Send announcements to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call Jennifer Lesinski at 703-917-6454.
This free listing is reserved for activities and events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost. For additional listings, visit our Web site at www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 24
<cal2>Family Movie Night. Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 2 p.m. For all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring popcorn. ÒThe Little Mermaid,Ó rated G. 703-444-3228, Ext. 309.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 25
<cal2>Nature Adventure. Ages 2 and 3. Explore the summer outdoors. Follow a foxÕs footprints, discover turtles sunning on a log and see butterflies take flight. From 10-11 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. The cost is $6.75/child/class. Themes this summer include foxes, turtles and butterflies. Contact 703-444-1275.
<cal1>Saturday/Aug. 26
<cal2>Sounds of Summer Series. Tarara Winery has created the stage for a summer of wine, food, and live music by legendary musicians all under the stars at Shadow Lake. Rain or shine. Adults $10, 12 and under free. 6-9:30 p.m. Beer, hard liquor and wine other than Tarara's are prohibited at the concert. Tickets are available at the online store. 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 703-771-7100 or www.tarara.com.
Matinee Classics. See "On Borrowed Time," from 1939 at Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 2 p.m. Bring a favorite snack, drinks provided. Call 703-737-8100.
Lucketts Fair. The 34th annual Lucketts Fair features live music, the first annual ÒProduce Parade,Ó handmade crafts, antiques, country-life demonstrations, contests and food. Admission is $8 per person with no charge for children under 6; two-day tickets are available for $12. No pets or alcohol are permitted. Parking is free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., at the Lucketts Community Center and Park, located on Route 15 north of Leesburg. 703-771-5281 or www.LuckettsFair.com.
Fourth Saturday Series. India: Its Culture, Costumes and Classical Dance featuring Sudha Bhagwat, 11 a.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St. All ages. Tickets required, available one half hour before show. 703-430-9500.
Family Fest. Full-day event, featuring interactive activities focusing on family health and safety, nutrition, education, community awareness and family fun. The first 100 families to arrive on-site will receive a free goody bag filled with coupons and surprises. At the Dulles Town Center Mall, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Taste of Titan Territory. A community potluck picnic and pep rally. Includes the famous Titan "T" picture, dunk tank and opportunity to meet students involved in cheerleading, marching band and fall sports teams. Rain-or-shine, from 4-7 p.m., at Dominion High School, 21236 Augusta Drive, Sterling. Bring a dish to share, lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on. Beverages will be provided. Those attending the pep rally will be eligible to win a family season athletic pass. Open to the public.
Family Movie Night. "Robots," event will start at 7 p.m., in the back of the Sterling Community Center. Includes food available for sale and entertainment prior to the movie, which begins at 9 p.m. Free admission. The proceeds from this event will go toward supporting Discovery Park, the new science playground to be built in the fall at Sully Elementary School.
From SwannÕs Castle to GovernorÕs Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Learn Morven ParkÕs history from 19th century plantation to early 20th century hunt-country estate and working farm. Guided tour includes exhibits, carriage collection, Confederate huts, and outdoor walk around property. Adults $5, children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitor Center. Call 703-777-6034 or visit www.morvenpark.org.
Acoustic on the Green. Composer, musician and vocalist Jon Carroll along with his special guest, son, Ben Carroll, perform from 7-9 p.m., at the Leesburg Town Green, 25 West Market St., Leesburg. Free and open to the public. Picnics are encouraged; no smoking, alcoholic beverages or pets. In case of inclement weather, the show will move next door to Market Street Coffee. Visit www.acousticonthegreen.com or call 703-737-7084.
Soccer and Family Festival. La Voz of Loudoun is holding the 3rd annual free Men's Soccer Tournament and Family Festival at Potomac Lakes Sports Complex in Sterling, from 1-5 p.m. Includes live music, food, children's activities, raffles, information booths and giveaways. Proceeds benefit La Voz's efforts to hire an executive director and open a newcomer welcome center. Call 703-777-1417.
