Batman and Robin, Little Red Riding Hood, A Dragon and More — A big crowd came out for the Lake Anne Boo and Brews Festival a few days ago, with many Restonians winning awards for their impressive costumes, and many incorporating their pets into their costumes as well. See Little Red Riding Hood and The Huntsman with their dog as Grandma, Batgirl with her dog as Robin, and many more in photos. [Connection Newspapers]

Reston Food Drive Starts Today — Reston Community Center is once again partnering up with Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce to collect food for families in need this month, starting on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Donations of nonperishable food items can be dropped off through Nov. 20 at the community centers at Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road) and Lake Anne (1609 Washington Plaza N.), or at the Chamber of Commerce (1886 Metro Center Dr., Suite 230). A long list of other drop-off locations, along with a list of the most needed items, is available online. [Reston Community Center]

Franchise Job Fair Coming to Reston on Monday — Budding entrepreneurs who have been considering opening a franchise business are invited to the Capital Area Franchise Fair to learn all about various opportunities and learn more about the process. The fair will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Reston Association Conference Center, 12001 Sunrise Valley Dr. in Reston. Representatives from the Virginia Small Business Administration as well as from various franchise industries will present information and talk with attendees, and funding experts will be on hand. Tickets are $39 in advance and $49 at the door. [Capital Area Franchise Fair]

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel, in partnership with the National Fire Protection Association, are offering a few safety tips for local families who may be heading out to parties or for trick-or-treating tonight for Halloween. Read the tips below and view the short video.

• Watch for long, billowing costumes: The fabric can create a trip-and-fall hazard, as well as a potential fire hazard.
• Costumes with masks: Make sure the eye holes are large enough to be able to see sufficiently, especially for kids’ costumes.
• Portable lighting: Especially when trick-or-treating or walking dark streets, make sure everyone is armed with a flashlight or glow stick–it not only helps you see, but helps drivers see you.
• Watch for flammable decorations or costume parts: Things like crepe streamers, hay, corn stalks and dried flowers are all highly flammable. Keep these types of things far away from open flames and heating sources, including jack-o-lanterns, light bulbs and heaters.
• Lighting up your jack-o-lanterns or walkways: It is much safer to use battery-operated lights in your pumpkins than open flames. Take extreme caution if you choose to use a real candle–make sure you watch children who get near the pumpkin at all times, and place the pumpkin an area that does not see high foot traffic, when someone can accidentally knock it over. In addition, opt for battery-operated decorations rather than flame-lit tiki torches or candles–costumes can brush up against them and potentially catch fire. Decorations are the first thing to ignite in 1,000 reported home fires each year.
• Review fire safety with children: Be sure to practice “stop, drop and roll” with kids so they know what to do if they accidentally catch fire.
• Have an emergency evacuation plan: If you and/or your children are heading to a Halloween party in a building or home, make sure you scope out various exits and have a plan in place for quick and safe evacuation in case of an emergency.

For more safety tips, visit the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue website, or the NFPA website.

 

Fun, Fear and Treats Served Up at Halloween Event Tonight — At the BOO-stravaganza at Frying Pan Farm Park (2739 West Ox Road), guests can enjoy themed games, enter a slightly-spooky barn and take a wagon ride through the woods at night. One-hour sessions begins at 6 and 7 p.m. tonight. The cost is $10 per person and reservations are required. Call 703-437-9101 for more information. [Fairfax County Government]

Midtown Jewelers Fall Bridal Show to Begin Today — Representatives from Danhov and Michael M. collection will be on hand to showcase all the latest designs in wedding rings and bands. The show will take place from Friday through Sunday at 11990 Market St. To make an appointment, email  [email protected] [Midtown Jewelers]

Department of Motor Vehicles to Offer Express Services in November —Apply for a new ID and driver’s license or get driving records, license plates and more when the DMV’s wireless office on wheels comes to Reston Town Center’s pavilion on Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. [Reston Town Center]