Labor Day weekend has almost arrived, unofficially bringing summer to an end with an occasion to recognize the achievement of workers and the labor movement.

For students, the weekend has already begun, since Fairfax County Public Schools has designated both today (Friday) and Monday (Sept. 6) as holidays.

While Reston Association’s summer pool season has mostly come to a close, a handful of pools will be open over Labor Day weekend, with the North Shore and Ridge Heights heated pools remaining open through Sept. 19.

RA announced on Tuesday (Aug. 31) that the North Shore, Ridge Heights, Lake Newport, and Glade pools will all open from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 4-5) as well as from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday.

“We are happy that we were able to open and operate the majority of RA pools safely this summer for our members enjoyment,” RA Director of Recreation and Environmental Education Laura Kowalski said in an email. “In addition, RA swim lessons, water exercise and pool events were well attended. And of course, our annual end of season Dog Paddles for our furry friends was a big hit.”

Elsewhere in Fairfax County, many public facilities and services will be closed or have altered schedules for Labor Day. Here are some of the changes that Reston and Herndon residents should be aware of for the federal holiday:

Fairfax County Government

• County government offices will be closed on Sept. 6.

Fairfax County Courts

• The Fairfax Circuit, General District, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District courts will all be closed on Labor Day.

Town of Herndon

• Town offices and the Herndon Community Center will be closed for Labor Day.
• There will be no recycling collection that day. Residents whose recycling is typically collected on Mondays will instead have pick-ups on Tuesday (Sept. 7).
• The Herndon Centennial Golf Course will be open on Monday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

County Libraries and Recreational Facilities

• Fairfax County Public Library follows the same operating status as the general county government, so all branches will be closed on Labor Day.
• Nearly all Fairfax County RECenters will be open on Monday and follow their standard operating hours, which conclude at 6 p.m. The exception is the George Washington RECenter in Alexandria, which will be closed.
• The Colvin Run Mill and Sully historic sites, Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, and all nature centers will be closed.
• The visitor center at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon will be closed, but the farm itself will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The indoor arena will also be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• All Neighborhood and Community Services facilities, including community, teen, and senior centers, will be closed from Sept. 4-6.
• The Reston Community Center Hunters Woods and Lake Anne facilities will both be closed on Monday.

Public Transit

• Fairfax Connector buses will operate on a Sunday schedule for Labor Day. Check the transit system’s website for the specific routes that will be in service.
• Metro will operate from 7 a.m. to midnight throughout Labor Day weekend, with trains serving 87 of 91 stations normally on the Red, Blue, and Silver lines and scheduled maintenance on the Orange, Yellow, and Green lines.
• On Labor Day, Metrorail, buses, and MetroAccess will follow a Sunday service schedule with off-peak fares and free parking in effect all day.

County Trash and Recycling

• Labor Day will not affect trash and recycling collections for county customers. However, the customer service center will be closed in observance of the holiday.
• The I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex will both be open.

Photo via Reston Association/YouTube

Flash Flood Watch in Effect for Ida — The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch and Hazardous Weather Outlook for Fairfax County that will be in effect today (Wednesday) through tomorrow morning, as the remnants of Hurricane Ida pass over the region. The county advises avoiding flooded streets, moving valuables from basements, and making sure storm drains and gutters aren’t clogged. [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

Alcorn Denies County/Golf Course Development Deal — Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn told the citizens’ advocacy group Rescue Reston that Fairfax County is not aware of any deals to redevelop one of Reston’s two golf courses. A Rescue Reston board member said his group had been told a development deal was “in the works with the county,” which Alcorn denied. [Patch]

Eagerness and Uncertainty Mix in High School Football’s Return to Reston — “By 6 p.m. Friday, the only remaining evidence of that afternoon’s thunder and rain were shallow puddles dotting the back parking lot at South Lakes High School in Reston…It was time for a football game. This matchup between the Seahawks and Robinson was one of about 50 games played across the D.C. area last weekend — the official return of fall football.” [The Washington Post]

RA Announces Labor Day Weekend Pool Schedule — The North Shore, Ridge Heights, Lake Newport, and Glade pools will all be open from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 4-5) and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday (Sept. 6). While the summer pool season is coming to a close, the North Shore and Ridge Heights pools will remain open through Sept. 19. [Reston Association/Twitter]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

Labor Day is this Monday, Sept. 7, and with the holiday comes closures throughout Fairfax County. 

Fairfax County Government offices will be closed, according to the government website, as well as Herndon town offices. The Herndon Community Center, while finally open again with reservations, will be closed on Labor Day. The Reston Community Center will also be closed. 

