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Politics & Government

Weekend Planner: Races, Theatre and Gardening

Friday, April 27, through Sunday, April 29, 2012

Not sure what to do this weekend?  Check out Patch’s list of events happening in our area this Friday through Sunday. 

 Mount Vernon Spring Garden Sale

  • Where: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Alexandria
  • When: Now through May 20 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Why Go: This annual sale has everything you need for your garden, including plants grown at Mount Vernon. The sale is located on the sidewalk outside the shops, so admission is not required.

Healthy Strides Community 10K, 5K and Fun Run

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  • Where: Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station
  • When: Saturday, April 28.  10K and 5K start at 7:30 a.m.; Fun Run starts at 8:45 a.m.
  • Why Go: Enjoy the scenery at Burke Lake as you run/walk the race of your choice. Jogging strollers are allowed in the 5K.
  • Price:  Registration is $30 for 10K and 5K; Fun Run is FREE for ages 5 – 12

 Run for Shelter 10K and 1 Mile Fun Run

  • Where: USPTO Madison Building, Alexandria
  • When: Saturday, April 28 from 8 – 11 a.m.
  • Why Go: Proceeds from this event will go to Carpenter’s Shelter, an organization dedicated to ending homelessness.
  • Price: Registration is $40 for 10K and $20 for Fun Run

 Run for the Children 10K Race and 3K Run/Walk

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  • Where: Fairfax County Courthouse, Fairfax
  • When: Saturday, April 28 at 8:30 a.m.
  • Why Go: Proceeds to benefit Fairfax CASA, which provides safe and stable homes for abused and neglected children.
  • Price:  Registration is $35 for ages 18 and up, and $20 for under 18 

 Mocktails Tasting Party

  • Where: Green Spring Gardens, Annandale
  • When: Saturday, April 28 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Why Go: Learn how to mix a variety of non-alcoholic beverages perfect for spring and summer entertaining. 
  • Price:  $22 - $24; registration required

 Civil War Balloon Corps Living History Event

  • Where: Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, Alexandria
  • When: Saturday, April 28 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Why Go: This living history re-enactment will feature Civil War aeronaut Thaddeus Lowe and his netted gas balloon.  Please be advised, this event is weather dependent.
  • Price: FREE

 2012 Congressional Art Reception and Awards Ceremony

  • Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
  • When: Saturday, April 28 from 4 – 6 p.m.
  • Why Go: High school artists in congressional districts across the nation have submitted projects for a chance to have their artwork displayed at the U.S. Capitol. This Saturday the winner of Virginia’s 11th Congressional District will be announced.

Virginia Ballet Company presents: Swan Lake

  • Where: NOVA Annandale Ernst Community Cultural Center, Annandale
  • When: Saturday, April 28 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, April 29 at 2 p.m.
  • Why Go: Don’t miss this interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s romantic and mysterious classic in four acts. 
  • Price:  Tickets range from $20 - $30

 Asian/Pacific American Heritage Celebration

  • Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
  • When: Sunday, April 29 at 2 p.m.
  • Why Go: This stage production will feature various forms of Asian/Pacific music and dance.
  • Price:  FREE

 Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel: The Power and Passion of Brahms

  • Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
  • When: Sunday, April 29 at 7 p.m.
  • Why Go: This final concert of the 19th season of Keyboard Conversations at the Center for the Arts highlights the music of Johannes Brahms.
  • Price:  Tickets range from $19 - $38

Library Highlights:

  • Used Book Sale at Pohick Regional Library, Burke.  Friday, April 27 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 29 from 1 – 4:30 p.m.
  • Moose on the Loose at Burke Centre Library, Burke.  Friday, April, 27 at 11 a.m.  For ages 3 – 5.  FREE – registration required.
  • Preschool Storytime at John Marshall Library, Alexandria.  Friday, April 27 at 11 a.m.  For ages 3 – 5.  FREE – registration required.
  • Friday Friends Book Club at Burke Centre Library, Burke.  Friday, April 27 at 4 p.m.  For ages 8 – 12.  FREE – registration required.
  • Get Puzzled at Barrett Branch Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, April 28 – All Day.  FREE. 
  • Barrett Book Sale at Barrett Branch Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
  • Children’s Story and Crafts at Burke Branch Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, April 28 at 3 p.m.  FREE.
  • Ezibu Muntu Dance Group at Barrett Branch Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, April 28 at 3 p.m.  FREE. 

Nature Programs:

  • Basic Gardening: Attracting Pollinators at Green Spring Gardens, Annandale.  Friday, April 27 at 1:30 p.m.  For adults.  $10 - $12 per person – registration required.
  • Ponderings - Spring at Hidden Pond Nature Center, Springfield.  Friday, April 27 at 4:30 p.m.  For ages 6 - 11.  $6 - $8 per person – registration required.
  • Follow a Trail at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Saturday, April 28 at 2 p.m.  For all ages.  Parking is $4 per vehicle.
  • Songs of the Night Campfire at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Saturday, April 28 at 7:15 p.m.  For ages 4 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – registration required.
  • May Day Baskets at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Sunday, April 29 at 2 p.m.  For ages 3 – 9.  $6 - $8 per person – registration required.
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