Tag: parks

Farmers markets to host cooking demos
The Wakefield farmers market. Learn how to make healthy meals from the fresh ingredients available at Fairfax County farmers markets. The new Chef at Market cooking demonstration series takes place during August at four farmers markets across the county, including the one at Wakefield Park (Aug. 14, 2:30-3:30 p.m.) and the Annandale market at Mason … Continued
Speed of Sound brings Paul McCartney’s music to Mason District Park
Here’s a clip of “All My Loving” by Speed of Sound, a Paul McCartney tribute band, that performed at Mason District Park in Annandale July 24 as part of the Spotlight by Starlight series. Speed of Sound is fronted by Jed Duvall, who also has tribute bands for Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, notes Bob … Continued

Fairfax County park volunteers honored
Lassine Doumbia at Indonesian Cultural Heritage Night at Ossian Hall Park earlier this month. Volunteers involved with initiatives in the Annandale/Mason area are those recognized by the Fairfax County Park Authority in the 2013 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards program. Lassine Doumbia, a volunteer since 2010 at Ossian Hall Park in Annandale who ensures that … Continued

Wakefield Run restoration project in Annandale is collaborative effort
A symbolic groundbreaking ceremony was hundreds of feet from Wakefield Run and several weeks before the start of construction. The increasing urbanization of the Annandale area is putting lots pressures on waterways. All the impervious surfaces created by development is causing stormwater to rush into streams causing erosion, but at least one degraded stream is … Continued
Capital Steps find fun in current events
If you missed the popular Capital Steps show at Mason District Park in Annandale Sunday night, here’s a taste: “Brat’s in the Cradle,” recorded by videographer Bob Kovacs, is about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to the tune of Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s in the Cradle.” Kovacs plans to post more pieces by Capital Steps, a … Continued

Ossian Hall Park shows are overseen by Annandale activist Lassine Doumbia
Lassine Doumbia serves as the MC at Indonesian Cultural Night July 6. If you’ve been to a cultural heritage performance at Ossian Hall Park in Annandale in the past few years, you might have noticed a tall guy setting up the equipment, introducing the artists, and generally overseeing the show. That’s Lassine Doumbia, a nearby … Continued

A rainstorm doesn’t stop the Kleztet show at Mason District Park
Audience members invited on stage during rainstorm. The Spotlight by Starlight concert Wednesday evening was a true example of the saying, “the show must go on,” a reader reports. The Alexandria Kleztet was just a couple songs into their show at Mason District Park in Annandale when the skies opened up, pouring down rain on … Continued

Indonesian dancers charm the crowd at Ossian Hall Park
The Santi Budaya dance group brought graceful moves and lavish costumes to Ossian Hall Park in Annandale July 6 for Indonesian Cultural Night. Members of the audience were invited to the stage to join in with bamboo musical instruments. The shows at Ossian Hall Park continue every Saturday evening through Aug. 31. Next … Continued

Holmes Run Crossing project will expand trail access
An easier way to cross Holmes Run. When the Holmes Run Crossing project is completed later this summer, people will have an easier way to walk or bicycle along a trail between the Heywood Glen/Lincolnia Hills community in Fairfax County and Dowden Terrace and Dora Kelly Nature Park on the other side of Holmes Run … Continued
The Taters perform at Mason District Park
Annandale Arts videographer Bob Kovacs recorded a couple of songs performed by the Taters Sunday night at the amphitheater in Mason District Park. Kovacs calls the first song, “Spend a Little Time,” a pleasant mid-tempo rocker that sounds like an Elvis song from around 1962. The second number, “Thingamajig,” was written by prolific country/swing songwriter … Continued

Eme & Heteru bring AfroRoots to Ossian Hall Park
Eme & Heteru burned up the stage at Ossian Hall Park last night. Specializing in high-energy AfroRoots music, the group backs up leader and vocalist Eme with horns, guitar, percussion, and bass. Here’s a taste of Eme & Heteru’s “Lady O” by Annandale Arts videographer Bob Kovacs: The show was part of the Spotlight by … Continued
Video features Honky Tonk Confidential at Mason District Park
Check out this video of “High-Tech Redneck” performed by Honky Tonk Confidential, a Washington area-based country and western band, at Mason District Park June 16. It was recorded by Bob Kovacs and posted on his Annandale Arts You Tube channel. The show is part of the free Spotlight by Starlight series. Folk legend Tom Paxton … Continued

Free concerts in Annandale parks depend on public support
John Carroll (second from left). The weather was perfect last night for the Jon Carroll Band, the first 2013 show in the Spotlight by Starlight concert series at Mason District Park. Actually, the first performance had been scheduled for Sunday but it was rained out. The free concerts are totally funded by Friends of Mason … Continued

Mason summer concerts begin June 1
Vietnamese Cultural Night at Ossian Hall Park last summer. Free summer concerts start this weekend at two locations in the Mason District: Mason District Park and Ossian Hall Park. The Spotlight by Starlight concert series opens in Mason District Park Sunday, June 2, with the City of Fairfax Concert Band. There will be shows Sundays, … Continued
County grants available for neighborhood improvement projects
A Mason District Little League game at the Bailey’s Community Center. Park benches, trails, pavilions, tot lots, community-building social events: These are the types of projects funded by Neighborhood Enhancement Partnership Program (NEPP) grants. Community associations, HOAs, and recreation clubs should definitely consider applying for these Fairfax County grants aimed enhancing the quality of life … Continued