<lst>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 Matthew Razak at 703-917-6457.
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/Oct. 12
<cal2>Gum Art. Celebrate Teen Read Week with Gum Art artist Jamie Marraccini at Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 7 p.m. Learn to create vibrant artwork by chewing wads of gum. Recommended for teens ages 12-18. Advance registration required, call 703-444-3228, Ext. 309 or visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Series of Unfortunate Events. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 4 p.m. Includes refreshments, games, trivia. Recommended for ages 8-11. Advanced registration required, call 703-737-8105.
Benefit Auction. The Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association will hold its fall networking event and benefit auction, “Barbecue and Bluegrass,” at Whitehall Manor in Bluemont, from 5:30-9 p.m. All proceeds from the event will benefit the new Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association Scholarship Fund. To RSVP or to donate auction items, contact Greg Harp, 703-771-2170, Ext. 14 or Harp@VisitLoudoun.org. Admission cost is $15 per person, no children, and includes barbecue and beverages.
Benefit Auction. Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association' "Barbecue and Bluegrass" will be held at Whitehall Manor, Bluemont, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per person with all the proceeds benefiting the association's scholarship fund. A silent auction will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. followed by a live auction from 7:30-8 p.m. Download the RSVP form the home page of the Tourism Industry Web site at www.VisitLoudoun.org/lcva. Contact Chris Geno at Geno@VisitLoudoun.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 14
<cal2>Community Work Day. A coalition of churches, businesses and organizations making up The Cypress Project, a foundation dedicated to the healing and restoration of those targeted by antigay hate crimes is holding a community work day to replant the more than 170 cypress trees and boxwoods that were destroyed in an alleged hate-crime incident in Aldie. Individuals, churches, businesses and organizations can donate, sponsor trees to be planted in their name, sign up to volunteer or endorse the project by visiting www.thecypressproject.org.
Fall Craft Fair. For all ages. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Includes vendors selling holiday gifts. Proceeds from food and drinks goes toward center programming. Free admission. Call 703-430-2397.
Fun Day. Fall Family Fun Day at the Loudoun Museum, 16 Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. will explore the different ways the people and animals of Loudoun County prepare for the winter. Includes food preservation, Native American customs and animal behavior. Enjoy crafts, hands-on activities, and displays all relating to the fall season. Bring old clothes to stuff own scarecrow. Free. Call 703-777-7427 or visit www.loudounmuseum.org.
Arts Festival. Fall into the Arts, annual fine arts festival, historic district in downtown Leesburg and centered around the Town Green at 25 West Market St., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Features the work of local artists, jazz music, wine tastings and cuisine from local restaurants. There will be special children's activities. Sponsored by Leesburg Crossroads Inc. and local businesses. Free admission. Call 703-737-7084 or visit www.fallintothearts.org.
Reading Buddies. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Children ages 3-5 will be buddies up with teen volunteers for an interactive reading program. Call 703-737-8100.
Preparedness Fair. From 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Ashburn Family Emergency Preparedness Fair. Informative event for the entire family. Hear presentations on home safety, flu-pandemics, first aid, proper emergency storage of food and water, emergency 72-hour kits, disaster preparedness and much more. Special keynote speaker at 10 a.m. from the Office of the Secretary of U.S. Health and Human Services. Event sponsored by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, corner of Ashburn Farms Parkway and Claiborne Parkway. Contact ashburn_fair@yahoo.com.
Steeplechase. The 27th Running of the Morven Park Steeplechase. Features a family fun area complete with pony rides, "Zoo to You," duck pond, "Animal Ambassadors," and moon bounce; family course walk; and at least seven races. Gates open at 11 a.m., first race is 1:30 p.m. Includes vendors on-site, food and soft drinks to purchase or pack a picnic. Advance general admission $30 per car, race day general admission $10 per person. Morven Park Equestrian center is located on Tutt Lane, just off Route 15 North, Leesburg. Call Morven Park 703-777-2414 or visit www.morvenpark.org.
