2008 Calendar Of Events

2008 Calendar Of Events
The Fredericksburg area celebrates history, holidays, culture, food and the arts with a myriad of events,
festivals, lectures and commemoration ceremonies throughout the year. See what’s lined up for the historic
area in 2008. For additional event information and images, visit www.VisitFred.
com.
January 10 - 21, 2008
“Road to Salivation” Restaurant Week - Many downtown restaurants offer prix
fixe lunch and dinner menus for the special price of $10.08 for lunch and $20.08
for dinner. Sample the toothsome cuisine offered in the unique and chef-owned
restaurants of downtown Fredericksburg. 706 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, Va.
January 11, 2008
Spotsylvania Historical Lecture Series - Join Col. Keith Gibson as he discusses “Jackson Before the
War” as part of a monthly lecture series in historic Spotsylvania. 7 p.m.; free. Spotsylvania Middle School
Auditorium, Spotsylvania, VA.
January 21, 2008
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Keynote Lecture - Lecture will be given by Jim Lucas, acclaimed
speaker and actor at 4 p.m. at George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium. The talk is a University Cultural
Awareness series event. University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, Va.
February 18, 2008
Presidents’ Day at Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop - See Dr. Hugh Mercer’s
Apothecary, learn about medicine in the eighteenth century and stroll through the
herb garden. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Presidents’ Day at the Mary Washington House - Visit the Mary Washington
House, which George bought for his mother. We will celebrate Washington’s birthday
with costumed tours and refreshments. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (540) 373-1569, 1200 Charles
Street, Fredericksburg, Va.
A Day at the Rising Sun Tavern - Enjoy a living history tour at with the tavern
“wenches” at the Rising Sun Tavern as they tell about life in colonial times. 10 a.m. to
4 p.m. 1304 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Va.
March 15, 2008
St. Patrick’s Day Parade - Parade in the Bowman Center, across the street from the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds. Local high school marching bands, fire truck, rescue helicopter, and Irish dancers. Immediately
following the parade, there will be a corned beef and cabbage fundraiser $5.00 hosted by the Blue & Gray
Brewing Co. Free entertainment irish song and dance. Beer for sale by the glass. Blue & Gray Brewing
Co., Fredericksburg, Va.
March 15, 2008
Easter Egg Hunt - An egg hunt and a visit with the Easter bunny for young children. Bring your basket.
12:30 p.m. 1701 Kenmore Ave., Fredericksburg, Va.
March 27 – 29, 2008
13th Annual Children’s Art Festival - Local children grades four through seven display their works
through various media. FREE, 408 Canal St., Fredericksburg, Va.
--more--
Page 2 – 2008 Calendar Of Events
March 29, 2008
University of Mary Washington Jazz Festival
From Time to Time, jazz festival by UMW Jazz Ensemble, concert in George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium, 7 p.m. FREE, University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, Va.
April 5, 2008
18th Annual Multicultural Fair - Multicultural entertainment, food and craft vendors; a centennial event;
Campus Walk and Ball Circle, rain or shine, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, FREE, University of
Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, Va.
April 22, 2008
Fredericksburg Garden Day of Historic Garden Week - Private homes and gardens in a countryside tour, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 706 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, Va.
April 27, 2008
Celebration of James Monroe’s 250th Anniversary - Open House and Exhibition Opening of the 250th anniversary of birth of James Monroe; James Monroe
Museum, 908 Charles St.; 1 to 4 p.m., FREE, James Monroe Museum, Fredericksburg, Va.
May 1, 2008
9th Annual Taste of Fredericksburg
This popular event features an evening of food samplings from local dining and catering establishments,
live music and auctions. Jepson Alumni Center, Univ. of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, Va.
May 1 – June, 2008
Belvedere’s 36th Strawberry Harvest
Our 36th annual strawberry crop should ripen in early May ‘08. We are busy most every month of the year
growing strawberries. During the summer months, new fields are planted and current fields are nurtured for
next spring’s harvest. Special care is given during the early fall period as that is when strawberries set their
flower buds for next year’s crop. Through the winter months we keep the plants cozy with special blankets.
During early springtime the flowers must be protected from frosts and freezes. Belvedere Plantation, Spotsylvania, Va.
May 3-4, 2008
145th Anniversary Battle of Chancellorsville Re-enactment.
Over 800 re-enactors will converge on the actual site of the 1st day of the Battle of Chancellorsville to
conduct a series of events in commemoration of the 145th anniversary of this historic
battle. Events on site, at Chancellorsville Battlefield with the National Park Service,
and at the Spotsylvania Towne Center.
May 16 – 18, 2008
Marine Corps Historic Half - The new Marine Corps Historic Half is the newest event
presented by the organizers of the Marine Corps Marathon. The 13.1 mile course will
be held entirely within Fredericksburg city limits, beginning and ending at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. In conjunction with the half marathon, the MCM will
present a two-day Healthy Lifestyle Expo featuring health, fitness, diet and wellness
exhibitors and vendors. Registration opens online on November 1st and the race field
is limited to 5,000 participants. Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center, Fredericksburg, Va.
