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Grace, Grit, and Giving Back: The Story of Bethany Ablondi

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Welcome to the August issue of Spotsylvania Living!

This month, we’re putting the spotlight on local royalty. You’ll meet Bethany Ablondi, the beauty queen with the sweetest soul who is giving back to our local community by raising awareness for Celiac disease and promoting kindness and inclusion.

Publication Team

Dori Stewart Publisher

Mallory Hardgrove Content Coordinator

We’re also including some four-legged friends in the following pages as we highlight the amazing work that the Fredericksburg SPCA does in our own backyard. Learn all about what the Fred SPCA is doing for humans and animals alike, and get your tickets to their 11th Annual Fur Ball Gala on August 22nd!

Crissy Hall

Executive Assistant to the Publisher

We also wanted to wish all of our families, students, and teachers in the community the best of luck as we send those kids back to school. Here’s to an incredible school year ahead, filled with loads of lessons, plenty of fun, and a bunch of new friendships!

Happy reading,

Mallory Hardgrove Valynda Phifer

Publisher’s Assistant

Laura Anderson Designer

Karen Presecan

FXBGNeighbors

Photographer

FXBGNeighbors

bestversionmedia.com/magazines/neighborsofchancellorsville

Karie Owens

Contributing Writer

Liya Zewdu

Contributing Writer

Stephanie Cox

Contributing Writer

Advertising Contact: Dori Stewart doristewart@bestversionmedia.com | 540-288-7928

Feedback/Ideas/Submissions Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: doristewart@bestversionmedia.com

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Table of

CONTENTS

05 06 08 10 14

Home Improvement Corner Fall Flooring Trends: Refresh Your Home for Back-to-School Season Community Fawn Lake Marks America’s 250th with an Unforgettable Fourth Pet Corner Summer’s Wear and Tear: Why Is Your Dog Limping?

Resident Feature Grace, Grit, and Giving Back: The Story of Bethany Ablondi Charity Spotlight More Than a Shelter: How the Fredericksburg SPCA Builds Community, One Bond at a Time

10 16 17 18

Calendar of Events Upcoming Events August- September High School Highlights America’s Oldest Agricultural Fair: Celebrate with the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair Kids Corner Heading Back to School

A UGUST 2026 | 3

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© Best Version Media FALL FLOORING TRENDS: REFRESH YOUR HOME FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON

Home Improvement Corner

BY KARIE OWENS

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY NK FLOORS

There’s something about fall in Northern Virginia that makes you want to get your home in order. The kids are heading back to school, schedules are ramping up, and after a summer of muddy shoes and sandy feet, many local families look at their floors and think, “It’s time.” If that’s you, you’re in good company. This is one of our favorite times of year at NK Floors, when we help neighbors freshen up their homes.

to make a home feel snug and inviting as mornings grow crisper — perfect for early school-day routines with coffee in hand.

Warm Tones Are Having a Moment This fall, homeowners are leaning into warm, earthy wood tones — honey oak, caramel, and soft walnut hues. These colors bring a cozy, welcoming feel that pairs beautifully with the season and are versatile enough to complement the kind of lived-in, family-first homes so many of us have here.

Community Favorites This Season We’re also seeing strong interest in patterned tile for entryways and mudrooms, a smart, stylish way to handle the daily hustle of backpacks, shoes, and school supplies coming through the door. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference for busy households.

Durable Floors for Busy Households With backpacks, cleats, and after-school activities back in full swing, durability is top of mind. Luxury vinyl plank remains a favorite among the families we work with because it withstands daily traffic, resists scuffs, and cleans up easily after a long day at practice or a rainy morning drop-off.

A Fresh Start, Together Fall is a season of new routines and new beginnings, and your home should feel as ready as your family. Whether you’re refreshing one room or planning a larger update, the NK Floors team is always happy to walk you through options and help you find flooring that fits your home and your life this season.

Cozy Textures Underfoot As the weather cools, more folks are bringing warmth back to bedrooms and living spaces with soft area rugs and plush carpet in cozy neutral tones. It’s a simple way

Here’s to a warm, welcoming fall for you and yours, from our family at NK Floors to yours.

