph demonstration, illustrating the role of this technology and how it was used during the war. The "Ladies in Mourning" will show off their period dress and original jewelry. There will also be children's period games, folk, music, Civil War authors, special exhibits, and more.
<cal2>Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets monthly on the fourth Saturday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m., at Sully Senior Center, 5690 Sully Road (Route 28), Centreville. No charge. Patients and family members welcome. Call Darryl Edwards at 703-38-9213.
<cal2>The Fourth Annual Northern Virginia WAHMfest, the Work-At-Home Moms Expo, will take place from Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Executive Conference and Training Center in Dulles. WAHMfest is designed to connect parents with helpful business resources and work-at-home or flexible opportunities, which will allow them to better balance their families and their careers. Visit www.wahmfest.org/nova, call 703-926-8576, or e-mail Henry at execdir@wahmfest.org.
<cal1>SUNDAY/SEPT. 28
<cal2>Equality Fairfax is holding a Pie Contest and Ice Cream Social on Sunday, Sept. 28 from 6-8 p.m. Compete with your mother's best pie recipe or just come to enjoy ice cream and community. The event is at the home of Larry and Kevin in Burke. All are welcome. RSVP to info@EqualityFairfax.org. Or visit www.EqualityFairfax.org. Or call 703-255-1552 for more information.
Equality Fairfax is a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender organization.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/OCT. 1
<cal2>Cheryl Dellasega, author of "Girl Wars" and "Surviving Ophelia," will speak on how to stop girls from hurting each other. No matter the age of your daughter, come and learn how to find effective solutions to cruel behaviors. Join Mothers of Youth at 10 a.m. in the new Sully Police Station community room located at 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. (between Westfields and Willard Road). The cost is $10. A light breakfast will be provided. RSVP: MothersofYouth@aol.com.
<cal1>THURSDAY/OCT. 2
<cal2>Mother's First — Chantilly/Centreville is a support group for women making the transition from careers to at-home motherhood. Join moms and tots of all ages for meetings, lectures, field trips, moms night out, etc. October meetings are Oct. 2 and Oct. 16 at the Centreville Regional Library from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
The Lane's Mill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will meet on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 1-3:30 p.m. at the Centreville Library. The program will be presented on the American Flag by the Light Horse Harry Lee Society, CAR. Lane's Mill is a small but active chapter that offers a broad range of programs on historic preservation and natural conservation, education of our nation's youth, promotion of patriotism, and love of our country. Prospective members and guests are encouraged to attend meetings. Contact Jennifer Smith, Chapter Regent, at 703-961-1030 or visit the chapter Web site at http://www.dar.org under "chapters".
<cal1>OCT. 4-5
<cal2>Ducks Unlimited's Battle of Bull Run (NSCA) will take place Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5 at Bull Run Regional Park Public Shooting Center, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's Bull Run Shooting Center and Short Flight Shooting Instruction will sponsor this National Sporting Clays Association event. Call 703-830-2344.
<cal1>TUESDAY/OCT. 7
<cal2>Sully District’s 6th Annual Boy Scout Golf Classic is scheduled at the Piedmont Club. The Piedmont Club, situated in the rolling hills of Haymarket, is a private, full-service, golf course designed by Tom Fazio. Sponsorship opportunities and a limited number of foursomes are still available. This is an excellent way to support Scouting and also entertain business associates or friends. Plus, you might even win a free Cadillac courtesy of Moore Cadillac. Other sponsors to date include Metropolitan Title and Escrow, Carteret Mortgage and Universal Power Systems, Inc. Call John Caskey at 703-814-8101.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/OCT. 8
<cal2>Transportation from a regional perspective will be the subject of the October meetings of the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area. The study was developed by the National Capital Area League, which includes representatives from the Fairfax Area.
The Fairfax Station unit is comprised primarily of residents of Clifton, Fairfax Station and Burke and meets on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome. Call the membership chair at 703-335-9723 or the hostess at 703-250-7251 for directions.
For a meeting at a more convenient day or time, call the League office at 703-658-9150. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, community-based political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
<cal1>THURSDAY/OCT. 9
<cal2>Amnesty International, Fairfax branch, will sponsor a free showing of "Rabbit-Proof Fence" on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m., at Reston Town Center theaters. Film director Philip Noyce, who also directed "Clear and Present Danger" and "The Quiet American" will speak about the film, which tells the true story of aborigine Australian girls who escaped virtual slavery to return home. The film includes a Golden-Globe nominated score by Peter Gabriel. Before the screening, Artists for Amnesty will present the prestigious "Media Spotlight" award to Mr. Noyce for his contributions to human rights awareness. Call 703-830-4194 or write amnestyusafairfax@lycos.com.
<cal1>FRIDAY/OCT. 10
<cal2>The Christian Women's Club of Fairfax County will host a Consigning Women's Fashion Show luncheon on Friday, Oct. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Joelle, owner of Consigning Women in Manassas, will show how to have a fashion look for a fraction of the cost. The keynote speaker, Sara Wark, former teacher and hospice worker, tells how to prune for changes and strength in our lives. To be held at Hidden Creek Country Club, 1711 Clubhouse Road, Reston. Required reservations are $14 inclusive. Call Elizabeth at 703-757-0801.
