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Community Corner

Get Out: Weekend Planner

Five fun things to do in the Lorton area this weekend

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick off to summer and this weekend promises to be a hot one. Have some fun but also take time to remember those who gave their lives for their country.

1.

  • What: George Mason created the Fairfax Independent Militia to protect the rights of local citizens. Patriot & Planter mansion tours highlight Mason’s role with the militia and in securing Virginia’s independence. The Scripps Howard Spelling Bee participants also will be visiting Gunston Hall on Memorial Day.
  • Where: Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Rd., Lorton.
  • When: Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Cost: Free admission for active military personnel and veterans, regular admission for everyone else.

  2.

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  • What: Cruise the Occoquan River on Miss Rivershore.
  • Where: Catch Miss Rivershore at Occoquan Regional Park, Lorton.
  • When: Rivershore Charters will run its regular Tours of the Occoquan on Saturday and Sunday and its cruise to Tims Rivershore on Saturday night. Capt. Mark Perry also is adding a five hour cruise to Tim’s on Monday, departing the wharf at Occoquan at noon and Water’s Edge at 12:10 p.m. and returning around 5 p.m.
  • Cost: Tours of the Occoquan cost $10 for adults, $5 for kids and pets are free. Tickets for Tim’s are $25.

 3.

  • What: The United Methodist Women of Cranford United Methodist Church are holding their annual Strawberry Festival to benefit women and children mission projects. Strawberries will be served many ways and many strawberry baked goods will be available for purchase. A large basket filled with an assortment of strawberry items will be raffled off.
  • Where: Cranford United Methodist Church, 9912 Old Colchester Rd., Lorton.
  • When: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

4.

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  • What: In conjunction with the Urban Decay II exhibition in June, the Workhouse presents an Urban Art Film Series. The first film in the series is "Beautiful Losers." The film focuses on the careers and work of a collective group of artists, who since the 1990s began a movement in the art world using D.I.Y. aesthetics from skateboarding, graffiti and underground music such as punk rock and hip-hop.
  • Where: Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Rd, Lorton, the second floor of Gallery W-16.
  • When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

 5.

  • What: Enjoy historic Mount Vernon after the daytime crowds have departed.  Visitors may take evening tours of the Mansion, enjoy wine and desserts, and delight in 18th-century music, dancing, games, and wagon rides. Stroll the lantern-lit grounds and immerse yourself in the 18th century as the sun sets on the plantation.
  • Where: Mount Vernon, 3200 George Washington Memorial Parkway, Alexandria.
  • When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Cost: Daytime general admission tickets are not valid. Annual pass holders and members must buy tickets as well. $18 for adults, $12 for children 6 to 11, and free for children under 5.
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