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Community

FAWN LAKE MARKS AMERICA’S 250TH WITH AN UNFORGETTABLE FOURTH

BY ART CRAIN

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On July 4, 2026, the Fawn Lake Community Association turned Independence Day into a full‑day celebration in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The neighborhood hosted one of the most ambitious events in its history, blending patriotic tradition with the kind of small‑town camaraderie that defines life in Spotsylvania County.

From sunrise fun runs to fireworks over the water at dark, the day brought neighbors together to celebrate the nation’s founding and the community they share. Residents described the semiquincentennial as a chance to create memories that children and grandchildren will cherish for years to come.

The morning began in motion. Fawn Lake’s “FLCA 4 on the 4th” Fun Run invited residents of all ages and fitness levels to lace up, step outside, and start the holiday with a sense of accomplishment.

Participants ran, jogged, and walked while neighbors cheered them on, setting a welcoming tone for the hours ahead.

Soon after, a ceremony coordinated by the Fawn Lake Veterans Group featured an honor guard and a reading of the Declaration of Independence, reminding everyone that Independence Day is about more than parades and picnics. For residents who have served in uniform, or have family members who have, the observance offered a powerful opportunity to honor sacrifice and service close to home.

No small‑town July 4th would be complete without a parade, and Fawn Lake embraced the tradition.

Led by the Marine Corps Base Quantico Color Guard, Uncle Sam, a fire truck, and bagpipes, a lively procession of decorated vintage cars, golf carts, bicycles, and scooters rolled down Longstreet Drive in a vibrant display of red, white, and blue. Along the route, families and friends gathered to wave flags, swap greetings, and turn the parade into a true community celebration.

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By midday, the tone shifted from ceremonial to playful. Families cooled down with free popsicles while, out on the water, the Cardboard Boat Regatta delivered some of the day’s biggest laughs and most creative engineering. Across five waves, elementary- to middle-school-aged participants launched their homemade cardboard vessels onto Fawn Lake. Some boats glided much farther than expected, while others sank as spectacularly as they set sail—drawing roaring cheers and laughter from the crowd.

Throughout the afternoon, the celebration spread across the community’s amenities. A magician kept children and adults guessing with illusions and interactive tricks, while an on-site car show

© Best Version Media of live entertainment, scenic lake views, and easy conversation reinforced why so many people choose to call Fawn Lake home.

As evening fell, the day built toward a grand finale. Watchful eyes waited for a passing rain shower to clear before the fireworks over Fawn Lake lit up the sky. Reflecting brilliantly off the water, the display offered a picturesque end to a historic celebration. For families who had spent the entire day together on the footpaths, fields, and shorelines, it was a perfect moment to pause, look up, and feel connected.

featured classic beauties for automotive enthusiasts. Other residents could be found out on the golf course or enjoying a festive meal and lawn activities at the Fawn Lake Country Club.

At the Sports Park, the 4th of July Family Fair brought families together for games, contests, age-friendly attractions, and delicious food truck offerings, creating a fun-filled day of laughter and outdoor entertainment.

Meanwhile, the competition was fierce at the baking pavilion as residents submitted their finest apple and cherry pies in hopes of taking home a prize.

Adding to the day’s unique highlights, a Birds of Prey demonstration brought awe‑inspiring raptors to Fawn Lake, giving families a chance to see these powerful birds up close and learn about their role in the environment.

Providing a continuous soundtrack to the day, music at the pool and marina carried patriotic and summertime favorites across the water.

Residents relaxed by the pool, gathered at the marina, and strolled along the walking paths as the community’s social spaces came alive. The mix

Fawn Lake’s expanded Fourth of July celebration marked 250 years of American independence. This lakeside community made sure the occasion was not just about history—it was about the strength of community.

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Pet Corner

SUMMER’S WEAR AND TEAR: WHY IS YOUR DOG LIMPING?

BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM, CHPV, CCRV, CVA, CVPP

If your dog spent the last few months sprinting bone tumors can also present as a persistent, through the backyard, hiking with you, or unresolved limp. roughhousing at the dog park, they have been Triage: Give It Time, Appointment, or ER? living their best summer life. By the time August • Give it time (24 to 48 hours): If the limp is rolls around, all that high-impact fun can take a mild, your dog bears weight, and they are toll. It is a common myth that mobility issues are eating normally, it’s appropriate to wait strictly for older dogs. Whether you have a clumsy and see if the lameness improves. Restrict puppy, an athletic weekend warrior, or a senior pet, activity completely, using a short leash for a summer injury can happen to any dog at any age. bathroom breaks only, and apply a towelWhat Can Cause a Limp? wrapped ice pack for 5 to 10 minutes. Never Several conditions show up frequently this time give human medications like ibuprofen or of year: Aleve, as they are highly toxic to dogs, and • Cruciate Injuries: The cranial cruciate even milder options like aspirin can interact ligament (CCL) is the canine ACL. A sudden with medications your vet may prescribe. pivot or slip can cause it to stretch or tear, • Make an appointment: If the limp persists leading to sudden hindlimb lameness. beyond a day or two, comes and goes, or • Soft Tissue Injury: Repetitive sprinting or worsens gradually, make an appointment fence-running can overextend tendons and with your primary care veterinarian. muscles, especially in the neck and groin • Head to the ER: Seek care immediately area (iliopsoas). if your dog is non-weight-bearing, shows • IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease): A hard neurological changes like knuckling or landing off a deck can cause a spinal disc to dragging a limb, or displays severe pain bulge or herniate. This mimics a leg injury but such as constant vocalizing or guarding the causes sudden pain and weakness. painful area.

• Arthritis Flares: Increased activity can worsen What Happens at the Vet underlying joint inflammation at any age.

A proper workup starts with an orthopedic exam to • Environmental Hazards: As we discussed check joint stability, alongside a neurologic exam last month, copperheads are active here to rule out spinal cord issues like IVDD. X-rays throughout the summer. A snake bite, directly evaluate bones and joints, and advanced splinters, torn nails, or wounds to paw pads imaging, such as an MRI, may follow if surgery can also cause lameness.

• Hidden Systemic Issues: Tick-borne diseases is required. like Lyme frequently cause shifting leg Because we often prescribe NSAIDs, expect lameness, while less common issues like baseline bloodwork to confirm the liver and kidneys

are healthy enough to process the medication. We also routinely run a 4Dx test to screen for tickborne diseases during peak season.

Where Integrative Medicine Comes In If you read my column regularly, you know I practice as both an ER veterinarian and an integrative medicine practitioner. Once we establish a diagnosis, conventional treatment is often just the first layer of care. Medications excel at blunting acute pain, but true healing requires addressing the entire body, which is where an integrative approach shines.

Rather than just resting a patient and waiting for time to pass, we use specific modalities to target different aspects of recovery. Targeted laser therapy uses light energy to stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation at the source.

Medical acupuncture relieves pain and releases the compensatory muscle spasms that build up in the neck and back when a dog shifts weight off an injured limb. And rather than relying purely on crate confinement, controlled rehabilitation introduces gentle movement early on to preserve muscle mass and prevent chronic stiffness.

The Bottom Line Do not wait out a limp indefinitely. A quick assessment catches small issues before they become major ones, keeping your pet comfortable and moving well into autumn.

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Resident Feature

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Grace, Grit, and Giving Back:

THE STORY OF BETHANY ABLONDI

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN PRESECAN PHOTOGRAPHY AND LEWIS AND SHARDAE MCNEAL OF THE MVP COLLECTIVE

At just 18 years old, Bethany Ablondi has already built a life defined by artistry, advocacy, and an unshakable commitment to serving others. As Miss Spotsylvania County’s Teen, a pre-professional ballerina, an award-winning cosplayer, and the founder of her own art company, Bethany’s story is one of turning personal challenges into purpose — and inspiring her Spotsylvania County community along the way.

