Send announcements or events, which are open to the public at no or minimal cost, to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102 or e-mail <a href="mailto:loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com">loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com</a>. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call 703-917-6454.
<cal1>Wednesday/Sept. 24
<cal2>CASINO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing; lunch on own. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST. 9-10:30 a.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Includes buttermilk pancakes, sausage or bacon, coffee and juice. Open to the public. Cost: $3. Call 703-430-2307.
FLAMBOYANT FALL. 4-5 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Celebrate the color and weather of fall and enjoy crafts and stories. Cost: $9; all supplies included. Preregistration required, call 571-258-3500.
BALLET PERFORMANCE. 9:30 a.m., Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville. Loudoun Ballet Company will perform Sergei Prokofiev's "Peter & the Wolf" in a special, one-time performance specifically to benefit Loudoun's schoolchildren. Cost: $5 per student. Call the Franklin Performing Arts Center box office at 540-338-7973.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 25
<cal2>ANIMAL ADOPTION. 4 p.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Learn about adopting and caring for a new dog and meet a friendly dog from Hillcroft Collies. Register online at http://library.loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0323.
T-SHIRT TRANSFORMATION. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Transform a plain T-shirt into something new. Bring as many T-shirts as you would like. Recommended for teens. Register online at http://library.loudoun.gov or call 703-430-9500.
TURTLE TIME. 9:30-11a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Meet the two turtles that live in the visitor center, explore the park to find wild ones and make a turtle craft. Cost: $10.50. 571-258-3700.
TODDLER PICNIC STORY TIME. 12:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Bring lunch, no peanut products, listen to stories and play and chat with other toddlers and their parents or caregivers. Ages 1-2 with a parent or caregiver. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 26
<cal2>FURRY FRIDAY. 5-7 p.m., Sterling Community Center, 20 Enterprise St., Sterling. Once a month, animals from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter will be at the Sterling Community. Bring the whole family for a real "happy hour" with animals looking for new homes. Visit www.loudoun.gov/animals.
TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features Hip-Hop Groove. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For middle schoolers.
TODDLER ONE & TWO. 11 a.m., Rust@Catoctin Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Stories, rhymes and movement for toddlers on the go. Ages 12-24 months with parent/caregiver. Register online at http://library.loudoun.gov. or phone 703-777-0323.
NATURE EXPLORERS. 10-11 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-5. Discover the outdoors with a grown-up friend. Look for tracks, listen for birdcalls, look under logs and more, while focusing on turtles. Cost: $7. 571-258-3700.
JOHNNY APPLESEED. 3:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Celebrate Johnny Appleseed's birthday with stories, songs, games and apple tasting. Ages 5-7. Registration begins two weeks before the program. Sign up at library.loudoun.gov or call 703-737-8100.
FROM SWANN'S CASTLE to Governor's Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Learn Morven Park's history from 19th century plantation to early 20th century hunt country estate and working farm. Guided tours include exhibits, carriage collection, Confederate huts and outdoor walk around property. Cost: adults $5, children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center. Call 703-777-6034.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 27
<cal2>LURE OF LOUDOUN GALA. 6:30 p.m., River Creek Club, 43800 Olympic Blvd., Leesburg. The Loudoun Museum is hosting the second Lure of Loudoun Gala. A cocktail reception kicks off the night, followed by dinner and dancing. Individual tickets are $200 and sponsor opportunities range from $1,000-$10,000. For tickets, call the Museum at 703-777-7427 or e-mail bfriedmann@loudounmuseum.org.
1918: A LIVING HISTORY PROGRAM on World War I and The Home Front. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Travel back in time to life during the Great War as experienced by World War I-era Virginia Gov. and Mrs. Westmoreland Davis, as portrayed by living history interpreters. Cost: $5 adults, $1 children 6-12, free for children under 6. Call 703-777-6034 or visit http://www.morvenpark.org.