Civic Picnic. Northern Virginia Mosques and Organization are holding the 6th Annual Northern Virginia Family and Civic Picnic, from 2:30-5 p.m., at Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, at the large shelter and picnic area, near the large bathroom. ADAMS, Dar Al-Hijrah, Manassas Mosque, Muslim Association of Virginia, MAS Freedom Foundation, MPAC, CAIR are 501(c) nonprofit organizations and will be inviting all candidates from all parties to address the community. In addition, local government officials and interfaith representatives will be addressing the community. Civic involvement, voter registration and family fun will be the theme of the picnic. If little rain, picnic will be held at the covered shelter at the park, if heavy rain, picnic moves to the ADAMS Center, 46903 Sugarland Road, Sterling. Confirm the rain plan by calling 703-433-1325 at noon or 703-624-6352.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 27
<cal2>Lucketts Fair. The 34th annual Lucketts Fair features live music, the first annual ÒProduce Parade,Ó handmade crafts, antiques, country-life demonstrations, contests and food. Admission is $8 per person with no charge for children under 6; two-day tickets are available for $12. No pets or alcohol are permitted. Parking is free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Lucketts Community Center and Park, located on Route 15 north of Leesburg. 703-771-5281 or www.LuckettsFair.com.
Bluemont Summer Concerts. The Bluemont Concert Series on the lawn of the Old Loudoun County Courthouse in downtown, historic Leesburg at 1 East Market St., 7 p.m., featuring Pan Masters, island calypso and reggae. Admission is $5 per person, $4 for Bluemont Friends and seniors, $2 for children 12 and under; proceeds go to support Bluemont's year-round Artist-In-Education program in area schools. No pets, alcohol or smoking are allowed. In case of rain, the concerts will be held at Smart's Mill Middle School. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on and a picnic before the show.
Travel through Time in the Winmill Carriage Collection. Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Take a guided tour through a collection of 19th century horse-drawn vehicles, including coaches, sleighs, carts, buggies, and a hearse from the 1800s. Adults $5, children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitor Center. Call 703-777-6034 or visit www.morvenpark.org.
<cal1>Monday/Aug. 28
<cal2>School Bus Orientation. The Ashburn Library will have a school bus on site, 10:30 a.m. for kindergartners to tour and find out what the bus is really like before the first day of school. The program is recommended for children 5 years of age who will be starting school this year. Donated by the Loudoun County Public Schools Bus Transportation Office.
<cal1>Tuesday/Aug. 29
<cal2>Museum Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace to holding a trip to the U. S. Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. Lunch on own or bring bag lunch. Extensive walking. Cost $8 for members, $10 nonmembers, includes transportation with free admission to the museum. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 30
<cal2>Casino Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace to holding a trip to Charles Town, W.Va., for slots and simulcast horse racing. Lunch on own. Minimum walking. Cost $7 for members, $9 nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 31
<cal2>Frogshackle Open House. All ages. Feel a muskrat's fur. See a life-size fox. Make animal tracks in the sand. Explore a log-cabin nature center and see and touch many fascinating objects. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required as this is a free event. 1-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Summer themes include camouflage, red, white and blue, snakes.
Park View Orientation. The Park View High School freshman and new student orientation will be held at the school, 400 W. Laurel Ave., Sterling, at 7 p.m. Students and parents are invited to attend.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 1
<cal2>Family Night Drop-In. All ages. Douglass Community Center, 407 E. Market St., Leesburg. Bring your children for a fun evening of basketball, volleyball and more. Call 703-771-5913. Free event. 6:30-8 p.m.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 2
<cal2>Sounds of Summer Series. Tarara Winery has created the stage for a summer of wine, food, and live music by legendary musicians all under the stars at Shadow Lake. Rain or shine. Adults $10, 12 and under free. 6-9:30 p.m. Beer, hard liquor and wine other than Tarara's are prohibited at the concert. Tickets are available at the online store. 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 703-771-7100 or www.tarara.com.
1918: A Living History Program on World War I & The Home Front. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Morven Park, Leesburg. Join Gov. and Mrs. Westmoreland Davis as they relate events in Loudoun County and Virginia during the "Great War," including Liberty Bond drives and Virginia's contributions to the war effort. A new exhibit of an original WWI uniform and soldiers' personal items is included. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034. Adults $5, children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitor Center.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 3
<cal2>Travel through Time in the Winmill Carriage Collection. 1 and 3 p.m., Morven Park, Leesburg. Take a guided tour through a collection of 19th century horse-drawn vehicles, including coaches, sleighs, carts, buggies and a hearse from the 1800s. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034. Adults $5, children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitor Center.