Cavaliers, Courage and Coffee: Mosby Owned the Night. From 8-10 p.m., in the village of Atoka. The program begins at the Rector House, and is a family program presented by the Gray Ghost Interpretive Group who provide first-person interpretations of citizens of Mosby’s Confederacy told by lantern light at different locations throughout the village. Comfortable walking shoes recommended. Free. Contact the Mosby Heritage Area Association at 540-687-6681 or www.mosbyheritagearea.org.
Pumpkinville. Includes a hay maze, giant hill slides, straw tunnels, rope swings, moon bounces, "all you can eat" apples, fresh cider and picking pumpkin, Fort Pumpkin and the Spooky Pirate Ship. Take unlimited hay rides and visit the Leesburg Animal Park to pet and feed exotic animals and take a pony ride. Silly Sock puppets will be at 2 p.m. Located at 19270 James Monroe Highway. Cost is $10. Call 703-433-0002.
Bluegrass Concert. The Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, will host two bluegrass bands, Flint Hollow and The Boohers. Doors open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 and are sold at the door. Refreshments available at the snack bar. Call 703-771-5281.
Reptile Roundup. All ages. Search for turtles and snakes and learn about their habitats Children must be accompanied by an adult. $4 per person. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Registration required, call 703-444-1275.
Captain Jack and Firefighter Chris. Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg, will host firefighters Captain Jack and Chris Frear, at 2 p.m. Children ages 3 and up can learn about home safety and fire prevention. Recognize National Fire Prevention Month with this informative and interactive family program. Caregivers are encouraged to attend. Call the Rust Library at 703-771-5624 to register.
Family Stream Day. All ages are invited to learn about local waters and the habitats at the Fifth Annual Family Stream Day, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Seneca Ridge Middle School, 98 Seneca Ridge Drive, Sterling. An interactive, outdoor environmental education event for students. Admission is free and the event will be held rain or shine. Visit www.loudounwatershedwatch.org.
Shenandoah Coffeehouse Series. Singer and songwriter, Ken Gaines performs, at 8 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun, 20460 Gleedsville Road, Leesburg. Tickets are $12, doors open at 7:30 p.m. All concerts are smoke and alcohol free; feel free to bring a favorite coffee mug. Coffee and other refreshments provided by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun. Visit www.shenandoahacoustics.com.
<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 15
<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.
Pumpkinville. Family fun includes a hay maze, giant hill slides, straw tunnels, rope swings, moon bounces, "all you can eat" apples, fresh cider, and picking pumpkin, Fort Pumpkin and the Spooky Pirate Ship. Take unlimited hay rides and visit the Leesburg Animal Park to pet and feed exotic animals and take a pony ride. Nicolo Whimsey Variety will be at 1 p.m. Located at 19270 James Monroe Highway. Cost is $10. Call 703-433-0002.
<cal1>Monday/Oct. 16
<cal2>ESL Open House. Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Learn about the many ESL resources available free from the library and by local organizations. Includes refreshments. For all ages. Call 703-430-9500.
Discover Fall Trees. Hunt for orange, red and yellow fall trees; read "A Grand Old Tree; hike through the forest. Ages 3-5. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m. $10.50 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
Last Paradise on Earth: Our Rain Forests by Animal Ambassadors. Take a journey to the world of tropical rain forests, meet mischievous animals, discover the importance of the rain forests and the daily strugglethe fragile ecosystem faces. 10 a.m., Ida Lee Park Recreation Center in Leesburg. Tickets in advance are $5 per child with accompanying adults free; at the door are $8 per child with accompanying adults free. Call 703-777-1368 or visit www.idalee.org.
<cal1>Tuesday/Oct. 17
<cal2>Author Discussion. "The Arizona Kid," author Ron Koertge will be at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 7 p.m. Recommended for teens 12 and up and adults. 703-737-8100.
Songs from Around the World with Brooksie Wells. Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls, 4 p.m. Listen to and learn songs in many languages. Recommended for ages 3-10. Call 703-444-3228.