AUTUMN ARTS & Crafts Festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Includes vendors, tours of the Lanesville House, old-time craft demonstrations, live music and children's crafts. Free. Call 571-258-3700 or visit http://www.loudoun.gov/claudemoorepark.
PHOTOGRAPHY EXPO. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Learn photographic techniques from a panel of speakers, photograph birds of prey provided by the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia, view a special category of nature photographs taken in Loudoun County parks and much more. Entry forms and complete rules are available online. Admission free; $25 fee for photographing birds of prey. Call 703-303-2650 or visit http://www.loudoun.gov/claudemoorepark.
MUSEUM DAY. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling. Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day, present the museum day admission card to receive two free general admission passes at participating museum day locations. The admission card is available in the September 2008 issue of Smithsonian magazine or can be downloaded from www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday. Call 571-258-3800.
SOUNDS OF SUMMER. 6-9:30 p.m., gate opens at 5 p.m., Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. Features Junkyard Saints. Cost: $15 at the gate, $10 in advance, free for children 6 and under. Call 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
BARKTOBERFEST. Noon-6 p.m., Melodee Music Outdoor Amphitheater, 46077 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling. Annual Barktoberfest Music and Pet Lovers Festival, includes live music, treats, games and felines and canines for adoption sponsored by Friends of Homeless Animals. Friendly, leashed pets are welcome, pet owners/handlers will be required to sign a liability waiver upon entry. Visit www.barktoberfest.org or call 703 779-9966.
BENEFIT 5K. Race starts at 9 a.m., 1K Family Fun Run begins at 8:30 a.m., at 21355 Ridgetop Circle, Sterling. Run for the Door 5K race presented by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage; net proceeds benefit Loudoun Habitat for Humanity. Features a live disc jockey, recovery food and drink, children's activities and an awards ceremony. To register or volunteer, visit www.runforthedoor.com or call 301-871-0400.
APPLE FEST. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Our Savior's Way Lutheran Church, 43115 Waxpool Road, Ashburn. Celebration will include children's games and activities, bake sale, community businesses and local crafters, raffle, food and more. Visit www.owslc.org.
FALL FESTIVAL. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., historic district in downtown Leesburg. Sixth annual Fall into the Arts festival includes live jazz music, a juried art exhibit and sale as well as special exhibits and art displayed throughout the downtown shops. Free and open to the public. Visit www.fallintothearts.org or contact event chair Jim Sisley at jsisley@verizon.net.
BALLET PERFORMANCE. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville. Loudoun Ballet Company will perform Sergei Prokofiev's "Peter & the Wolf." Cost: $8. Call the Franklin Performing Arts Center box office at 540-338-7973.
TOURING SHAKESPEARE. 7:30 p.m., Waddell Theater, Loudoun Campus, Northern Virginia Community College, 1000 Harry Flood Byrd Highway, Sterling. The American Shakespeare Center's Touring Ensemble will present "Hamlet." Cost: free for NOVA students, faculty and staff; $5 for general public, tickets must be reserved in advance. Contact Natalie V. Safley, 703-948-7701 or nsafley@nvcc.edu.
VIETNAMESE FOLK MUSIC. 2 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Kim Oanh Nguyen, a graduate of the Saigon Conservatory of Music and Performing Arts as well as the Gia-Dinh National School of Fine Arts in Viet Nam, performs on the Dan Tranh, a traditional Vietnamese 16-string instrument similar to a guitar or zither. A flautist and two dancers will accompany the performance. Recommended for all ages. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 28
<cal2>PHOTOGRAPHY EXPO. Noon-5 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. See the Sept. 27 item for details.
READER'S THEATER. 2 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. In recognition of Banned Books Week, professional actors Tim Jon and Stokes Tomlin will read from a selection of titles that have been banned. Recommended for teens and adults. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
BALLET PERFORMANCE. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville. See Sept. 27 item for more details.
TOURING SHAKESPEARE. 2 p.m., Waddell Theater, Loudoun Campus, Northern Virginia Community College, 1000 Harry Flood Byrd Highway, Sterling. The American Shakespeare Center's Touring Ensemble will present "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead." Cost: free for NOVA students, faculty and staff; $5 for general public, tickets must be reserved in advance. Contact Natalie V. Safley, 703-948-7701 or nsafley@nvcc.edu.
