Calendar of Events, Part 2

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

<cal1>November

<cal2>PUMPKINVILLE. Sept. 29-Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Leesburg Animal Park, 19720 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. Celebrate fall with a family visit to Pumpkinville. Pick a pumpkin and enjoy the giant hill slides, hay mazes, rope swings, apples and apple cider and much more. Weekends include camel rides, popcorn, food vendors and mini tractor rides. Admission is $6.50 weekdays and $10 weekends and holidays. Call 703-433-0002 or visit www.leesburganimalpark.com.

TARARA'S ANNUAL BARREL TASTING. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, Nov. 10, from 7-10 p.m. Fee. Hors d'oeuvres and wine specials. Prepaid reservations are required. Call 703-771-7100 for more information.

CHRISTMAS AT OATLANDS PLANTATION. 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, Nov. 24-Dec. 30. This 260-acre estate featuring a stately Greek revival mansion, magnificent formal terraced garden and 19th century dependencies, will present a display of Christmas past including decorations from the abundant natural products of Oatlands, cedar, ivy, pine, magnolia, boxwood and Osage orange. For additional information call 703-777-3174 or visit the Web at www.oatlands.org.

WINTER SOLSTICE. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, will be celebrating the season of winter with warming red wines, fireside and live music. The winery is open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and live music will be from 12-4 p.m. No cover charge. Tasting fees apply. Visit www.tarara.com.

LUCKETTS BLUEGRASS. All ages. Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Leesburg. Bluegrass is synonymous with Lucketts. Call 703-771-5281 for more information. Admission: $12. Saturdays, October-April, doors open at 6 p.m., shows begin at 7 p.m. Visit www.luckettscommunitycenter.org.

FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON. The Sterling Playmakers present "Flowers for Algernon," Nov. 7-9 and 14-16. Call the hotline at 703-437-6117 or visit www.sterlingplaymakers.com for ticket prices and location.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. The Sterling Playmakers present "The Best Christmas Present Ever," Nov. 30-Dec. 2 and Dec. 7-9. Call the hotline at 703-437-6117 or visit www.sterlingplaymakers.com for ticket prices and location.

MAIZE AT TEMPLE HALL FARM REGIONAL PARK. Annual autumn activities and giant cornfield maze are held 15789 Temple Hall Lane, Leesburg, Sept. 26-Nov. 2. Featuring an 11-acre cornfield maze, hay rides and pick-your-own pumpkins. Visit www.nvrpa.org/parks/themaize/ for more information. Call 703-779-9372.

GREEN FRIDAY. Nov. 28-Dec. 31. This year the Loudoun Farm Museum is encouraging shoppers to think green by shopping for locally made products and gifts at participating area retail outlets and gift shops. The gift shop at the Heritage Farm Museum is one of eight locations to purchase locally made products that sustain the economy and support Loudoun County farmers and artists. For more information on Green Friday and a list of sites, visit www.loudounfarms.org or call 703-777-0426.

10TH ANNIVERSARY CLAUDE MOORE VISITORS CENTER. Nature hikes, crafts, birthday cake and displays in the discovery room, Nov. 15, at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Call 571-258-3700. Free.

<cal1>December

<cal2>FIRST NIGHT LEESBURG. Dec. 31. More than 100 performances at 20 indoor locations in downtown Leesburg, all within walking distance of one another. Enjoy jazz, classical music, puppet shows, bluegrass, folk music, magicians and much more. First Night concludes at midnight with a traditional Grand Illumination gathering on the courthouse green. Everyone will receive a candle, pass the flame to their neighbor and sing in the New Year as the old courthouse bell rings the last 12 chimes to midnight. First Night performances, 6-11:45 p.m.; grand illumination, 11:45 p.m.- midnight. Admission to be determined. Visit www.bluemont.org.

HOLIDAY IN THE PARK. Saturday, Dec. 6, 3:30-6 p.m., at Claude Moore Park. Take a candlelight tour of the historic Lanesville Heritage House and view its old-fashioned holiday decor. Visit Frogshackle Nature Center, sing carols, roast marshmallows, enjoy hot cider and crafts. Donations of new mittens, hats and scarves are welcome for the Winter Warmth Tree. These donations will go to the Loudoun Holiday Coalition. No registration required. Free. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, 571-258-3700.

HOLIDAY KICKOFF. Dec. 13, Willowcraft Farm Vineyards, 38906 Mount Gilead Road, Leesburg. Kick off the holiday season at Willowcraft with champagne and gourmet hors d’oeuvres, 12-4 p.m. Cost is $10. Call 703-777-8161 or visit www.willowcraftwine.com.