Lullaby Concert with Irene Von-Hapsburg and Staff. Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls, 4 p.m. Come in pajamas and hear sleepy time stories, accompanied by flute. Recommended for ages 2-6. Call 703-444-3228.
Discover Fall Trees. Hunt for orange, red and yellow fall trees; read "A Grand Old Tree; hike through the forest. Ages 3-5. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. 12:30-2 p.m. $10.50 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
Toddler Treks. Join other parents and their babies on a hike to discover the colored leaves, fallen nuts and furry animals signaling the arrival of autumn. No unregistered siblings. $5.25 per child. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, 11-11:45 a.m. Call 703-444-1275.
Bats and Beyond. Ages 6-9. Learn about bats and play games. $10.50 per child. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, 11-11:45 a.m. Call 703-444-1275.
Field Day. Farmers cultivating small and mid-sized plots on their own or with just a few helpers can get an up-close view of “smart” equipment designed for single operators and intensive growing conditions at a field day in Waterford, from 1-4 p.m. To register and for directions contact fhcasa@verizon.net or 410-549-7878.
<cal1>Thursday/Oct. 19
<cal2>Bilingual Story Times. Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, hosts Barbara Davila and Spanish bilingual story times at 4 p.m. Recommended for all ages. 703-444-3228.
Movie Night. Ashburn Library, 433316 Hay Road, 7 p.m. For all ages. See "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey," rated G. Bring pillows, blankets and snack. 703-737-8100.
Happy 100th Crockett Johnson. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 3:30 p.m. The author of "Harold and the Purple Crayon" was born 100 years ago. Celebrate by listening to stories and drawing on the walls. Recommended for ages 3-5. Call 703-737-8100.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 20
<cal2>Rummage Sale. 68th Annual Hospital Rummage Sale, Morven Park, Tutt Lane, Leesburg, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Includes antiques, furniture, books, clothing, designer fashions, holiday items, toys, and linens. Bid on silent auction gifts. Call 703-771-2985 or visit www.ladiesboard.org.
Movie Night. See "Monsoon Wedding," rated R. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 6:30 p.m. Recommended for adults. Bring a favorite snack, drinks provided. Call 703-737-8105 or visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Halloween Time Fun. Ages 6-9. Create a spooky story, play games and make a spider web and Halloween craft. $14 per child. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Call 703-444-1275.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 21
<cal2>Rummage Sale. 68th Annual Hospital Rummage Sale, Morven Park, Tutt Lane, Leesburg, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Includes antiques, furniture, books, clothing, designer fashions, holiday items, toys, and linens. Bid on silent auction gifts. Call 703-771-2985 or visit www.ladiesboard.org.
Artist Show and Sale. Banshee Reeks nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Local wood turning artist George Carrigan's one-man show A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. Call 703-669-0316 or visit www.bansheereeks.org.
Farm Tour. Fall Farm Color Tour Weekend, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free self-guided tour of Loudoun County farms, vineyards and orchards. Many participants offering special activities. Farm tour information and brochures downloadable from www.loudounfarms.org or call 703-777-0426 or e-mail ahiggins@loudoun.gov.
October Wine Days. Tarara Winery. Includes live music and October wine specials all weekend long. Rain or shine. The winery is open, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., the music plays, from 1-5 p.m. 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 703-771-7100 or www.tarara.com.
Spooktacular. All ages. Douglass Community Center, 407 E. Market St., Leesburg, 3-5 p.m. Includes hay rides, face painting, costume contest and midway booths. $5. call 703-771-5913.
Howl-O-Ween. All ages. Sterling Annex, 1115 W. Church Road, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in conjunction with the Animal Shelter. Includes pet microchipping, pet parade, pet costume contest and a "tricks-for treats" talent show. Bring leash/carrier. $5. Call 703-430-6673.