TRAVEL THROUGH TIME in the Winmill Carriage Collection. 1-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, 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. Cost: adults $5, children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitor Center. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
MONSTER FEST. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Station, 20688 Ashburn Road, Ashburn. All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, includes haunted house and Kid's Corner. Cost: $6 ages 9 and up; $5 seniors 60 and up; $4 ages 3-8; free under 3.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 29
<cal2>WOOLGATHERING. 6 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Bring own stitching project and gather to chat with friends. Ages 12 and up. Call 703-430-9500.
MOVIE NIGHT. 7 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Watch "The Spiderwick Chronicles," rated PG, 137 minutes. Bring pillows, blankets and snacks. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
WIGGLING WEATHERMAN. 9:30-1 a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Can Wooly Bear caterpillars predict the weather? Roll logs and net fields to look for them and their insect friends. Cost: $10.50. Call 571-258-3700.
GOLF TOURNAMENT. Hidden Creek Country Club, 1711 Clubhouse Road, Reston. The 12th annual Opportunities Open presented by the Dulles Airport Rotary Club. All proceeds benefit The Arc of Northern Virginia (The Arc), Every Citizen Has Opportunities (ECHO), ServiceSource, and The Arc of Loudoun (Larc). Includes lunch, dinner, raffle and auction. Visit www.echoworks.org and click on Events.
FROM SWANN'S CASTLE to Governor's Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. See the Sept. 26 item for details.
T-SHIRT TRANSFORMATION. 6:30 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Transform a T-shirt into a bag, skirt or much more. Bring as many T-shirts to transform as want. Ages 12-18. Registration begins two weeks before program. Sign up online at library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-444-3228.
<cal1>Tuesday/Sept. 30
<cal2>APPLE HARVEST. 4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Make and taste applesauce, cider and more. Ages 3-6 with a parent or caregiver. Registration begins two weeks before program. Sign up at library.loudoun.gov or call 703-444-3328.
FIRST BUS RIDE. 10-11:30 a.m., Douglass Community Center, 405 E. Market St., Leesburg. Ride a bus to Luck Stone Quarry in Ashburn. All ages; children must be accompanied by paying parent. $12 per person. Call 703-771-5913 or e-mail dcc@loudoun.gov.
SCIENCE PROGRAM. 7 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Explore the solar system with Rob Cork. Ages 6 and up. Free; limited tickets available half-hour before program. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Thursday/Oct. 2
<cal2>WIGGLING WEATHERMAN. 9:30-1 a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Can Wooly Bear caterpillars predict the weather? Roll logs and net fields to look for them and their insect friends. Cost: $10.50. Call 571-258-3700.
CHEROKEE POW WOW. Noon-6 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. All ages. The Appalachian Cherokee Nation Pow-Wow will be held at the Claude Moore Park at the Vestal's Gap enterance, featuring Native American music, more than 100 dancers and drummers, traditional foods and handmade items for sale. No registration required. An adult must accompany children. Cost: $5 per person for ages 16 and older; children under 16 bring cans/dry goods for A.C.N. Food Bank. Call 571-258-3700.
GERONIMO STILTON DAY. 4-5 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Activities and a short presentation from Martin Casey, Loudoun Easterner editor. Ages 8-11. Registration begins two weeks before program. Sign up library.loudoun.gov or call 703-444-3228.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 3
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features Hip-Hop Groove. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For high schoolers.
MUSEUMS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the Bureau of Printing and Engraving and Holocaust Museum; lunch on own or bring bag lunch. Cost: $9 for members, $11 for nonmembers, includes transportation with free admission/tours. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
CHEROKEE POW WOW. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. See Oct. 2 item for details.