--more--
Page 3 – 2008 Calendar Of Events
March 29, 2008
University of Mary Washington Jazz Festival
From Time to Time, jazz festival by UMW Jazz Ensemble, concert in George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium, 7 p.m. FREE, University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, Va.
May 17 – June 15, 2008 runs weekends including Memorial Day Monday
The Virginia Renaissance Faire - The Faire brings a unique brand of educational interactive family
entertainment. Join in the revelry as the little 16th century town of Staffordshire celebrates a visit from the
Queen. Feast on a turkey leg as you watch craft demonstrations and shop at village artisans. Enjoy jousting knights, coursing hounds, musicians and magicians. Participate in a game of skill, sing a song in the
pub and be knighted by the Queen. 10 a.m. -6 p.m., Lake Anna Winery, Spotsylvania, Va.
May 17-18, 2008
35th Annual Fredericksburg Art Festival - Artists from all over Virginia display and sell their work as
they compete for cash prizes in a lovely outdoor park. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.to 4 p.m.
in Hurkamp Park, FREE, 900 Prince Edward St., Fredericksburg, Va.
May 24 – 25, 2008
Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria - Scouts light a candle for each of the 15,300 soldiers
buried in Fredericksburg National Cemetery. Tours of the cemetery are given throughout the night, punctuated each 30 minutes by the playing of “Taps.” Rain date: May 25. FREE; 1013 Lafayette Boulevard,
Fredericksburg, Va.
May 26, 2008
Memorial Day Commemoration
A 30-minute commemorative program honoring American soldiers who have died in
service to this country, FREE, 1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, Va.
June 8, 2008
SPCA Rescue Run - 5k Race through downtown Fredericksburg. Registration fee
provides T shirt, refreshments, walk packet and prizes. 1201 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, Va.
June 14, 2008
Rappahannock Regional Soap Box Derby - Children aged 9 to 17 compete in this classic unmotorized
car race on William Street, beginning at 8 a.m., FREE, 1000 William St., Fredericksburg, Va.
June 29, 2008
4th Spotsylvania Stars and Stripes Spectacular - The 4th Annual Spotsylvania Stars and Stripes Spectacular wil bee held on June 29, 2008. Fun for the whole family, two entertainment stages, childrens activities, Fire, Rescue and Sheriff Office safety activities, food vendors and a spectacular Fireworks display
at dark. Location: Spotsylvania Courthouse Time: 3:00 PM - 10:30 PM Shuttle
Buses: Free from Courtland High School to Robert E. Lee Elementary School,
FREE, Spotsylvania Courthouse, Spotsylvania, Va.
July 4, 2008
Heritage Festival - A traditional family Fourth of July celebration throughout the
region with a runner’s race, parade, craft show, antique auto show, live entertainment, children’s activities, and great food, all crowned with a fireworks display,
7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., FREE, 706 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, Va.
--more--
Page 4 – 2008 Calendar Of Events
September 27, 2008
32nd Annual Black Arts Festival - A celebration of African American culture showcasing arts and crafts,
music, dance, food, and fun for the entire family, 12 noon to 7 p.m. 200 Gunnery Rd
Fredericksburg, Va.
September 28, 2008
14th Annual Golf Classic - Fredericksburg’s favorite golf for charity! Double tee event features beverages, two meals and awards, Fredericksburg Country Club, Fredericksburg, Va.
September 27 – November 2, 2008
Fall Harvest Fest 2008 - Featuring The Great Pumpkin Patch and The Great Adventure Maize Maze.
Escape to the country at Belvedere Plantation. Create family memories at Belvedere Plantation family fun
farm. Steeped in tradition enjoy the country setting of our Fall Harvest Fest. Just around the corner on
Route 17 - 7 miles off I-95near Fredericksburg. Belvedere Plantation, Fredericksburg, Va.
December 5, 2008
Christmas Open House at the Rising Sun Tavern - Built by Charles Washington (brother of George
Washignton) c. 1760 as his home, this building was later operated as a tavern in the bustling port of Fredericksburg. Tours provide visitors with a lively interpretation of 18th-c. tavern life.6-9 p.m., FREE, 1304
Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Va.
December 7, 2008
Candlelight Tour at the Mary Washington House - Evening candlelight tours and
refreshments at the Mary Washington House, the home George Washington bought
for his mother. 4 p.m to 7 p.m., FREE, 1200 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, Va.
December 14, 2008
Holiday Open House - Gari Melchers Home and Studio, home of America’s most
famous impressionist painter, will hold its 31st annual Holiday Open House from 1 to
5 p.m. Highlights will include exterior fresh decorations designed and installed by a
local garden club and interior decorations created by museum staff. Guests will also
enjoy touring the historic house and studio galleries, FREE, Gari Melchers Home
and Studio, Falmouth, Va.
###