LEESBURG TOWN TREE LIGHTING. Friday, Dec. 5, 6-7 p.m., at the Leesburg Town Green. Children of all ages are invited to help the mayor "flip the switch" and light the tree. Local choirs will be on hand for holiday music. Contact Ida Lee Park Recreation Center at 703-777-1368 or online at www.idalee.org.

<cal1>January

<cal2>MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY. Annual parade in Leesburg. Visit www.leesburgva.gov.

<cal1>February

<cal2>LUCKETTS BLUEGRASS. All ages. Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Leesburg. Bluegrass is synonymous with Lucketts. Call 703-771-5281 for more information. Admission: $12. Saturdays, October-April, doors open at 6 p.m., shows begin at 7 p.m.

PUSS IN BOOTS. The Sterling Playmakers present "Puss in Boots," Feb. 27-28, March 1 and March 6-8. Call the hotline at 703-437-6117 or visit www.sterlingplaymakers.com for ticket prices and location.

<cal1>March

PUSS IN BOOTS. The Sterling Playmakers present "Puss in Boots," Feb. 27-28, March 1 and March 6-8. Call the hotline at 703-437-6117 or visit www.sterlingplaymakers.com for ticket prices and location.

<cal1>April

<cal2>NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK. April 12-18. National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. For more information on National Library Week at the Loudoun County Public Library, contact Linda Holtslander at 703-777-0541 or lholtsla@loudoun.gov.

SPRING TRAIL CLEAN UP. Date to be determined. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. All volunteers will receive orientation and then be divided into work groups. Trail work includes pruning, blazing, sign inventory, trash pick-up, etc. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, 571-258-3700.

ANNUAL LEESBURG FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL. April 18-19. Annual event in the historic district of Leesburg. More than 100 vendors, landscape vendors, entertainment, hands-on art and education area and food. Offers information on how to create beautiful gardens and landscapes. $3 suggested donation. Call 703-777-1368. Visit www.idalee.org.

EGGSTRAVAGANZA. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road. Date varies. For ages 2-10 years old. Participate in egg hunt, see hands-on reptile exhibit. Registration required. Fee. Call 571-258-3700 for date.

MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940. The Sterling Playmakers present "Musical Comedy Murders of 1940," April 17-19 and 24-26. Call the hotline at 703-437-6117 or visit www.sterlingplaymakers.com for ticket prices and location.

<cal1>May

<cal2>SPRING FARM TOUR. Third weekend in May throughout Loudoun County. Be introduced to Loudoun's agriculture and farming activities at the beginning of the growing season. County wineries are also included in this tour. For more information visit www.loudounfarms.org.

ANNUAL 5K RUN. Claude Moore Park, Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Supports the restoration of the Bridges Schoolhouse in the park. Race will be held May 9. Hours TBA. Call 571-258-3700.

AMERICA’S CUP OF POLO. Watch the U.S. Team take on the Australians in a polo match at Morven Park, Tutt Lane and Route 15 north, Leesburg, Friday, May 8 and 9. The event will include music and food from the U.S. and Australia. The will also be a military fly over and parachute jump teams. May 8 a dinner will be served to celebrate the competition. Visit www.americascupofpolo.com.

<cal1>June

<cal2>MUSIC FEST. Sundays, at the Belmont Country Club, 19661 Belmont Manor Lane, Ashburn. Gates open at 5 p.m., an opening act takes the stage at 6 p.m. with the main act following at 7 p.m. Bring blankets or chairs. Food and beverages available for purchase; no outside refreshments permitted. Benefits local charities. Ticket prices vary; and are available at www.liveatbelmont.com or by calling 703-726-8867.

BLUEMONT CONCERT SERIES. The Bluemont Concert Series on the lawn of the Old Loudoun County Courthouse in downtown, historic Leesburg at 1 East Market St., Sundays, 7 p.m. 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.

HOMEWARD BOUND. June, exact date to be determined. An all-day festival celebrating companion animals. Local pet-friendly groups join the Department of Animal Care & Control for a day of fun activities and animal education. Free. Contact 703-777-0406 or animals@loudoun.gov.

KIDS ALL-AMERICAN FISHING DERBY. Date to be determined, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. This event is for children ages 6-16. Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories. Park staff will be available to give fishing advice. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required; download the registration form, http://inetdocs.loudoun.gov/prcs/events/claudemoorepark. Free. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, 571-258-3700.

POTOMAC CELTIC FESTIVAL. Second weekend in June, on the grounds at Morven Park, Tutt Lane and Route 15 north, Leesburg. Continuous live music, crafts, food, Celtic history re-enactments, pipers, clan tents, storytellers and demonstrations. Admission fee. Check Web site for updates. Call 703-938-9779 or visit www.potomaccelticfest.org.