FROM SWANN'S CASTLE to Governor's Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Learn Morven Park's history from 19th century plantation to early 20th century hunt country estate and working farm. Guided tours include exhibits, carriage collection, Confederate huts and outdoor walk around property. Cost: adults $5, children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center. Call 703-777-6034.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 4
<cal2>FAMILY BIRD WALK. 9-11 a.m., Bles Park, end of Riverside Parkway in University Center. Join the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy at for a family bird walk. Bring binoculars. Contact Andy Rabin at stylurus@gmail.com or 703-723-6926.
FALL RACES. Post time 1:30 p.m., Glenwood Park Race Course, Middleburg. 54th running of the Virginia Fall Races, benefiting Inova Loudoun Hospital and Glenwood Park Trust. Includes races and family fun fair. Cost: $20 and up based on ticket package. Call 540-687-5662 or visit www.vafallraces.com.
DRIVE IN & GIVE. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The South Riding Lions Club and South Riding Women in Business are sponsoring "Drive In & Give" in the parking lot of Giant Food in South Riding Plaza. This is a one-stop opportunity to help those in need of blood, food, winter coats, and eyeglasses. The Inova Blood Donor Services bloodmobile will be on site from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, contact Kere Knapp at kknapp@lillonlocation.com or call 1-866-BloodSaves (866-256-6372). Visit www.SRLIONS.org or www.SWRB.com.
ARTSPOWER. 1 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. ArtsPower presents the musical "Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon," based on the book by Paula Danziger. All ages. Visit www.library.loudoun.gov.
BOOK SWAP. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Bring books to trade for something new. Books on tape or CD, music CDs, VHS and DVD movies welcome. Call 571-258-3500.
CHEROKEE POW WOW. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. See Oct. 2 item for details.
SQUIRRELS AND CHIPMUNKS. 10 a.m.-noon, Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 5 and up. Discover chipmunk and squirrel tracks, homes and what they eat through a game, activities and a craft. Call 571-258-3700 to register. An adult must accompany children. Cost: $5.
RESCUE EVENT. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Falcon Recreation Center, 22025 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League (MAGDRL), one of the largest breed specific rescues in the North East, is hosting a meet and greet. MAGDRL helps find homes for abandoned or homeless Great Danes. Leashed dogs welcome. Free admission, parking $5. Call 703-722-BARK.
FROM SWANN'S CASTLE to Governor's Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. See the Oct. 4 item for details.
IT'S A MYSTERY. 2 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St, Sterling. Ages 6-12. Includes trivia and games about mystery book characters. How much do you know about Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys adventures? Registration required, online at http://library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-430-9500.
<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 5
<cal2>MONTHLY BREAKFAST. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.
FALL RACES. Noon, Glenwood Park Race Course, Middleburg. 54th running of the Virginia Fall Races, benefiting Inova Loudoun Hospital and Glenwood Park Trust. Includes field hunter championship finals and races. Cost: $20 and up based on ticket package. Call 540-687-5662 or visit www.vafallraces.com.
OPEN HOUSE/FAMILY DAY. 1-4 p.m., Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, 20688 Ashburn Road, Ashburn. Includes activities, tours, safety lessons, refreshments and chili cook off. Parking with free shuttle from Cedar Lane Elementary School, 43700 Tolomac Road. E-mail Openhousecommittee@ashburnfirerescue.org or visit www.ashburnfirerescue.org.
CHEROKEE POW WOW. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. See Oct. 2 item for details.
TRAVEL THROUGH TIME in the Winmill Carriage Collection. 1-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, 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. Cost: adults $5, children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitor Center. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
<cal1>Monday/Oct. 6
<cal2>STORY TIME WITH JABBERU. 11 a.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Foreign language story time, expose children to other languages through interactive stories and songs. Ages 3 and up. Day's selection: Chinese language. Register online at http://library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-737-8100.
WOOLGATHERING. 6 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Bring own stitching project and gather to chat with friends. Ages 12 and up. Call 703-430-9500.