A Title with Purpose Bethany doesn’t wear her crown lightly. “As Miss Spotsylvania County’s Teen, I am honored to use my title to serve my community and raise awareness about an issue that is deeply personal to me,” she said. That issue is Celiac disease, a condition Bethany lives with herself, and one she has transformed into the foundation of her Community Service Initiative: Celiac Strong. Through the initiative, she works “to educate others about Celiac disease, promote understanding and inclusion for those living with the condition, and encourage individuals to turn their challenges into opportunities to help others.”

Her title has also connected her to something larger than herself. As part of the Miss America Opportunity, Bethany has found both a platform and a legacy. “Being Miss Spotsylvania County’s Teen has given me the opportunity to be part of the historic Miss America Opportunity, an organization that awards scholarships and empowers young women to lead and serve in their communities,” she explained. “I am grateful for the platform it has provided to share my Community Service Initiative: Celiac Strong.”

A Family Legacy Four Generations Strong For Bethany, the Miss America Opportunity isn’t just a personal achievement — it’s a family tradition that stretches back generations. Her great-grandmother watched eight Miss Americas crowned live in Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, and her mother became the first woman in the family to graduate from college, funded in part by scholarships won through the Miss America Organization. Now, Bethany is writing her own chapter.

“Now I am leaving my own legacy with Miss America through my community services initiative, Celiac Strong,” she said. “I advocate for policy change, educate others about Celiac disease, and spread inclusion throughout the commonwealth.”

10 | SPOT SYLVA N I A LI VI N G

An Artist and a Dancer Bethany’s creative talents extend well beyond her advocacy work. Homeschooled throughout her childhood, she is now a rising sophomore at Germanna Community College, working toward an Associate’s Degree in Arts and Business Administration before continuing on to a dedicated art school. Her ambitions are big and specific: she hopes to one day become a licensed fine artist for Disney and Universal, all while continuing to dance professionally.

That dream is already well underway. Bethany is the owner and artist behind Graceful Hands Art Company, where she creates vibrant paintings and dynamic sculptures crafted from recycled materials. She’s also an award-winning cosplayer, having taken first place in three competitions, and has logged more than 180 volunteer hours working with drama and high school art students.

Dance, however, has been a constant throughout her life. A pre-professional ballerina, Bethany has

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trained in classical ballet at Avery Ballet for more than ten years, alongside her younger sisters Olivia and Naomi, who are also trained dancers. Her performances haven’t been limited to the stage for their own sake — for the past three years, she has used her talent to give back. “For the past three years, I have shared the joy of dance with underprivileged students by performing at the Head Start Centers,” she noted, reflecting the same spirit of service that runs through nearly everything she does.

Community at the Center Bethany has lived in Spotsylvania County her entire life, after her family relocated there for her father’s job. That lifelong connection has made the county feel like more than just a hometown. “I love living where I do,” she said. “There are so many exciting events.” Among her favorites are the Spotsylvania Christmas Parade, in which she’s had the opportunity to ride, and the Spotsylvania County Fair, which happens to land on her birthday every year.

But for Bethany, the county’s true character shows in how its residents show up for one another. She recalled a moment that stuck with her: dropping off donated stuffed animals at the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office. “At both of these events, I saw the community come together in celebration, but I have also seen them come together to build one another up,” she said, describing the spirit she sees in her hometown again and again.

Her community involvement runs deep in the local arts scene as well. She is an alumna of Talent FXBG — the only theater group to continue meeting virtually throughout the pandemic — and is now a founding member of Center Stage FXBG Youth Theatre, which will launch its very first season this fall.

A Message of Understanding Perhaps nowhere does Bethany’s character shine through more clearly than in the message she hopes to share with her neighbors. Living with Celiac disease has shaped not just her advocacy but her outlook on kindness itself.

“I would encourage my neighbors to remember that everyone is carrying challenges you may not be able to see,” she said. “Living with Celiac disease has taught me that small acts of understanding and kindness can make a big difference. Whether it’s learning about food restrictions, asking questions, or simply making someone feel included, your support matters.”

She also offers a broader message of resilience to anyone facing hardship of their own. “I also want to encourage anyone facing a setback not to let it define them,” Bethany said. “Some of our greatest challenges can become opportunities to grow, serve others, and make a difference. Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, look for ways to use your experiences to help someone else. You never know how your story might inspire another person who is facing the same struggles.”

