Have you had enough of these February weather swings? Ready to get outdoors more often? Perhaps get rid of some cabin fever? Fortunately, with Earth Day and spring just around the corner, there are numerous opportunities to visit and participate in some local festivals. Below is a sampling of some in our region. Go ahead, get out there and live a little more!
28th Annual Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival
April 21 – 22. Downtown Leesburg, Virginia. Contact: Ida Lee Park Recreation Center at 703-777-1368 or visit www.flowerandgarden.org.
Historic Leesburg will once again be in full bloom as lush landscapes and gorgeous gardens fill the streets. On April 22 and 23 over 120 vendors will be featuring landscape designs, gardening supplies, outdoor living items, plants, flowers, herbs and so much more! Stroll through the streets and take in the sights and sounds of springtime. Whether it’s gathering ideas for your new outdoor patio, stocking up on gardening supplies, or searching for a perfect gift for the avid gardener in your life, this event will have something for everyone! The event runs from 10:00am-6:00pm on Saturday and 10:00am-5:00pm
on Sunday.
Festival goers can take a break from exploring the treasures vendors have to
offer by stepping inside the Beer and Wine Garden located on the Town Green. Here, they can relax and sample ice cold brews and wines from around Loudoun County and beyond.
The Flower and Garden Festival will also host two entertainment stages. The Main Stage, located on the Loudoun County Courthouse grounds, will feature acoustic performers all day on Saturday and Sunday. The music kicks
off on Saturday with local favorite, Gary Smallwood. This is a great place to sit under a tree, take in the tunes, and
savor a tasty treat from one of the many food vendors onsite.
The second stage is all about our younger festival attendees and is located in the Children’s Area. The Children’s Stage will feature interactive, live entertainment all day Saturday and Sunday afternoon. In addition to the entertainment, children can paint large wooden animal cut-outs, create a garden marker, or participate in one of the other crafts available in
this area.
91st Annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
April 27 – May 6. 135 North Cameron Street, Winchester, VA 22601; Phone: 540-662-3863
The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, a six-day festival held annually in Winchester, Virginia, is known for its many guest celebrities and events. The festival was first held Saturday, May 3, 1924, and was originally celebrated as a one-day event (although not held in 1942-1945 due to World War II). Features include a Grand Feature Parade, Firefighters’ Parade (first held on Thursday, April 18, 1929), a carnival and midway, luncheons, races, walks, dances, and concerts, as well as a field show competition which formerly gave out the Queen’s Cup trophy to the winner, starting with the original Queen, Elizabeth Steck. Go to Thebloom.com to learn more about the scheduled activities.
Springfest Fairfax
April 21. The Sully Historic Site, 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly, VA 20151; Phone 703-324-5471.
This is Fairfax County’s official Earth Day and Arbor Day event. Once again Clean Fairfax welcomes Fairfax County Park Authority’s Healthy Strides Expo–workshops, vendors and activities to help us be healthier and happier. ”Healthy People-Healthy Planet.” Over 75 vendors, exhibitors and food trucks will be at SpringFest–and admission is still FREE! Learn about the great work ladybugs do for our gardens; ride a pony; try a fun run; participate in environmental crafts; check out the bees and the trees; consult with Master Gardeners; buy plants for your garden and MORE!
Entertainment includes: Food trucks; The Recycling Pirates puppet show; petting zoo; Touch-a-Truck; and more!