SENIORS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the Lincoln Cottage and Kennedy Center; lunch on own. Cost: $19 for members, $21 for nonmembers, includes transportation and both tours. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
TREE-RIFFIC FALL. 9:30-11 a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Explore the beautiful leaves, nuts and seeds and animals getting ready for winter in the forests. Cost: $10.50. Call 571-258-3700.
FROM SWANN'S CASTLE to Governor's Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. See the Oct. 4 item for details.
<cal1>Thursday/Oct. 9
<cal2>CASINO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing; lunch on own. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
TREE-RIFFIC FALL. 9:30-11 a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Explore the beautiful leaves, nuts and seeds and animals getting ready for winter in the forests. Cost: $10.50. Call 571-258-3700.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 10
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features art night. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For middle schoolers.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 11
<cal2>COLUMBUS DAY PARADE. 10 a.m., Sterling Park. 27th annual Columbus Day parade staged by the Good Samaritan Council 6175, Knights of Columbus. Participation open the community including bike riders, marching bands or other musical groups, organizations, antique cars, military units, youth groups, floats, athletic leagues and school groups. Parade begins at Park View High School and travels down Laurel Avenue to Sterling Boulevard to Holly Avenue and ends at the Knights of Columbus Barn. Includes refreshments for participants at the barn. Contact Steve Rogers, 571-333-7787 or Don Harris, 703-729-3340.
FALL FESTIVAL. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Waterford. Joshua's Hands' annual festival. Includes food, children's crafts, games, pony rides, lunch and auction. Free, auction benefits the nonprofit Joshua's Hands. Visit www.JoshuasHands.org or call 540-540-7827.
CANCER WALK. 5:30 p.m., Ida Lee Park, 60 Ida Lee Drive, N.W., Leesburg. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's National Capital Area Chapter's Light the Night Walk to raise money to help cure blood cancers. Cost: $25 participant donation is recommended. Call 703-960-1100 or visit www.lightthenight.org/nca.
<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 12
<cal2>PLANT EXCHANGE. 2 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. 15th annual Fall Seed and Plant Exchange, bring extra seeds, bulbs, plants and cuttings to exchange. Call 703-430-2136.
<cal1>Tuesday/Oct. 14
<cal2>MAD SCIENTISTS' CLUB. 7 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Explore scientific topics through recreational and informational activities. Ages 8-11. October: It's a Zoo in Here. Register online at http://library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-737-8100.
<cal1>Wednesday/Oct. 15
<cal2>GOLF FUND-RAISER. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., at Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club, 41601 Raspberry Drive, Leesburg. The Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association Foundation is hosting a charity auction and golf classic fund-raiser. Day includes golf tourney and clinic, silent and live auction and a dinner. Call Wendy Ferrigno at 703-771-2170, Ext. 24 or visit www.LCVAFoundation.org to participate or sponsor.
SENIORS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Shenandoah National Park, to view the Skyline Drive autumn colors; lunch on own at Elkwallow Wayside or bring bag lunch. Cost: $10 for members, $12 for nonmembers, includes transportation. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Thursday/Oct. 16
<cal2>SENIORS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the Lincoln Cottage and Kennedy Center; lunch on own. Cost: $19 for members, $21 for nonmembers, includes transportation and both tours. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
BILINGUAL STORY TIME. 4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. A Spanish and English story time presented by Barbara Davila. Recommended for ages 2-6. Check http://library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 17
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features art night. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For high schoolers.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 18
<cal2>COURT AND MARKET DAYS. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Downtown Leesburg. Take a step back in time and embrace and celebrate Leesburg history at this annual event. Stroll the streets of historic downtown Leesburg and visit the many traders and demonstrators on hand or watch the court case re-enactments. Includes children's activities, food vendors and live entertainment. Contact Ida Lee Park Recreation Center at 703-777-1368.
FALL FARM COLOR TOUR. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., locations countywide. Self-guided tour of vineyards, orchards, pick-your-own farms and the Heritage Farm Museum. Sponsored by the Department of Economic Development, visit the Web site, www.LoudounFarms.org, to download a brochure of participating locations and a map.
