The four-day Frying Pan Farm Park 4-H Fair and Carnival continues into the weekend. Admission to the fair is free, but parking is $10 per car tomorrow and Sunday.
The opening ceremony kicks off at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday). The carnival is on from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. tomorrow and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday (August 4).
In addition to entertainment throughout the weekend, fair-goers can take part in a number of activities, including goat milking, a carousel, and blacksmithing.
More information is available online.
Tomorrow (Saturday)
- Weekly Beer Run (9:45-11:15 a.m.) — Run, jog or walk beautiful paved paths around Lake Anne with “beer runers.”
- Lake House Open House (10 a.m. to noon) — The community building is open for community drop-in time and light refreshments.
- Artist-led Bookmaking Workshop (1-3 p.m.) — Join Homie House Press for a bookmaking workshop at Greater Reston Arts Center.
- ArtSplash for Adults (2-4 p.m.) — Create a masterpiece in this art workshop for adults led by artists from Abrakadoodle Northern Virginia at Reston Regional Library.
- Summerbration Fun Brunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — Enjoy a performance titled “juggler, balloon twister and glitter tattoos” at Reston Station Plaza. Parking is free on weekends in the Metro Parking garage.
Sunday (August 4)
- Bird Walk at Buttermilk Creek Nature Trail (7:30-10:30 a.m.) — Beginning and expert birders can search for birds in Reston. Participants should park at Uplands Pool.
- Summerbration Fun Brunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — Enjoy Flow Circus at Reston Station Plaza. Parking is free on weekends in the Metro Parking garage.
- Sunday Art in the Park (7-8 p.m.) — The MLO Fusion Project performs contemporary jazz standards with a modern twist at Reston Town Square Park. Performances are free and open to all.
A record-breaking number of teams are set to participate in the third annual Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta on Sunday, August 10.
Registration for the event has been closed and is at full capacity. Seventy teams are registered.
Boats will arrive at 10:30 a.m. and will be on display until the race begins at 1 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza (1609 Washington Plaza).
The owners of Kalypso’s have been working on the their boat for weeks in an effort to defend their title in the merchant award and first place in the navigator class.
The event is free and will take place rain or shine.
Photo via Rachel Piering
Frying Pan Farm Park 4-H Fair and Carnival Kicks Off — The 71st annual carnival and fair begins today (Thursday) through Sunday. More information on scheduled events is available on the event’s website. [Fairfax County Government]
Hunter Mill Road between Mt. Sunapee Road and Hunting Crest Lane Closed — The road is closed for an extended period as crews repair downed wires. It’s unclear when the road is expected to reopen. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Take a Break Concert Series at Lake Anne Plaza Tonight — IONI, a band that plays Celtic music, performs at the plaza from 7-9 p.m. today (Thursday). The concert is free and open for all ages. [Reston Community Center]
Photo by Dario Piparo
The Harry Potter-inspired Offices of Reston-based Macedon Technologies — The company, which accelerates digital transformation for clients by using technology and software consultants, has been repeatedly listed as one of the best places to work. Its new 25,000-square-foot office has a Harry Potter theme. [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]
Reston Association Board of Directors to Discuss Boats and Docks — The board meets tonight at 6:30 p.m. to discuss changes to its lake and boat resolutions and early thoughts on the budget. RA CEO Hank Lynch will also offer an update on RA’s strategic plan. [Reston Association]
Take a Break Concert is Tonight — Enjoy Tower House Band and dance music for all ages at Lake Anne Plaza from 7-9 p.m. today. [Reston Community Center]
Photo submitted by Christian Bolus
For nine years, Kalypso’s Sports Tavern has offered restaurant-goers a spot for lakefront dining, local sports and cocktails.
To mark its anniversary, the sports bar unveiled a new outdoor bar, which has a dedicated bartender and lakefront views. The bar was installed on July 3.
Kalypso’s is located at 1617 Washington Plaza N and is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day except Saturday, when it opens at 10 a.m.
The business takes its name from Kalypso, a nymph from Homer’s Odyssey who restaurant representatives say embodies the beauty and hospitality of Lake Anne.
Photo via Kalypso’s/Facebook
A new dessert shop is serving up sweets at Lake Anne Plaza.
Teapot & Cake held a soft opening late last month at its new location on 11404A Washington Plaza-W.
The shop, which describes itself as a “custom cake boutique,” sells layer cakes, cheesecakes, cupcakes, cookies, dough, pastries, pies and bagel breakfast sandwiches.
It also has several gluten free, sugar free and vegan options.
A menu is available online.
Photo via Teapot & Cake/Facebook
Registration is now open for the first-ever Lake Anne Stand-up Triathlon.
The event, which replaces the traditional triathlon event, aims to introduce different sports to the community by replacing swimming with a stand-up paddle board experience. It will take place on Sunday, Sept. 15.
