Children enjoy a train ride at last year’s Centreville Day. Photo by Bonnie Hobbs.
Centreville Day 2014 is just a few weeks away. The 22nd annual community celebration is set for Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., in Historic Centreville Park, 5714 Mount Gilead Road.
The day kicks off with the Third Annual Zombie Slouch 5K, at 9 a.m., outside St. John’s Episcopal Church in the Centreville Historic District. This fun run benefits the DC Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation and runners, walker and pets are encouraged to come in historical or Halloween costume. For more information, contact Meg Crossett at dccandlelighters@gmail.com or call 202 747-7191.
People in costumes, pets, floats, Scouts, antique cars, performers and other inventive entries are all welcome to join in the Centreville Day American Legion Parade. Registration is free via www.CentrevilleVA.org. The parade assembles at the end of Wharton Lane at 11:30 a.m. and passes by the reviewing stand outside St. John’s around noon.
The parade travels through the heart of the Historic District along Mount Gilead and Braddock roads and disperse at Braddock Road. Prizes will be awarded. Direct any questions to Steve Hunter, American Legion Post 1995, at geoshunter@gmail.com.
Part of the day’s festivities will be the Centreville Day Marketplace with crafts vendors, local businesses and nonprofits, historical activities, and live performances on the Centreville Day Stage – ranging from songs to dances to martial arts. There’ll also be free children’s games and rides, plus the Trick-or-Treat Trail, a food court and awards presentations.
“Do you know someone who is always giving to the community and deserves a pat on the back?” asks event Chairman Cheryl Repetti. “The Centreville Day Citizen of the Year awards recognize and spotlight outstanding volunteers and leaders in the Centreville area community, including areas with Chantilly and Clifton ZIP codes.”
Individuals, organizations or businesses may be nominated until midnight, Sept. 21. Nominees must be present at Centreville Day to receive their awards. Download nomination forms at www.centrevilleVA.org or contact Repetti at ccf@centrevilleva.org.
New this year will be a Pet Costume Show on the stage, plus a mini health fair including free flu shots, blood-pressure checks and vision screenings. Returning will be the Fairfax County Park Authority History Train to transport visitors back in time to Mount Gilead, the Old Stone Church and the Stuart-Mosby Museum.
However, none of the day’s events would be possible, said Repetti, without the generosity of the vendors and sponsors. Vendor spaces and sponsorships are still available. Contact Repetti at ccf@centrevilleVA.org or go to www.CentrevilleVA.org for more information.
“If you enjoy giving your time and talent to support your community, there are lots of opportunities to help with Centreville Day, from participating on the planning committee to helping to pick up trash at the end of the day,” she said. “All jobs are important and help to create a great, community event.”
To volunteer, click on the green button at www.CentrevilleVA.org or contact Karen Waltman at volunteer@centrevilleva.org.