Fairfax County Public Schools will be observing the holiday, with school starting on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

All parks in Fairfax County will be closed except for the Frying Pan Farm Park Farm and the Frying Pan Farm Park Indoor Area.

Recyclables will not be collected in Herndon, according to a message from the Town of Herndon. Any recyclables normally collected on Mondays will instead be collected on Tuesday, Sept. 8. 

The Fairfax Connector will be open and operating on Sunday service.

The Herndon Centennial Golf Course will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. 

The Metrorail will operate from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m., and the Metrobus will run on a Sunday schedule. 

Photo by Aral Tasher/Unsplash

Labor Day is fast approaching. And while summer may look very different this year due to COVID-19, we’re curious to know how the pandemic will impact your plans.

The federal holiday — which was first marked in the late 19th century —  is celebrated on the first Monday in September. It aims to honor the American labor movement.

Some health officials are bracing for a spike in COVID-19 cases following Labor Day weekend, as parks and other venues become popular spots for celebrations.

For some, the weekend may mark a return to a new normal.  Fairfax County Public Schools will reopen on Sept. 8 with a virtual start. Many companies are planning to reopen offices after the weekend. Other employers are in the midst of rethinking plans for the return to work, the Wall Street Journal reports.

In Herndon and Reston, staple events like the Town of Herndon’s Labor Day Festival have been canceled. But parks are still open for cookouts, along with other community gathering spaces.

Let us know what your plans for Labor Day weekend are in the poll below.

This Labor Day weekend, the 13th annual Lake Anne Jazz and Blues Festival returns to Lake Anne Plaza on Saturday (August 31).

The festival features an afternoon and evening of jazz on the lake. It takes place from 1-8 p.m.

The following performers are set to take part in the festival, among others:

• BIG Whitson
• Vaughn Ambrose,
• Shacara Roger
• Jamal A. Brown
• Feedel Band
• Michael Pavone

It is hosted by Lake Anne Plaza and sponsored by Friends of Lake Anne and the Lake Anne Plaza Merchants, with support from Reston Community Center.

Photo via Charlotte Geary Photography

As we head into Labor Day weekend, here’s a look at some area closings and schedule adjustments for the holiday.

Public schools, library, county offices, the county’s animal shelter, General District Court, and Reston Community Center Hunters Woods and Lake Anne will be closed.

The Fairfax Connector will be operating on a Sunday schedule. Metrorail and Metrobus will also operate on a Sunday schedule, with off-peak fares in effect all day. Parking will be free at all Metrorail facilities.

Frying Pan Farm Park’s farm and indoor arena will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but its visitors center will remain closed. More information about county closures is available online.

Reston Association offices, the Central Services Facility and the nature house will close at noon today (Friday) and remain closed on Monday.

The pool schedule for the holiday weekend is below:

Glade, Lake Audubon, Lake Newport: Noon to 7 p.m.

North Shore, Ridge Heights: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In the town of Herndon, government offices will be closed. Recycling collection will be postponed from Monday to Tuesday. The town’s Labor Day festival is set from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the town green.

Photo via Ben White/Unsplash

As we head into Labor Day weekend, here’s a look at some area closing for the holiday. 

Public schools, libraries, county offices, the county’s animal shelter, Circuit Court, General District Court, and Reston Community Center will be closed.

Fairfax Connector bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule. The Metrorail system will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and will also run on a Sunday schedule. Parking will be free at Metro parking facilities and off-peak fares will be in effect. Metrobus will also run on a Sunday schedule.

Most county parks will be open. Frying Pan Farm Park is open but the visitor’s center will be closed. Reston Association offices, including the Central Services Facility and the Walker Nature Center, will also be closed, but RA pools will be open on Labor Day weekend. 

The hours of pools are as follows:

• North Shore heated pool & spa: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Ridge Heights heated pool: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Lake Newport 50-meter pool: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Photo via DKrebs Via Flickr Creative Commons

Enjoy the Holiday Today! — Remember, many facilities including Fairfax County government offices are closed today. [Fairfax County]

Labor Day Festival On Tap — The annual Herndon Labor Day Festival on the Town Green (777 Lynn St.), from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., will feature Virginia wine tastings, craft beers, live music, a craft show, food vendors, lawn games and more. [Reston Now]

Sunday Morning Gas Leak Disrupts Neighborhood — Fairfax County hazmat units reported to the area of Glade Drive and Marginella Drive at about 9:45 a.m. Sunday for a gas leak. The road was shut down while repair work was done. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue/Instagram]

Deon King Joins Browns’ Practice Squad — The South Lakes High School alumnus was released by the Cleveland Browns during their last wave of roster cuts Saturday; however, he was signed to the team’s practice squad the following day. [Cleveland Browns]

It’s the end-of-summer party known as Labor Day Weekend. Over the next three-plus days, there will be plenty of chances to get out and give summer its well-deserved sendoff.