MUSEUM TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the Newseum; lunch on own. Cost: $26 for members, $28 for nonmembers, includes transportation and admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
NOAA OPEN HOUSE. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., NOAA's National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office, 43858 Weather Service Road (off Old Ox Road, adjacent to Dulles Airport), Sterling. Includes demonstrations, tours, exhibits, weather balloon launch and more.
RESCUE EVENT. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., PetSmart, 46220 Potomac Run Plaza, Sterling. Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League (MAGDRL), one of the largest breed specific rescues in the North East, is hosting a meet and greet. MAGDRL helps find homes for abandoned or homeless Great Danes. MAGDRL will be at the Sterling PetSmart on the third Saturday of every month. Call Sterling PetSmart, 703-444-6500.
<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 19
<cal2>FALL FARM COLOR TOUR. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., locations countywide. See Oct. 18 item for details.
NOAA OPEN HOUSE. Noon-5 p.m., NOAA's National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office, 43858 Weather Service Road (off Old Ox Road, adjacent to Dulles Airport), Sterling. See Oct. 18 item for details.
<cal1>Monday/Oct. 20
<cal2>READER'S THEATRE. 4 p.m., Rust Library, 30 B Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. A Reader's Theatre presentation of the Loudoun County Public Library One Book-One Community selection, "Nothing But the Truth" with professional actors Tim Jons, Stokes Tomlin and Carolyn Christensen.
<cal1>Tuesday/Oct. 21
<cal2>BILINGUAL STORY TIME. 6:30 p.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Sing canciones, listen to cuentos and learn rimas in English and Spanish. All ages. Check library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Wednesday/Oct. 22
<cal2>CASINO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing; lunch on own. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 24
<cal2>FURRY FRIDAY. 5-7 p.m., Sterling Community Center, 20 Enterprise St., Sterling. Once a month, animals from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter will be at the Sterling Community. Bring the whole family for a real "happy hour" with animals looking for new homes. Visit www.loudoun.gov/animals.
TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features Halloween dance party. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For middle schoolers.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 25
<cal2>APPLE FESTIVAL. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling. Fourth annual Autumn Apple Festival. Exhibit "Virginia Apples for Flavor: The Story of Hill High Orchards," see historic orchard tools at work, learn how to make cider, visit with local orchardists, browse locally made apple products, meet local farmers and learn about how to buy fresh and shop local. Cost: adults $5 and children $3. Call 571-258-3800.
<cal1>Monday/Oct. 27
<cal2>STORY TIME WITH JABBERU. 11 a.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Foreign language story time, expose children to other languages through interactive stories and songs. Ages 3 and up. Day's selection: Spanish language. Register online at http://library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-737-8100.
WOOLGATHERING. 6 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Bring own stitching project and gather to chat with friends. Ages 12 and up. Call 703-430-9500.
<cal1>Tuesday/Oct. 28
<cal2>MUSEUM TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the Hillwood Museum and Gardens; lunch on own at museum or bring bag lunch. Cost: $19 for members, $21 for nonmembers, includes transportation and admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Wednesday/Oct. 29
<cal2>BINGO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Bingo World in Baltimore, Md.; lunch on own or bring bag lunch. Cost: $11 for members, $13 for nonmembers, includes transportation; purchase bingo cards at the door. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Thursday/Oct. 30
<cal2>MUSEUMS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., with drop off and pick ups at the Natural History, Gallery of Art, American Indian, Air and Space and African Art/Freer/Hirshhorn/Sackler museums; lunch on own. Cost: $9 for members, $11 for nonmembers, includes transportation with free admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
MOVIE NIGHT. 7 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Watch "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," "You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown" and "Garfield's Halloween Adventure." Bring pillows, blankets and snacks. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 31
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features Halloween dance party. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For high schoolers.
HALLOWEEN PARTY. 2-4 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Includes disc jockey, light refreshments, snacks and transportation. Wear costume. Cost: $3 for members in advance, $5 for nonmembers and at door. Call 703-430-2397.