The triathlon will consist of a seven-mile ride on a New Trail Cycling stationary bike, a 5k run around Lake Anne on Reston pathways, and a one-mile paddle board. Paddle boards will be provided.
A celebration party at the plaza will follow the event. All proceeds will benefit CORE Foundation. Fundraising for the event is optional, but highly encouraged.
Athletes can take part in a solo or a three-person relay. The cost is $110 for solo athletes and includes a T-shirt, use of a New Trail Cycling bike for the event, use of a paddle board, craft beer after the race, and other prizes.
Partnering organizations include Surf Reston, New Trail and Lake Anne Brew House.
Registration will be closed once 150 people register for the event.
Photo via CORE Foundation
Flash Flood Warning in Effect — A flash flood warning is in effect for the area until 11:15 a.m. today. Drivers are encouraged to avoid flooded roads or roads with standing water. [Fairfax Alerts]
Lane and Ramp Closures This Week — Several roads, including Herndon Parkway, Edmund Halley Drive, and Sunrise Valley Drive will be closed for several hours this week due to construction on phase two of the Silver Line. All lane and ramp closures depend on the weather. [Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project]
The End of Small Change Consignment at Lake Anne Plaza — Susann Gerstein, owner of Small Change Consignment at Lake Anne Plaza, closed her business, which opened in late 1981. [The Connection]
Man Arrested for Threatening Reston Hospital Center Staff — Brian Baker, 47, was arrested on July 2 fro assault and disorderly conduct. Police said he threatened hospital staff and spat on a police officer. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Six folk, bluegrass and blues bands are in the lineup for the fourth annual Lake Anne Roots Music Festival.
The festival, which features a beer and wine garden and fun for the whole family, is set for Saturday, July 13.
The event kicks off with the opening of taps at 11:30 am. The following bands are scheduled to play through 8 p.m.:
- 1 p.m.: Katie & Kelly
- 2 p.m.: Annie Stokes
- 3 p.m.: Minks Miracle Medicine
- 4 p.m.: The High & Wides
- 5 p.m.: The Woodshedders
- 6 p.m.: Two Ton Twig
The event is sponsored by Friends of Lake Anne and Reston Community Center. It will take place at Lake Anne Plaza (1609 Washington Plaza).
Photo via Lake Anne Roots Music Festival
Small Change Consignment, a relic of Reston’s history and Bob Simon’s vision for the community, is closing its doors at historic Lake Anne Plaza on Saturday.
The children’s consignment shop — home to hundreds of items and the hearts of consigning families — has cemented its role in the community as a place to buy used clothing and a community gathering place. On a recent Wednesday evening, customers and friends came in to say goodbye to owner Susann Gerstein, 70, who has operated the shop for the last 37 years.
A group of teenagers lined up empty hangers in rainbow form — an organizational style Gerstein loves. She spent most of the night on Tuesday packing away clothes and coordinating donation drop-offs with local nonprofits.
Not much has changed since three young mothers and friends started the venture on Nov. 21, 1981 in the vacant offices of an optician across the lake. The friends embraced the dark interior — with its Marimekko wallpaper and lime green carpeting. Gerstein’s husband built wooden clothing stands. Gerstein stitched hand-sewn clothing tags.
The paint was still drying when the store first opened. From the first day, customers embraced the business as a place to buy used clothes, chat over the racks and build community. The store has averaged 1,200 consigning families annually.
Eighteen years later, the shop moved to its current location, giving it a bigger space to work with. Gerstein’s paper ledger and the same Rolodexes from its opening day sit on the counter.
“Friendships grow for me here and they’ve grown for me too,”Gerstein said. “That’s the hardest part of saying goodbye.” She said the store brought out the extroverted side of her otherwise introverted personality.
Rents, which had been steadily increasing over the years, skyrocketed this year, making it hard to make ends meet, Gerstein says.
“I tried and we just couldn’t make it work,” she said.
She describes herself as a Reston booster and a big believer in Simon’s vision. Her involvement with Cornerstones, a nonprofit organization that promotes self-sufficiency; the Reston Historic Trust & Museum; and other organizations is clear in the store. She was the founding president of the Reston Museum and helped found the Reston Historic Trust for Community Revitalization.
A Cornerstones donation jar sits on the counter and Gerstein often donates clothing to local nonprofits and domestic violence victims through various community partnerships.
Politics entered her shop following the November 2016 presidential election. Gerstein put up a sign, “Stop Tearing Families Apart” in the window of her storefront. She began selling “Hate Has No Home Here” signs. A fabric banner of children holding balloons — which was made by the friend in the original space — hangs from the ceiling. On weeknights, she tries to ride with members of Herndon-Reston Indivisible to hold lighted letters at the White House several times a month.
“I wanted my store to be a safe space for everyone. Some people didn’t like it but everyone knows where I stand,” Gerstein said.
Local VA, a gourmet dive bar, originally planned to open by the beginning of this month.
After hitting some roadblocks with permitting and buildout, the business plans to open by late August or early September.