Walk for Education. The Loudoun-Northern Virginia Chapter 1578 of Phi Delta Kappa is sponsoring the PDK International Walk for Education, a fund-raiser for local scholarships. At Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn. Registration begins at 8 a.m. on the senior terrace in the rear of school; walk will begin at 9 a.m. Refreshments will be provided for participants before and after the walk. Free official T-shirts are awarded to participants who contribute $50 or more. Visit the Web site, www.loudounpdk1578.org.
Researching Census Records. LaVonne Markham and Jinx Hartung will present Online Census Research about teach techniques for successfully researching census records online and Humor in Genealogy, which covers entries from records genealogists routinely use in their research. 1-3 p.m., at the Thomas Balch Library, Leesburg. Register in advance by calling 703-737-7195.
Gold Cup. The 69th International Gold Cup, at Great Meadow near The Plains, Va., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Includes Jack Russell terrier races, Navy Seals Parachute Team and seven sanctioned steeplechase races. General admission car passes for one vehicle with six occupants, $55 in advance, $65 week of race. Children 12 and under free with an adult. Visit www.vagoldcup.org.
Author Discussion. Megan Nicolay, author of "Generation T," will demonstrate how to recycle a T-shirt into many other useful things. Attendees must bring a T-shirt. Recommended for ages 12-18. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 11 a.m.; Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., 3 p.m.
StarLab Planetarium: Night Sky with the Science Museum of Virginia. Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Includes visiting a portable planetarium, learning about Greek mythology and constellations, discussing planetary motion, phase of the moon and tides. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Advanced registration required by Oct. 18, call 703-444-3228, Ext. 309. Six sessions, attend only one: 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.
Demonstration Garden. The public is invited to visit the Master Gardener Volunteer Demonstration Garden as one of the stops on the Loudoun Farm Color Tour. Master Gardener Volunteers will be on hand to answer gardening questions, will have scarecrows on display and will have supplies for children to make their own scarecrow to take home. The Demonstration Garden is located in Ida Lee Park, 60 Ida Lee Drive, Leesburg. Call Debbie Dillion, 703-777-0373.
Symphony Performance. Loudoun Symphony Orchestra performs "Inspiration," featuring guest pianist Brian Ganz. At Loudoun County High School, 415 Dry Mill Road, S.W., Leesburg. A lecture takes place at 7 p.m., string workshop at 7:30 p.m. and performance at 8 p.m. Advanced tickets $15 adults, $7 child/student, through college; at the door $18 adults, $8 child/student. Call 703-771-8287, fax 703-771-8211, or e-mail info@loudounsymphony.org.
Yoga Benefit. Living with Cancer All Day Yoga Benefit, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., at the Anahata Center for Yoga & Wellness, 112 South St., S.E., Leesburg. Free yoga classes on the hour, including beginner, class for cancer patients, meditation, vinyasa, children, couples/partners yoga, gentle, yin/yang, etc. Donations requested and all proceeds go to The Brad Kaminsky Foundation for brain tumor research. Call 703-771-0006 or visit www.experienceanahatayoga.com.
Choir Roundup. All ages are invited for master rehearsals led by guest conductors, Pamela N. Potts and Mitzi Allegra, from 3:30-7 p.m. Children's, middle school and high school/adult choruses. Day concludes with supper and "Grand Finale" mini-concert at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 605 W. Market St., Leesburg. Call 703-777-4912.
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.
Horses Family Day and Volunteer Fair. Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Includes interactive programs for young riders and volunteer information from local equine organizations. At noon, new exhibit opening highlighting Loudoun's Kentucky Derby winner, genuine Risk. Free to Farm Tour participants. Call 703-421-5322.
Rededication of Aldie Mill. A ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the transfer of Aldie Mill, 39401 John Mosby Highway, Aldie, from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation to the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and kick off of the annual Aldie Harvest Festival. Includes grain grinding demonstrations, blacksmith forging and the Waterford Cloggers will be featured at the Aldie Harvest Festival, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Traditional crafts, music, food, antiques, collectibles and children's activities throughout the village along with a dose of Civil War history. Contact Mark Riddell at 703-359-4603, or e-mail MRiddell@NVRPA.org.