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY. This national event is sponsored by the American Hiking Society. Explore some of the 11 miles of park's trails. Free trail maps are available in the Visitor Center on Old Vestal's Gap Road within the park. The Loudoun Walking and Volkssport Club will sponsor 5K (3 miles) and 10K (6 miles) walks on a marked course. All are invited to walk the course, a small fee will be charged for IVV credit; the course is free to all other walkers. Free. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, 571-258-3700.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA SUMMER BREWFEST. "A Celebration of American Beer" will be held in June at Morven Park in Leesburg, from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, and 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday. The BrewFest will feature more than 40 of America’s best breweries pouring their beers, and plenty of tasty food. Musical entertainment. Visit www.novabrewfest.com.

WINMILL CARRIAGE SHOW. Morven Park, Leesburg, early June. Includes a collection of the park’s antique carriages. Visit www.mrvenpark.org.

10-MINUTE ONE-ACT FESTIVAL. The Sterling Playmakers present a one-act festival, June 5-7. Call the hotline at 703-437-6117 or visit www.sterlingplaymakers.com for ticket prices and location.

<cal1>Ongoing Events

<cal2>FARMERS' MARKETS. The Loudoun Valley HomeGrown Markets Association sponsors seven farmers markets in the county until the end of October, featuring home-grown, producer-only markets. The seven locations and hours of operation are Cascades, Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., The Senior Center, 21060 Whitfield Place; Leesburg, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Virginia Village Shopping Center; Lovettsville, Tuesdays, 4-7 p.m., Game Protective Association, Route 287; Middleburg, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Marshall Street; Purcellville, Thursdays, 4- 7 p.m., 21st Street, across from the train station; South Riding, Saturdays, 2-5 p.m., Town Center Parking Lot; and Sterling, Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m., Briar Patch Park, 1400 block of Sterling Boulevard.

LEESBURG FIRST FRIDAYS. Galleries and shops open their doors on the first Friday of each month with special events, refreshments and entertainment, from 6-9 p.m. There is no First Friday in January. Free. Call 800-752-6118. Visit www.leesburgfirstfriday.com.

GUIDED NATURE OR HISTORY HIKES for all ages at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Nature hikes, Frogshackle Cabin Nature Center, history hikes and special request programs for school groups, scouts, community organizations, adults and families are available on a variety of topics throughout the year. Programs designed to foster an appreciation of Loudoun County's natural and cultural resources in a fun and informative way. Summer hours are 7 a.m.-8 p.m. The park will be open free to the public Oct. 21 and 22 for the Loudoun County Farm Tour Program. The park is free for individuals. Cost is $3.50 per person for a group tour, with a minimum charge of $35. Call 571-258-3700 for reservations.

LOUDOUN HERITAGE FARM MUSEUM, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, is open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; as well as Sundays, noon-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children 2-12 and free for children under 2. On permanent display is "The Country People" where visitors travel through time and experience the past 300 years of agricultural history through 10 generations of Loudoun County residents. The Claude Moore children's Farm is an interactive exhibit area for children and their families. Visit www.loudounfarmmuseum.org or call 571-258-3700.

CASCADES LIBRARY, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls, hosts the following ongoing story times: Lapsits for 2s, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays, 11:15 a.m.; Mother Goose nursery time, ages 18-24 months, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:15 a.m.; Pajama story time, Tuesdays, 7 p.m.; Story time for 3s, 4s and 5s, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; and Terrific 3s, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Call 703-444-3228.

STERLING LIBRARY, 120 Enterprise St., has the following ongoing story times: Preschool story times, for 2-5 years old, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Call 703-430-9500.

LEESBURG ANIMAL PARK has several animal exhibits including exotic and domestic animals, a contact area to pet and feed animals, a bird aviary, a safari ride to tour. The park will feature live entertainment on weekends. The Leesburg Animal Park is located at 19270 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. Admissions are $7.95 for children and seniors, $9.95 for adults. Free for children under two. Hours are Fridays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesdays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit www.LeesburgAnmialPark.com or call 703-433-0002.

ASHBURN LIBRARY, 43316 Hay Road, has the following ongoing story times: Baby lapsit, ages 0-18 months. Mondays, 7 p.m.; Mother Goose nursery time, 18-24 months, Tuesdays and Thursday, 10 a.m.; Terrific 2s, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:45 a.m.; Preschool story time, 3-5 years, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30 a.m.; Wonderful Wednesdays, 3-5 years, Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m.; and Pajama story time, 3-5 years, Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Family story time, 2-5 years, Saturdays at 10 a.m. Call 703-737-8100.

OATLANDS PLANTATION. 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg. Open late March-December. Features afternoon teas, daily tours, and special events. National Historical Landmark. Hours, Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays, 1-5 p.m. Admission $10 adults, $9 seniors/students, $7 for gardens and grounds only. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Call 703-777-3174 or visit www.oatlands.org.

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