Twilight Tour. The final twilight tour of the BallÕs Bluff battlefield begins at 6 p.m. The free, three-hour tour will be given by Bill Wilkin, history teacher at Stone Bridge High School and volunteer guide for the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Visit www.nvrpa.org or call Wilkin at 703-729-6349.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 4
<cal2>Labor Day Celebration. At Tarara Winery. Bring a business card for a free tour and tasting and be entered into a drawing for Tarara gifts. Labor Day wine specials available. 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 703-771-7100 or www.tarara.com.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 8
<cal2>Theater Auditions. The College Community Theater on the Loudoun Campus of Northern Virginia Community College will hold auditions for its fall 2006 production of "Inherit the Wind," written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, based on the 1925 ÒScopes monkey trial,Ó in which a Tennessee science teacher was brought to trial for teaching evolution. The auditions will be cold readings from the script, from 7-9 p.m., in the Waddell Theater on the Loudoun Campus. Call backs will be Sept. 10, at noon, also at Waddell Theater. The production runs Nov. 3-5 and 10-12. All community members as well as college students, faculty and staff are welcome to audition. Men and women of all ages are needed, as well as one boy and one girl, age 12-15. Call Scott Wood at 703-450-2584 or go online to www.nvcc.edu/Loudoun/WaddellTheater/CCT/.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 9
<cal2>Crafts Festival. Claude Moore Park Autumn Arts and Crafts Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Call 703-444-1275.
Sounds of Summer Series. Tarara Winery has created the stage for a summer of wine, food, and live music by legendary musicians all under the stars at Shadow Lake. Rain or shine. Adults $10, 12 and under free. 6-9:30 p.m. Beer, hard liquor and wine other than Tarara's are prohibited at the concert. Tickets are available at the online store. 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 703-771-7100 or www.tarara.com.
Bird Walk. Free beginner bird walks, 8 a.m., Rust Nature Sanctuary, 802 ChildrenÕs Center Road, Leesburg. One-hour walk for bird-watching beginners and led by an experienced birder. Learn about what to look and listen for and tips on identification. Bring binoculars and field guide if possible; if not, some to loan. Registration required, call 703-669-0000.
Blood Drive. American Red Cross blood drive, for 18 and up. Sterling Annex Community Center, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Co-hosted with Sterling Fire & Rescue. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or 703-430-6673. Free event. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Theater Auditions. The College Community Theater on the Loudoun Campus of Northern Virginia Community College will hold auditions for its fall 2006 production of "Inherit the Wind," written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, based on the 1925 ÒScopes monkey trial,Ó in which a Tennessee science teacher was brought to trial for teaching evolution. The auditions will be cold readings from the script, from 12-2 p.m., in the Waddell Theater on the Loudoun Campus. Call backs will be Sept. 10, at noon, also at Waddell Theater. The production runs Nov. 3-5 and 10-12. All community members as well as college students, faculty and staff are welcome to audition. Men and women of all ages are needed, as well as one boy and one girl, age 12-15. Call Scott Wood at 703-450-2584 or go online to www.nvcc.edu/Loudoun/WaddellTheater/CCT/.
<cal1>Tuesday/Sept. 12
<cal2>Senior Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace organizes a trip to the U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. Lunch on own at the Old Post Office. $10 for members, $22 for nonmembers; includes transportation and tours. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 to register and for departure/return locations and times.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 14
<cal2>Casino Night. At the Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, from 6-9 p.m. Postponed from July 21. Receive $40,000 in "funny money" to play blackjack, craps, roulette and slot machines. Turn winnings in for raffle tickets. Light refreshments served. Cost $12 per person. Open to anyone 18 and older. Tickets purchased by Sept. 11 receive an additional $10,000 in "funny money." Call 703-430-2397.
Casino Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace is holding a trip to Charles Town, W.Va., for slots and simulcast horse racing. Lunch on own. Minimum walking. Cost $7 for members, $9 nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 16
<cal2>Sounds of Summer Series. Tarara Winery has created the stage for a summer of wine, food, and live music by legendary musicians all under the stars at Shadow Lake. Rain or shine. Adults $10, 12 and under free. 6-9:30 p.m. Beer, hard liquor and wine other than Tarara's are prohibited at the concert. Tickets are available at the online store. 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 703-771-7100 or www.tarara.com.
Bluemont Fair. 37th Annual Bluemont Fair, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Route 734, Snickersville Turnpike off Route 7. Includes, but not limited to, juried crafts, local art and authors, craft and farming demonstrations, traditional blues and country music, 10K race and fun run, free Children's Fair, animals, food. General admission $5 adults, children under 12 free; free parking. Rain or shine. Call 540-554-2367 or visit www.bluemontfair.com.
House Concert. Performances by Andrew McKnight and Pat Wictor, 7:30 p.m. in Ashburn. Suggested donation $15. Reservations required, call 571-333-7222 or e-mail HouseConcerts@Lantis.us.
