Column

Columnist gives an update on area events as well as volunteer opportunities

Date published: 7/3/2009

SO FAR, "In the Loop" has kept readers up to date on the events that surround and involve the Fredericksburg area, but this week's column is going to branch out a little.

While it would be impossible to walk away from the column without mentioning the Heritage Festival, the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair and a couple of other goodies, this week's edition also features a couple of ways to make a difference this summer by volunteering.

First and foremost, however, is the Fourth of July. Starting early in the morning (about 7:30 a.m.) on Saturday, you can visit Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg for the Heritage Festival, which includes a race, parade, craft show, antique auto show, live entertainment and great food. The grand finale is the fireworks display (best viewed from Old Mill Park) that starts around sunset and goes until 10:30.

Ferry Farm also is having an all-day celebration Saturday, with entertainment, food vendors, Colonial and modern games and, of course, re-enactors. The events last from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include a free trolley ride. For more, visit kenmore.org/events.html.

Independence Day is a big deal for the entire country, but at Chick-fil-A, so is Cow Appreciation Day. On Friday, June 10, the Central Park branch will offer a free meal to the first 100 people to walk in fully dressed as cows. The restaurant will also provide overnight entertainment for those who camp out the night before.

Also next weekend, Dylan Gilbert, a 21-year-old musician from North Carolina who came through The Loft last year for an all-ages show, takes his career one small step closer to stardom by performing at Borders on Friday, July 10, and at Stafford's Bella Cafe on Saturday, July 11. Both shows start at 7:30 p.m. and are absolutely free. Find out more about his music at dylangilbert.com.

Another event worth noting is the Fredericksburg Parks and Rec Department's Movies Under the Moon, which is like a drive-in theater, but with lawn chairs. July 16-18 at Hurkamp Park (on William Street downtown) you can enjoy family-friendly films like "Madagascar," "Kung Fu Panda" and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." It's free, with movies starting each night at dusk (about 8:15 p.m.).

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Date published: 7/3/2009