Owner Dylan Clark told Reston Now that the opening date has not been finalized yet.
The business will replace Singh Thai, which closed in March.
Photo by Eve Thompson
Summer Food Service Program Kicks Off — County schools are participating in a program to ensure that students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals continue to receive meals when school is out of session. Meals will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Foster Care Information Meeting — Learn more fostering or adopting a child in during this information meeting at Reston Regional Library from 6:30-8 p.m. The meeting will be led by Patricia Aviles-Cubillos from the Fairfax County Department of Family Services. [Reston Regional Library]
Take a Break Concert Tonight — Bad Influence takes the stage today at Lake Anne Plaza from 7-9 p.m. The blues and roots performance is open to audiences of all ages. [Reston Community Center]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
It’s Spring Farm Day at Frying Pan Farm Park tomorrow (May 11).
Attendees will have the chance to watch sheep shearing and demonstrations of antique farm equipment.
Crafts, games and activities like cow and goat milking will also be onsite, in addition to a close-up introduction of the farm’s baby animals.
Walk-ins are welcome with a $8 registration fee at 2709 West Ox Road. The event begins at 10 a.m. Online registration is $7.
Tomorrow (May 11)
- Snakehead Run (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — The band returns to play for the Reston Market in front of Reston’s Used Book Shop (1623 Washington Plaza-N).
- Bookworms Club (11 a.m.) — Author Sue Fliess reads “The Earth Gives More” to young bookworms at Reston Regional Library. The bookclub explores a new theme each week.
- Walking Tour of Public Art (2-3 p.m.) — Susan Becker takes walkers on an hour-long tour to scout for public art at Lake Anne Village Center (1609 Washington Plaza-W). The event is free and open to all.
- Ramadan Cultural Festival (2-4 p.m.) — Representatives from the All Dulles Area Muslim Society host a family-friendly afternoon of activities and games at Reston Regional Library.
May 12
- Bird Walk (7:30-10:30 a.m.) — Beginning and expert birders will search for birds from Glade Stream Valley to Sapsucker Woods. The walk begins at the Glade Recreation Area (11550 Glade Drive).
- Reston Youth Triathlon (8 a.m.) — In this event, which is open to athletes between ages 6 and 15, participants will run, swim, and bike a combination of sets. Police and volunteers will be around in multiple areas to direct race traffic.
- Sunday Afternoon Dance (2:30-4:30 p.m.) — Dancers of all skill levels are invited to foxtrot, swing, cha-cha and waltz their way into two hours of dance practice at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. Door prizes and light refreshments will also be offered.
- Mountain Stories and Songs with the Dulcimer (3-4:30 p.m.) — Local musicians Ralph Lee Smith and Madeline MacNeil play traditional songs and share stories of the dulcimer.
Photo courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority
New Trail Cycling Studio is hosting a charity ride to celebrate six months of business at Lake Anne Plaza.
On Saturday, May 18, the business will host its “Ride for a Cause” from 7:30 a.m. to noon. All proceeds from rides will go to local non-profit organizations.
“New Trail is about community and helping other people,” owner Liz Kamp said. “Whether we’re helping someone get healthy or we’re improving a local organization, I want to make sure that New Trail is improving the lives of people around us.”
The event kicks off with six 30-minute rides in the morning. New Trail’s coaches will choose a different organization to benefit from each ride. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase leading up to the event in order to raise funds for each organization.
Riders of all levels are welcome to join for all or one of the rides, but bikes must be booked in advance. Fundraising credits are available online.
As a bonus, any individual or business sponsoring a ride with a mile-to-dollar match will earn a free private ride for up to 20 people.
Giveaways and refreshments are also planned for riders. So far, the lineup is as follows:
- 7:30 a.m. – Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts
- 8:15 a.m. – Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area
- 9 a.m. – Cornerstones
- 9:45 a.m. – Shelter House
- 10:30 a.m. – CORE Foundation
- 11:15 a.m. – Heeling House
Photo courtesy Liz Kamp
Several clients’ clothes are missing following what appears to be the abrupt closure of Reston Tailoring, a local business that has called Reston home for more than 30 years.
An associate for Just Cats Clinic, which neighbors Reston Tailoring at Lake Anne Plaza, told Reston Now that many people have been calling their business to track down their clothes, following Reston Tailoring’s disappearance over the weekend.
“We have no idea what happened,” the associate said.
Reston Now was unable to reach the owners, Berta and Wagner Cordova, after multiple attempts. The property owner of the building also did not respond to requests for comment. Reston Tailoring’s website also went down over the weekend.
The shop moved from Hunters Woods Village Center, its home since 1984, to Lake Anne in 2013.
The store in Lake Anne is empty and no signs indicate what may have happened. It is unclear if the closure is temporary or permanent.
What is known is that Reston Tailoring has been woven into the fabric of the Reston community, serving three generations of customers.