<cal1>SUNDAY/OCT. 12
<cal2>The 36th annual Clifton Day will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take the VRE train to Clifton and visit the arts and crafts exhibitors and antiques, check out the bluegrass music, the flea market, children’s activities and Civil War Re-enactment. The Seldom Scene and The Mark Newton Band will be performing. For patron and vendor information, call 703-968-0740 or visit the Web site at www.CliftonDay.com.
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCT. 18
<cal2>Join Ross Galleries of New York and St. Timothy School for its 2004 art auction. Fill your home with custom framed original art. Find many of the same high-end pieces seen in local galleries at half the price. Preview: 7-8 p.m. Auction: 8 p.m. Cost: $10 per person, $15 per couple. Checks, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and AmEx accepted. Advance ticket purchases preferred. Contact Barbara Strittmatter at 703-803-8878 or Bstritt@AOL.com.
<cal2>Reston Town Center will host the 13th Annual Autumnfest Celebration On Saturday, Oct. 18, from 2 - 6 p.m. in the Equity Office Pavilion. A costume contest, parade, pumpkins, hayrides, and trick-or-treating are some of the activities planned. Free and open to everyone. For more information, visit www.restontowncenter.com.
<cal1>SUNDAY/OCT. 19
<cal2>An Octoberfest Skeet Tournament (NSSA) will take place on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Bull Run Regional Park Public Shooting Center, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville. Take aim at this contest sponsored by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's Bull Run Shooting Center and Short Flight Shooting Instruction. This will be a National Skeet Shooting Association event. Call 703-830-2344.
<cal1>OCT. 22-NOV. 23
<cal2>The Center Company, a professional theater, will present the Washington premiere of "OY!", a comic revue by playwright Rich Orloff, from Oct. 22 through Nov. 23 at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. "OY!" will run for 16 performances Oct. 22 through Nov. 23: Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Audience is invited to meet the playwright Oct. 25 and Open Mic Joke Night on Nov. 2. Visit www.jccnv.org. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 703-323-7965.
<cal1>FRIDAY/OCT. 24
<cal2>Pumpkin painting and crafts will begin the Halloween Hunt evening on Friday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m., followed by a candy hunt at 7 p.m. at Bull Run Regional Park. Children ages 2-9 are invited to come in costumes and bring trick-or-treat bags and flashlights. Reservations are limited; call 703-631-0550. The fee is $5 per child. Located at 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville.
<cal1>OCT. 24-26
<cal2>The Friends of Chantilly Regional Library are holding their annual Fall Used Book Sale on Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Chantilly Regional Library at 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. A clearance sale will be held on Sunday, Oct. 26 from noon-3 p.m. There will be a wide assortment of children and adult fiction and non-fiction as well as audio visuals, all at bargain prices. Call 703-502-3883.
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCT. 25
<cal2>Ninth Annual VolunteerFest, sponsored by Volunteer Fairfax in partnership with the Fairfax County Public Library. It will feature hands-on projects that may include organizing books, assisting with children’s programs, Internet tutoring, landscaping, creating displays, sorting book donations, cleaning, and more. The theme for this year is "Volunteers Bring Libraries to Life." Registration forms are due Oct. 9. Call 703-246-3460 or email at VolsRUs@volunteerfairfax.org or visit the Web site at www.volunteerfairfax.org.
<cal1>OCT. 28, NOV. 18, DEC. 16
<cal2>The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area presents "More Power to You." The program, comprising four sessions explaining how local government works and how it relates to state government, will take place once a month from 7 to 9 p.m. in Fairfax Government Center. The sessions will be on Oct. 28, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16. The program costs $25. Those who complete the program will receive a certificate. Pre-registration is required; call 703-227-2231.
<cal1>SATURDAY/ NOV. 1
<cal2>The Clifton Horse Society is sponsoring a Poker Ride on Saturday, Nov. 1 on the equestrian trails along the Occoquan River in Fountainhead Regional Park. The game is 7 Card Draw, choosing the best five cards out of seven. Riders draw two cards at registration, three cards along the trail and two cards on completion of the ride. Preregistration is required because only 30 trailer spaces are available. Registration is at 9 a.m. The trail closes at 1 p.m. Cost is $20. Register by Oct. 27. Call Pat Hepner at 703-830-8394 or Mary Flowers at 703-250-6188.
<cal1>SUNDAY/NOV. 2
<cal2>A Partner's shoot will take place Sunday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Registration at Bull Run Regional Park Public Shooting Center, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville. Take aim at this contest sponsored by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's Bull Run Shooting Center and Short Flight Shooting Instruction. Call 703-830-2344.
<cal1>NOV. 8-9
<cal2>A Ski Swap by Ski Chalet of Chantilly will be held for both skiers and snowboarders on Nov. 8-9. The swaps are hosted by Ski Chalet and the National Ski Patrol divisions from five mid-Atlantic mountain resorts. A Ski Swap is a charitable event where hundreds of enthusiasts buy and sell used sporting goods for skiing and snowboarders. All equipment, clothing, and accessories in good condition will be accepted. Admission is free. A percentage of all consignment sales benefits local nonprofit volunteer Ski Patrols. The event will take place at 14130 Sullyfield Circle in Chantilly. Call 703-631-7880.