There are several marquee events in the area this weekend, beginning with the kickoff of the JamBrew series tonight in Herndon. Aslin Beer Co. will be pouring frosty mugs, Weird Brothers Coffee will be offering tasty drinks, Lake Anne Brew House/Nordic Knot Pretzels “will be vending fresh baked soft pretzels to the masses,” and there will be much more. Live music will be offered from DJ Cihad, Todd Wright and Tammy Gann, and Turtle Recall. The free event is slated for 6-10 p.m. at the Herndon Town Green (777 Lynn St.).

(Lake Anne Plaza’s Jazz & Blues Festival has been canceled due to rain in the forecast.)

Over at Lake Anne Plaza, the 11th annual Lake Anne Jazz & Blues Festival will go down from 1-9 p.m. Saturday. The lineup of musicians for the festival includes many well-known names in the local music community. The eight hours of music will include performances by Cheick Hamala Dibaté, Sam Gunderson, John Lee & Michael Pavone, Integriti Reeves, Mykle Lyons (sextet), Gigi MacClaughlin, Kriss Funn and Crush Funk Brass.

On Monday in Herndon, the town’s annual Labor Day Festival will feature Virginia wine tastings, craft beers, live music, a craft show, food vendors, lawn games and more. Eight craft brewers will offer tastings, and eight wineries are participating as well. There will also be live music throughout the event and much more. Admission for those participating in sampling wine and beer will be $20, which includes a glass for wine and three complimentary beer tastings. Anyone who won’t be purchasing alcoholic beverages will be admitted for $5, and children 12 and under will be admitted free. The event is slated for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Herndon Town Green (777 Lynn St.).

The weekend weather forecast calls for a chance of rain Saturday, a partly sunny day Sunday and then a gorgeous Labor Day holiday. Get out there and make the most of it!

Listed below are some other events that will also be taking place this holiday weekend.

(Editor’s Note: This is just a limited list of all the events taking place in the Reston area this weekend. If you have an event you would like to ensure is listed on the website, be sure to submit it to our Events Calendar.)

• Reston Association is hosting a chartered bus trip to the National Book Festival at the Washington Convention Center on Saturday. All ages are welcome, but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $18 for RA members and $23 for non-members. The bus will depart from RA headquarters (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive) at 9 a.m. Saturday. Registration can be done through Webtrac, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 703-435-6577.
• Reston Association will have four pools — Lake Audubon, Lake Newport, North Shore and Ridge Heights — open Saturday, Sunday and Monday. North Shore and Ridge Heights will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day; Lake Audubon and Lake Newport will be open from noon to 7 p.m.
• The Reston Farmers Market will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Lake Anne Village Center.
• Lake Anne is also hosting Sunday Yoga on the Plaza each week, at 9:30 a.m.
• Surf Reston is offering the chance to paddleboard to the sounds of the Lake Anne Jazz & Blues Festival from 1-3 p.m. Saturday. Advance registration is required. In addition, there will be SUP yoga from 9-11 a.m. Saturday.
• Unitarian Universalist Church (1625 Wiehle Ave.) will show the film “A Five-Star Life” tonight beginning at 8:30 p.m., preceded at 8 p.m. by a social and snack opportunity.
• Many restaurants and bars in Reston will have live music this weekend. These include: Vinifera Wine Bar and Bistro (11750 Sunrise Valley Drive) from 7-10 p.m every Friday and Saturday night; Crafthouse (1888 Explorer St.) every Friday and Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; and Tavern64 (1800 Presidents St.) every Friday from 6-10 p.m.
• Crafthouse (1888 Explorer St.) will also have a pregame party Sunday in anticipation of that evening’s college football game between Virginia Tech and West Virginia at FedExField. The restaurant will also charter a bus to the game, leaving at 3:30 p.m., with tickets starting at $29.99. (Note: That price only includes the ride and the party, not tickets to the game itself.)
• Kalypso’s Sports Tavern (1617 Washington Plaza N.) will have live music from Olivia & The Mates tonight from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; and from Sam Gunderson during those hours Saturday night.
• Mr. Knick Knack will provide “unique, heart-centered music” for children Monday from 10:30-11:15 a.m. at the Reston Town Center pavilion. Parking will be free at the Town Center for the Labor Day holiday.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue’s 2017 “Fill the Boot” campaign, its annual fundraiser for the Greater Washington Muscular Dystrophy Association, is this weekend.