PHOTOS BY LEWIS AND SHARDAE MCNEAL OF THE MVP COLLECTIVE

A Legacy Still Being Written Between her artwork, ballet training, advocacy through Celiac Strong, and deep roots in the Spotsylvania community, Bethany Ablondi is a young woman already leaving her mark — one canvas, one performance, and one act of kindness at a time. As she looks ahead to art school, a professional ballet career, and continued advocacy work, one thing is clear: Bethany isn’t just wearing a crown. She’s using it to build something lasting for the people around her.

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Charity Spotlight

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MORE THAN A SHELTER: HOW THE FREDERICKSBURG SPCA BUILDS COMMUNITY, ONE BOND AT A TIME

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FREDERICKSBURG SPCA

Every August, animal shelters across the country take part in national campaigns designed to find loving homes for animals waiting in shelters and rescues. Maybe you’ve heard of “Clear the Shelters” month or have seen advertisements in the past. Locally– and running from August through October– the Fredericksburg SPCA is participating in The Rescue Effect, which is the ASPCA’s national adoption campaign focused on increasing adoptions and engaging the public. The ASPCA provides grants to participating shelters and rescue organizations to help cover adoption fees and support operations with many organizations hosting fee-waived adoption events.

This year, the Fredericksburg SPCA was awarded one of the ASPCA grants and will be hosting six fee-waived adoption events (two per month) from August through October. For the organization, the initiative extends their own mission, one rooted in the belief that saving animals also means supporting the people who love them.

“The Fredericksburg SPCA strives to be more than an animal shelter,” says Von Young, Director of Communications & Marketing. “We are a community resource dedicated to strengthening the bond between people and their

pets.” That philosophy shapes everything the organization does, from emergency pet food assistance to low-cost veterinary care, all designed with one goal in mind: keeping families and their pets together whenever possible.

Young’s path to animal welfare wasn’t a straight line. Growing up, veterinary medicine and marine biology seemed like the only ways to build a career around animals — and neither fit. A love of photography, a childhood spent smuggling stray cats past a patient mother, and later a career photographing weddings and events eventually led to a job with a D.C. and Los Angeles company that partnered with animal rescues. From there, the pull toward nonprofit work became impossible to ignore. This July marked Young’s nine-year anniversary with the Fredericksburg SPCA. Much of that journey, Young says, was shaped by former Deputy Director Dalia Salah, who created the organization’s People Empowered Through Support (PETS) Program. “She replaced judgment with compassion, championed trauma-informed care and resilience, and led with courage and conviction at a time when fear and tradition often drove the conversation,” Young recalls. That mentorship still guides the way the Fred SPCA approaches its work today — with empathy first, and judgment nowhere in the equation.

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It’s a mindset that pushes back against a tired stereotype in animal welfare. “There is a common joke in animal welfare that people get involved because they ‘love animals and hate people,’ but that couldn’t be further from the truth at the Fredericksburg SPCA,” Young explains. Without the humans — the fosters, volunteers, donors, and pet owners doing their best in hard circumstances — there is no animal welfare at all.

That’s part of why national adoption events like the ASPCA’s Rescue Effect resonate so strongly with the organization’s broader mission. August isn’t just about emptying kennels for a month; it’s about widening the door to compassion and giving overburdened municipal shelters some breathing room. The Fredericksburg SPCA prioritizes intake and transfer support for District 16 communities, including Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, Stafford, King George, and Caroline County, and serves as a placement hub during natural disasters and largescale cruelty cases across the region and beyond.

As Young puts it, “Adoption is not the only way to save lives. It takes a village.” Adoption is one piece of that village-building — a chance for the community to step in now, open their homes, and make space for the next animal in need.

The work isn’t without its lighter, more heartwarming moments. Young remembers a Valentine’s Day “puppy party” fundraiser, where a stern-looking company executive turned out to be quietly grieving his late dog — until a puppy at the event reminded him of her. He submitted an adoption application before the party even ended. Years later, his wife became the Fred SPCA’s Executive Director. “It’s a story that has always stayed with me of unexpected healing, connection, and the quiet ways animals find their way into our lives when we need them most,” Young says.

means fostering, volunteering, donating supplies, or simply showing up to an event.

