Weekend Planner: Doggie Swim, Car Show, 5K and More

The United States Air Force Band Chamber Players

• Where: Burke United Methodist Church, Burke and The Lyceum, Alexandria
• When: Burke - Friday, September 14 at 8 p.m.; Alexandria – Sunday, September 16 at 3 p.m.
• Why Go: The official chamber orchestra of the United States Air Force is offering two free local concerts this weekend for your enjoyment.
• Price: FREE

“Great Escape” Prison to Park Festival

• Where: Giles Run Meadow Park at Laurel Hill, Lorton
• When: Saturday, September 15 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Rain Date: September 16)
• Why Go: The former Lorton Prison is now a family-friendly park and recreation area.  Activities for the day will include live music, pony rides, pond exploration, farm animals, food and much more.  Wagon rides will be available throughout the day; however, tickets MUST be pre-ordered through the website. 
• Price: Festival Admission $2; Wagon Rides $10 – Registration Required

Alexandria Story Festival

• Where: T.C. Williams High School, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, September 15 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Price: Admission is FREE

• Why Go: This festival celebrating children’s books and stories will feature author presentations, a scavenger hunt, puppet shows, prize drawings and more.

Carlyle House Historic Fashion Show

• Where: Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, September 15 at 10:30 a.m.
• Why Go: Models and living history interpreters will present historic fashion throughout the ages. 
• Price: Adults $10; Children $5 – Reservations Recommended

DiverseCity Alexandria Multicultural Festival

• Where: Four Mile Run Center, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, September 15 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Why Go: Celebrate Alexandria’s cultural diversity with live music, activities and crafts for kids, ethnic food vendors and more.
• Price: Admission is FREE

Alexandria Doggie Day Swim

• Where: Old Town Pool, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, September 15 from 3 – 7 p.m.
• Why Go: Bring your canine friend for this special day to splash and play games at the pool.  Space is limited to 100 dogs, so pre-registration is required. 
• Price: FREE – Registration Required

South Fairfax Chamber Challenge 2012

• Where: South County High School, Lorton
• When: Sunday, September 16 from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Why Go: This event offers a 5K, 10K, and 1-mile Fun Run, kids’ games and activities, a health and fitness fair and more.  Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers of the 5K and 10K races.  Non-perishable food items will be accepted for donation to the Lorton Community Action Center.      
• Price: 5K and 10K Registration is $40; Fun Run and Fun Fair are FREE

Good Ol’ Days Car Show

• Where: Occoquan Regional Park, Lorton
• When: Sunday, September 16 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Rain Date: September 30)
• Why Go: Over 200 vehicles will be on display, as well as live music, games, door prizes, vendors and more.  Proceeds to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
• Price: Spectator Admission $3; Registration Fee $15

Tea at Downton Abbey

• Where: Green Spring Gardens, Annandale
• When: Sunday, September 16 from 1 – 3 p.m.
• Why Go: Fans of the popular television series will enjoy a full English tea while discussing Edwardian era fashion, food, manners and customs. 
• Price: $27 per person – Reservations Required

• Where: Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, Alexandria
• When: Sunday, September 16 at 7:30 p.m.
• Why Go: Featuring The Valenzano Trio performing a variety of compositional styles from the past 120 years.  Funds collected will support the music program at MVUC.
• Price: FREE – Donations Accepted

Library Events:

• Wee Got the Beat at Kingstowne Library, Alexandria.  Friday, September 14 at 10:30 a.m.  For ages 2 – 5.  FREE – Registration Required.
• Spanglish Stories at Burke Centre Library, Burke.  Friday, September 14 at 11 a.m.  For ages 3 – 5.  FREE – Registration Required.
• Harley Mania! at Pohick Regional Library, Burke.  Saturday, September 15 from 11 a.m. – Noon.  For all ages.  FREE.
• Used Book Sale at John Marshall Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, September 15 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
• Paws to Read at Lorton Library, Lorton.  Saturday, September 15 from 11 a.m. – Noon.  For ages 6 – 12.  FREE – Registration Required.
• eBook Clinic at Kings Park Library, Burke.  Saturday, September 15 at Noon.  For adults.  FREE – Registration Required.
• eBook Workshop at George Mason Regional Library, Annandale.  Saturday, September 15 at 2 p.m.  For all ages.  FREE.
• Neighborhood Plant Clinic at Pohick Regional Library, Burke.  Sunday, September 16 from 1 – 4 p.m.  For adults.  FREE.
• Election Movie Series at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria.  Sunday, September 16 at 2 p.m.  FREE.

Nature Highlights:

• Basic Gardening: Grow Great Grub at Green Spring Gardens, Annandale.  Friday, September 14 at 1:30 p.m.  For adults.  $10 - $12 per person – Registration Required.
• Gardening with Succulents at Green Spring Gardens, Annandale.  Saturday, September 15 at 9:30 a.m.  For ages 7 and up.  $22 - $24 per person – Registration Required.
• Gardens of Washington at Green Spring Gardens, Annandale.  Saturday, September 15 at 1 p.m.  For adults.  $15 - $17 per person – Registration Required.
• Reptiles and Amphibians at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Saturday, September 15 at 2 p.m.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
• Eagle Eye at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Saturday, September 15 at 4 p.m.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
• Kayak Tour at Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton.  Sunday, September 16 at 8 a.m.  For ages 8 and up.  $30 per person – Reservations Required.
• Ranger Station Creations: Nature Crafting at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Sunday, September 16 at Noon.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
• Ranger Station: Rocket Power at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Sunday, September 16 at 4 p.m.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.