Each year the Board of Directors for Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. honor one outstanding volunteer worker with the Volunteer of the Year Award. This year’s recipient, Scott Fridy (Chantilly), has been volunteering in Fairfax County for nearly 20 years and he helps coordinate the reveled "Children's Avenue" sponsored by ExxonMobil. The annual events on "Children’s Avenue" include attractions geared just for children aged 12 and under.
Along with a petting zoo, kiddy rides, and booths just for kids, the avenue also includes the Busch Garden's Children's stage, which is coordinated by Fridy. "We like to put on shows and concerts that feature a mix of local acts and bigger acts," Fridy said.
As the Director of Performing Arts at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Fridy uses his acquired network to ensure the children’s stage presents an excellent line-up of shows. "It’s largely a team effort, and it’s important for the ‘Celebrate’ leaders to be friendly and knowledgeable so we can put a good face on the event," Fridy said.
What started out as one booth that catered to children has evolved into an entire block of Celebrate Fairfax with the help of Fridy and other volunteers like him. "It’s another way for us to market ourselves as a family-friendly event."
Overall Fridy says that his pride stems from being able to give the community of Fairfax an event they can be proud of. "It’s about giving people an event they will enjoy so that they can feel good about where they live."