The Labor Day tradition, which has been going on for more than 35 years, raises hundreds of thousands each year for MDA. This year, some of that money will go to another very important cause.

“This week members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, along with the rest of the world, watched devastation unfold in Texas,” reads a press release issued Thursday morning. “We knew that we wanted to do something to help. The staff at the Greater Washington Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and National MDA also felt that need. With that in mind a recommendation was made that, for municipalities interested, a portion of ‘Fill the Boot’ money should go to a disaster relief fund.”

Fairfax County has decided that $50,000 of the money it raises in this year’s effort will go toward the Hurricane Harvey relief effort.

The campaign will take place Friday through Monday, and drivers are asked to watch for uniformed firefighters with apparatus on display at controlled intersections all over the county.

Last year, Fire and Rescue reports that the $521,509 it raised through the campaign was the most among any department in the United States and Canada — an accomplishment it says it has achieved in eight of the past 10 years.

According to the Greater Washington Muscular Dystrophy Association, funding it receives goes toward:

• The annual weeklong MDA Children’s Summer Camp, where kids from 6 to 17 years old can have a “typical” camp experience with their peers. They enjoy swimming, boating, zip line, crafts, a talent show and many other activities all tailored to their specific disability. This week also provides a respite for the families from the sometimes 24-hour-a-day job of caring for a special needs child. This camp is provided free of charge for the families.
• The MDA clinic at Georgetown University Hospital and Children’s National Medical Center. This “one-stop shop” allows those with neuromuscular disease to see all of their specialists, such as their cardiologist, neurologist, pulmonologist, occupational therapist and many others in one location. This alleviates the need to make appointments and travel throughout the D.C. area to the many medical professionals that they see on a regular basis.
• Research at the National Institutes of Health and Georgetown University.
• Programs designed to help people with neuromuscular disease live, go to school and work independently.

For more information about the work of the MDA, visit its website.

Image courtesy Fairfax County Fire and Rescue

If you’re looking for fun during the coming Labor Day Weekend, you might look no further than downtown Herndon.

The annual Herndon Labor Day Festival has been scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the holiday, Sept. 4. The event on the Herndon Town Green (777 Lynn St.) will feature Virginia wine tastings, craft beers, live music, a craft show, food vendors, lawn games and more.

Admission for those participating in sampling wine and beer will be $20, which includes a glass for wine and three complimentary beer tastings. (Additional beer tastings will be $2 each.) Anyone who won’t be purchasing alcoholic beverages will be admitted for $5, and children 12 and under will be admitted free.

Live music at the event will include performances by:

• 11 a.m.: Acoustic Soul, classic rock and blues duo
• Noon: Wild the Waters, American music
• 1 p.m.: The Janglebachs, a Woodstock tribute
• 2:30 p.m.: Gary Smallwood, rural contemporary music
• 3:30 p.m.: Speed of Sound, the Paul McCartney experience

Participating wineries will be 868 Estate Vineyards, Cobbler Mountain Cider, Horton Vineyards, Mattaponi Winery, Narmada, Rebec Vineyards, Rodgers Ford Farm Winery and Two Twisted Posts. Craft beers will be offered by Apocalypse Ale Works, Blue Mountain Brewery, Brothers Craft Brewing, Devils Backbone Brewing Company, Forge Brew Works, Pale Fire Brewing Company, SmartMouth Brewing Company and Tröegs Independent Brewing.

Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided by Casero Creations, Island Smoothie, Guapo’s, The Tender Rib and Zabb Thai Restaurant.

For more information about this and other future events in Herndon, follow the town’s Parks & Recreation Department on Facebook.