This fall, as shelters nationwide clear space for animals in need, the Fredericksburg SPCA invites the community to be part of the solution — proving, once again, that it truly does take a village.

Beyond potentially finding a new family member through sponsored adoption events, the community can look forward to the Fredericksburg SPCA’s biggest fundraiser of the year: the 11th Annual Fur Ball Gala, themed “A Fairy Tail Gala,” set for August 22, 2026, at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. Tickets and sponsorship details are available at fredspca. org/furball, and organizers note the event sells out every year.

Visit us in our new downtown Cheese Garden & Wine Lounge

For those looking to get involved beyond adoption, opportunities abound. “Don’t be afraid to get involved,” Young says, “there truly is a place for everyone in animal welfare” — whether that

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Upcoming Events

August- September

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FRI., AUGUST 7 First Friday @Downtown FXBG Time: 5- 9pm 601 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 FRI., AUGUST 7 Kids Entrepreneur Market with Fredericksburg Nationals @Virginia Credit Union Stadium Time: 5:30- 8:30pm 42 Jackie Robinson Way Fredericksburg, VA 22401

SAT., AUGUST 15 Bites & Flights @National Museum of the Marine Corps Time: 6- 9pm 1775 Semper Fidelis Way Triangle, VA 22172

SAT., AUGUST 8 Cars & Coffee @Gari Melchers Home and Studio Time: 8- 11am 224 Washington St. Falmouth, VA 22405

SUN., AUGUST 16 FXBG VegFest Vegan Brunch @City Vino Time: 10:30am- 1pm 100 Hanover St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

SAT., AUGUST 8 6th Annual Rouse Rally Tennis & Pickleball Tournament @UMW Tennis Cetner Time: 8am- 8pm 1200 Hanover St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

SAT., AUGUST 22 Fred SPCA Fur Ball: A Fairy Tail Gala @Fredericksburg Convention Center Time: 6pm 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy.

Fredericksburg, VA 22401

SAT., AUGUST 8 Kids Story Time- Second Saturday @Tales & Tails Time: 10- 11am 1010 Charles St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 SAT., AUGUST 8 Virginia Bourbon and Beer Festival @Fredericksburg Fairgrounds Time: 4- 9pm 2400 Airport Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 THURS., AUGUST 13 Barks & Recreation @Fredericksburg Dog Park Time: 6- 8pm 1448 Kenmore Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

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SAT., AUGUST 15 2nd Rappahannock River Invasion: Catfish Cookout & Watershed Festival @Patawomeck Museum & Cultural Center Time: 12- 4pm 638 Kings Hwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22405

FRI., AUGUST 14 Sunshine Concert Series @Eden Try Winery Time: 6- 8pm 6818 River Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22407

THURS., AUGUST 27 Summer Concert Series @National Museum of the Marine Corps Time: 7- 8pm 1775 Semper Fidelis Way Triangle, VA 22172 FRI., AUGUST 28 Reptiles Alive! @Lake Anna State Park Time: 2- 3pm 6800 Lawyers Rd. Spotsylvania, VA 22551 FRI., SEPT. 4 First Fridays Karaoke @Reclaim Arcade Time: 8- 11:45pm 2324 Plank Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

*At the time this magazine went to print, all event times and locations were accurate, but please check event websites for the most current information. Some events may have been postponed or canceled.

© Best Version Media AMERICA’S OLDEST AGRICULTURAL FAIR: CELEBRATE WITH THE FREDERICKSBURG AGRICULTURAL FAIR High School Highlights

BY LIYA ZEWDU

Liya Zewdu is a rising junior at Riverbend High School. She actively contributes to the school newspaper, with a focus on highlighting student perspectives and advocating for change. Liya also plays a key role in supporting students in special education through a basketball program, showing her commitment to inclusivity and teamwork. A proud member of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and the Junior Council for Cancer Kids First, Liya is deeply involved in her school community. Outside of her academic and extracurricular pursuits, she enjoys watching anime, reading books, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with family and friends. Liya aspires to pursue a career in Journalism, driven by her love for storytelling and creating meaningful connections through writing.