Dog Show. Luckett's Community Center, 4236 Lucketts Road, will hold the Proud Pooch Dog Show, from 10 a.m.-noon. Includes local vendors, K9 demonstration, pet adoption and prizes in six categories: costume contest, talent show, "Beauty & the Beast," "size matters," kissing contest, and look-a-like contest. Spectators free, show fee $5 per dog per category. Contact Tiffany Fleming, 703-771-5281.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 17
<cal2>Bluemont Fair. 37th Annual Bluemont Fair, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Route 734, Snickersville Turnpike off Route 7. Includes, but not limited to, juried crafts, local art and authors, craft and farming demonstrations, traditional blues and country music, 10K race and fun run, free Children's Fair, animals, food. General admission $5 adults, children under 12 free; free parking. Rain or shine. Call 540-554-2367 or visit www.bluemontfair.com.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 22
<cal2>Museums Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace is holding a trip to the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., including drop offs and pick ups at the American History, Natural History, Gallery of Art, American Indian, Air and Space, and African Art/Sackler/Freer museums. Extensive walking. $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and free admission to sites. Lunch on own. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 23
<cal2>Great Grape Harvest Festival. Tarara WineryÕs 11th annual fall wine festival, includes wines, craft and food vendors, grape stomping competitions, childrenÕs activities, you-pick apples, hay rides and live music all weekend long. Rain or shine. Adults $12, under 21 and designated drivers $8, 6 a under free. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Visit the online store before Sept. 20 for advance ticket discounts. 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 703-771-7100 or www.tarara.com.
Spaghetti Dinner. 5-8 p.m., the Ashburn Volunteer Fire Department, 20688 Ashburn Road, Ashburn, is holding a dinner to raise money to sponsor the Explorer Post 1666 trip to the National Explorer Fire/Safety competition in Urbana, Ill., in 2007. Adults $10; children under 12, $7; under 3, eat free. Call 703-729-0006.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 24
<cal2>Great Grape Harvest Festival. Tarara WineryÕs 11th annual fall wine festival, includes wines, craft and food vendors, grape stomping competitions, childrenÕs activities, you-pick apples, hay rides and live music all weekend long. Rain or shine. Adults $12, under 21 and designated drivers $8, 6 a under free. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Visit the online store before Sept. 20 for advance ticket discounts. 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 703-771-7100 or www.tarara.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/Sept. 27
<cal2>Casino Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace to holding a trip to Charles Town, W.Va., for slots and simulcast horse racing. Lunch on own. Minimum walking. Cost $7 for members, $9 nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 29
<cal2>Senior Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace organizes a trip to the World War II and FDR Memorials in Washington, D.C. Bring bag lunch. $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers; includes transportation with free admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 to register and for departure/return locations and times.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 30
<cal2>Sounds of Summer Series. Tarara Winery has created the stage for a summer of wine, food, and live music by legendary musicians all under the stars at Shadow Lake. Rain or shine. Adults $10, 12 and under free. 6-9:30 p.m. Beer, hard liquor and wine other than Tarara's are prohibited at the concert. Tickets are available at the online store. 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 703-771-7100 or www.tarara.com.
Wine Festival. The Virginia Wine Festival, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., is the oldest and largest wine festival on the East Coast. Includes samples of Virginia wine, fine art and craft artisans, local fare and music set up in European-style cafŽs. Also hourly seminars in The Education Tents and a Kids Stage. Festival proceeds benefit public-education programs, wine-and-health research, Virginia wine promotional activities, education programs and multiple Commonwealth Antiquity Preservation projects, as well as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, the Make-a-Wish Foundation and Jamestown 2007. Morven Park, 41793 Tutt Lane, Leesburg. Tickets, $20 in advance/$25 at the gate for tasters 21 and older; $12 Nontasting admission for designated drivers and under 21; under 3 admitted free. Visit www.virginiawinefstival.org or call 703-823-186.
Senior Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace organizes a trip to the national Zoo in Washington, D.C. Open to seniors, their children and their grandchildren. Bring lunch or purchase at zoo. $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers; includes transportation with free admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 to register and for departure/return locations and times.
Cross Country Invitational. Oatlands will be holding the Oatlands Cross Country Invitational, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in Leesburg. More than 70 regional high schools are expected to participate with approximately 5,000 runners from ages 14-18. Call 703-777-3174 or visit the Web at www.oatlands.org.