File photo courtesy Town of Herndon

Enjoy the Eclipse! — Remember to keep your eyes safe as you check out the celestial display this afternoon. If you take any photos during the event, share them with us at [email protected] and we will consider publishing them this afternoon. [Fairfax County/YouTube]

New Labor Day Pool Hours — Lake Audubon, Lake Newport, North Shore and Ridge Heights pools will be open Labor Day weekend, until 7 p.m. each day. [Reston Association]

In-Custody Death at Adult Detention Center — A 46-year-old male inmate was found unresponsive at about 7:30 p.m. Friday, and he was pronounced dead about 45 minutes later at Fairfax Hospital. An investigation is underway. [Fairfax County Police Department]

School Board Candidates’ Forum This Week — A special election to fill the vacant At-Large seat on the Fairfax County School Board is Aug. 29. A candidate forum, hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area, is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. at McLean High School. [LWVFA]

Reston Station Building Lights Get Thumbs Up — Last week, we asked what you think about the new lighting on the 1900 Metro Plaza building. Nearly three-fifths of our readers said they like the color-changing display; while only about a quarter said they don’t. [Reston Now]

Reston Now is off for Labor Day. We will be back tomorrow with news as usual. If you are off today, enjoy!

Meanwhile, here is what is open and closed today.

And here is a fun festival in nearby Herndon.

It is also the last day for most remaining Reston Association pools.

Downtown Herndon is the place to be Monday, Sept. 5 for all kinds of adult beverages as well as some family fun.

The annual Herndon Labor Day Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Herndon Town Green, 777 Lynn St.

The highlights of the day include wine and craft brew tastings, where local winemakers and brewers will have samples for you that are included in the $20 admission. Additional beer tastings can be purchased for $2 a ticket.

Additionally, there will be music, a craft show, booths with merchandise and information from sponsors and delicious food vendors.

Here is the live entertainment schedule:
11:00 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Acoustic Soul, Classic Rock and Blues Duo
Noon to 1 p.m. – Houk Robinson, Acoustic Top 40 Duo
1:00 to 2:30 p.m. – English Channel, 60’s and 70’s Brit Rock/Pop
2:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Sweet Yonder, Bluegrass Inspired Americana
3:30 to 5:00 p.m. – Gringo Jingo, Santana Tribute Band

Admission:

Wine, Craft Brew Tastings and Entertainment – $20
(ID required to purchase tastings)
Concert only or designated driver – $5
Additional beer tastings – $2 per ticket

More info:

• Cash only at gate
• Children 12 and under free
• Sorry, no pets allowed
• Wine and craft beer tasting and selling of open containers ends at 4 p.m.

Photo: Herndon Labor Day Festival/file photo, Town of Herndon

Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern in Herndon will be showing its patriotism — and throwing a big party — Labor Day weekend.

Jimmy’s 9/11 Memorial Ride and Party in the Alley  on Saturday, Sept. 4 is an all-day event at Jimmy’s, 697 Spring St., but patrons are invited to take part in all or just some of it.

Here’s what’s happening:

Jimmy’s Opens at 8 a.m.

The Outdoor Party in the Alley begins at noon with a All-U-Can-Eat Pig Roast Buffet, a special a la carte menu and live music indoors outdoors. There is no cover charge.

The pig roast buffet includes Slow-Cooked Pig, Beef Brisket, Grilled Chicken, Burgers, Dogs, Baked Beans, Slaw, Potato Salad, Corn-on-the-Cob, Jimmy’s BBQ Sauce and more. It’s all-you-can-eat. Adults, $20; kids, $8.

The tavern is also sponsoring a motorcycle ride to Quantico National Cemetery. That begins at 9 a.m. with registration and breakfast. The bikes will depart at 10 a.m. At 11 a.m., the group will place American Flags on veterans’ graves.

The cemetery visit will be followed by a visit to the U.S. Marine Crops Museum and Murlarkey Distillery, Bristow.

Cost: $30 per rider, which includes full breakfast buffet, an awesome ride, the pig roast and more.

Here is the schedule for musical entertainment:

Outdoors:

• 12:00 p.m. – Open Jam with Brian Symmes
• 2:00 p.m. – Dedline
• 4:00 p.m. – Poker Run Awards with Jimmy!
• 4:20 p.m. – Performance of the National Anthem featuring Kimmy Holland
• 4:30 p.m. – JOTT-O Blues Band
• 6:00 p.m. – Theycallmepiano
• 7:00 p.m. – Unsullied
• 8:30 p.m. – The Roadducks

Indoors:

• 12:00 p.m. – The “Best Of” Open Mic Hosted by Andrew Lee!
• 8:30 p.m. – Nigel Brewer’s Tribute to the Fallen
• 9:00 p.m. – Soul Craft
• 10:30 p.m. – Johnny Rushmore Band

(Band lineups and times subject to change without notice)

Proceeds from the day benefit the Firefighters Fund of Fairfax County & the Herndon Fraternal Order of Police. For more details contact Jimmy at 703-470-4014 or [email protected].