As summer break begins to wind down and students prepare to head back to school, one local tradition allows families and students to enjoy the last bits before the busy school year begins.

The Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair returns to the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, located at 2400 Airport Ave., from July 24th through August 2nd.

The fair is open from 5 pm to 10 pm on weekdays and 1 pm to 10 pm on weekends, giving families and friends plenty of time to enjoy one of the area’s biggest annual events.

Now in its 288th year, the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair has become a tradition for many local families. Every summer, thousands of people from Fredericksburg and the surrounding

counties visit the fairgrounds to enjoy carnival rides, games, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and local vendors. Of course, no trip to the fair would be complete without classic fair foods like funnel cakes, barbecue, fried Oreos, kettle corn, and fresh lemonade.

One of the fair’s most popular attractions is the midway, where visitors can choose from exciting thrill rides or slower rides for younger children.

There are also carnival games, daily entertainment, pageants, livestock shows, and exhibits that celebrate the area’s agricultural history.

For many students, the fair has become a yearly tradition before returning to class. It’s a chance

to meet up with friends, spend time with family, and enjoy a few more carefree summer nights before alarm clocks, homework, and after-school activities become part of everyday life again.

Although summer may be coming to an end, the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair gives our community a final opportunity to make memories before the school year begins. Whether you’re going for the rides, the food, or simply to enjoy the atmosphere, the fair continues to be one of the highlights of the season.

For a complete schedule of events, ticket information, and updates, visit the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair’s official website: fredericksburgfair.org. Enjoy the summer fun!

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Kids Corner

Heading BACK TO SCHOOL

BY STEPHANIE COX, OWNER, ART CART KIDS ENRICHMENT STUDIO

Whether your child is in preschool or headed to college, having an organized space to focus on school work is important to help children feel more confident.

A special place for homework gives children a consistent space where they can keep their supplies together and build good study habits. This space does not need to be large or fancy—a small desk, table, or quiet corner can work well. When children know exactly where to find their materials and where to complete their schoolwork, homework becomes easier to manage and less stressful. An organized space helps children take responsibility for their belongings and develop independence that will benefit them throughout the school year. This month I will show you a fun and creative way to keep those supplies organized.

Supplies needed: • At least one cardboard toilet paper or paper towel roll • A pencil • Scissors • Construction paper, markers, crayons and/or stickers to decorate • Tape • Optional: Glue or a glue stick and a little patience.

Steps: 1. Cut your t.p. roll or paper towel roll to the size you want it. You can make this project with just one or many rolls together.

2. Use a pencil and scissors to cut a piece of construction paper to fit around the roll. You can also skip this step and go on to step 3.

3. Decorate the paper or tube with markers, crayons, and or stickers. This will be easier while the paper is flat.

4. Tape the roll to a piece of construction paper or cardboard. See photo.

5. Next wrap the decorated paper around the roll and tape it on. If you use glue, hold it there for a minute or so to be sure it sticks. This is where patience is needed.

6. Repeat the process for as many rolls as you wish to have.

7. Your pencil/school supply holder is ready to be placed in your special homework space and filled with supplies.

About Art Cart Kids: Art Cart Kids Enrichment Studio is a child-choice art space where creativity and confidence grow side by side. Located at 77 Bells Hill Rd, in Stafford VA, each child is given the freedom to make independent decisions, follow their imagination, and create artwork that is entirely their own. In this calm, supportive environment, children learn that mistakes are a natural and valuable part of the process. Small missteps become opportunities to problem-solve, adjust, and try again—building resilience and self-trust along the way.

As your child explores, chooses, and creates, confidence begins to take root. They discover that their ideas matter, that challenges can be worked through, and that they are capable of figuring things out. This is a place where independence is nurtured, creativity feels easy and open-ended, and every child leaves feeling more sure of themselves than when they arrived.

Ready to give your child a simple, creative space where imagination leads the way? Check out our classes, camps and parties at ArtCartKids.com.

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