ZOO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the Smithsonian National Zoological Park; lunch on own or bring bag lunch. Cost: $9 for members, $11 for nonmembers, includes transportation. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 1
<cal2>PAPER MODELERS CONVENTION. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Hampton Inn & Suites, Sterling. 11th annual International Paper Modelers' Convention includes displays and opportunity to swap, sell and buy models. Buffet dinner and auction of model kits at 7 p.m. Cost: admission free; table rental $35; buffet dinner and auction $40. Call 703-620-9720.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 2
<cal2>MONTHLY BREAKFAST. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.
<cal1>Monday/Nov. 3
<cal2>MUSEUM TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Harrisonburg, Va., to visit the Virginia Quilt Museum; lunch on own or bring bag lunch. Cost: $18 for members, $20 for nonmembers, includes transportation and admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 6
<cal2>SENIORS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Gettysburg, Pa., to visit Boyd's Bear Country and tour Eisenhower Farm; lunch on own or bring bag lunch. Cost: $15 for members, $17 for nonmembers, includes transportation, admission and tour. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Tuesday/Nov. 11
<cal2>SENIORS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Arlington, to tour, by Tourmobile, Arlington Cemetery and U.S. Air Force Memorial; bring bag lunch. Cost: $14 for members, $16 for nonmembers, includes transportation and Tourmobile. Moderate walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 13
<cal2>MUSEUMS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery or Spy Museum; lunch on own. Cost: $9 for members, $11 for nonmembers, includes transportation with free admission to art museums; Spy Museum has admission cost. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
CASINO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing; lunch on own. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 14
<cal2>FURRY FRIDAY. 5-7 p.m., Sterling Community Center, 20 Enterprise St., Sterling. Once a month, animals from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter will be at the Sterling Community. Bring the whole family for a real "happy hour" with animals looking for new homes. Visit www.loudoun.gov/animals.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 15
<cal2>LET'S TALK TURKEY. 10 a.m.-noon, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling. Straight talk about the bird and its lore. Hands-on children's activities, stories and games. Free with paid museum admission. Cost: adults $5 and children $3. Call 571-258-3800.
<cal1>Monday/Nov. 17
<cal2>MUSEUMS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., with drop off and pick ups at the Natural History, Gallery of Art, American Indian, Air and Space and African Art/Freer/Hirshhorn/Sackler museums; lunch on own. Cost: $9 for members, $11 for nonmembers, includes transportation with free admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Wednesday/Nov. 26
<cal2>CASINO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing; lunch on own. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 7
<cal2>MONTHLY BREAKFAST. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.
THEATER TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Columbia, Md., to Toby's Dinner Theatre for the production of "Plaid Tidings." Cost: $54 for members, $56 for nonmembers, includes transportation, show, champagne brunch and tip. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 10
<cal2>HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., for dinner on own at Union Station, viewing of Pageant of Peace and visit to Mormon Temple Grounds and Visitors Center, including live Nativity scene. Cost: $23 for members, $25 for nonmembers, includes transportation with free admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 12
<cal2>FURRY FRIDAY. 5-7 p.m., Sterling Community Center, 20 Enterprise St., Sterling. Once a month, animals from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter will be at the Sterling Community. Bring the whole family for a real "happy hour" with animals looking for new homes. Visit www.loudoun.gov/animals.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 14
<cal2>THEATER TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Columbia, Md., to Toby's Dinner Theatre for the production of "A Christmas Carol." Cost: $58 for members, $60 for nonmembers, includes transportation, show, champagne brunch and tip. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 15
<cal2>HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., for dinner on own at Union Station, viewing of Pageant of Peace and visit to Mormon Temple Grounds and Visitors Center, including live Nativity scene. Cost: $23 for members, $25 for nonmembers, includes transportation with free admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 18
<cal2>THEATER TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Columbia, Md., to Toby's Dinner Theatre for the production of "A Christmas Carol." Cost: $58 for members, $60 for nonmembers, includes transportation, show, champagne brunch and tip. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.