Festival Spotlight: 1st Annual Chantilly Day

Posted by Lindsey Leake / Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

Celebrate a great NoVA town on Saturday, May 12.

By Lindsey Leake

Shutterstock/J.D.S.

Remember yesterday, celebrate today, embrace tomorrow. These tenets outline the mission of Chantilly Day, an annual festival crafted by the Chantilly-Centreville Chamber of Commerce (CCCC)—a division of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce—that aims to foster a sense of community in the area. The inaugural affair is set for Saturday, May 12 and promises to be “the biggest and best event Chantilly has ever seen!”

CCCC Chairwoman and Chantilly Day creator Saharnaz Farivar knew from the get-go that she wanted the western Fairfax County event to stand out from other festivals and community events of its kind.

“Chantilly Day had to be an annual festival to showcase [the] best of our minds in motion while rebuilding its image of being a fragmented and mostly industrial city,” she says. “Chantilly Day brings [a] sense of community and promotes business, arts, science and education.”

Kicking off Chantilly’s special day is a parade featuring local high school bands, antique cars, local politicians, Civil War reenactments and more. Throughout the day over 100 community businesses will come together to form the festival’s Business Expo, live entertainment will blare from the center stage and patrons can view remarkable rides during the car show. The afternoon will bring an awards ceremony honoring local citizens, educators, businesses and community groups.

Chantilly-area students won’t be left out of the recognition ceremony; the event is sponsoring a youth essay contest asking elementary, middle and high school students to reflect on the festival’s “Remember Yesterday, Celebrate Today, Embrace Tomorrow” theme.

“We are encouraging intellectual and artistic participation of our schools primarily,” Farivar says. “We want to create an environment for our younger generation to be inspired and excited.”

The Taste of Chantilly segment of the day offers attendees the opportunity to sample the region’s finest fare, while the youngest visitors will relish all the Children’s Corner has to offer: face painting, a rock-climbing wall, and bouncing balloons. The celebration will come to a rocking end at the Sunset Concert featuring The Merchants of Cool.

In addition to local politicians like Congressman Frank Wolf and Supervisor Michael Frey, delegates from sister city Chantilly, France, including Mayor Eric Woerth, will be in attendance.

Photo courtesy of the Centreville-Chantilly Chamber of Commerce

 Though the 1^st Annual Chantilly Day looks to be a great success, plans are already in the works to improve upon the event in future years.

“We will learn much from this year’s experience,” Farivar says. “Our committee, our chamber, our event organizers and our sponsors will be in much better shape for future events, as we try vigilantly to stay on the message and true to our vision and mission statement.”

The celebration will be held on the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend each year.

“We believe Chantilly Day will strengthen this incredibly dynamic community in new and exciting ways and build an increased sense of identity among residents and businesses whose interests, talents and activities make Chantilly such a wonderful place to live and work,” says Heather Gray, communications manager of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The chamber anticipates thousands will attend this free event, enjoying an afternoon in the sunshine that is full of laughter, smiles and fun for all ages.”

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Saturday, May 12, 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Free

Babies R Us parking lot on Metrotech Drive

9:30 – 10 a.m. Parade

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Business Expo

10 – 11 a.m. Celebration of the Bands

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Car Show

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Taste ofChantilly

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Main Stage Entertainment

Noon–3 p.m. Chamber Awards

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Children’s Corner

4 – 6 p.m. Sunset Concert featuring The Merchants of Cool

CHANTILLY DAY MOTTO

“Paying homage to our heritage and the patchwork quilt that is our community. Events will include reenactment of historical events.

Showcasing local businesses, civic, art and scientific organizations, recognizing those with highest growth and contribution to the local economy.

Recognizing the best in our educational institutions. Identifying and rewarding the high-achieving students who are the best opportunity for creating a better future.”

For more details, visit www.chantillyday.com  or contact the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce at 571-323-5304 or info@chantillyday.com.

(May 2012)

Best in Kid’s Boutiques

Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Friday, May 4th, 2012

Dharma

By Lynn Norusis

It may be easy to hop into Target, Nordstrom or Walmart to find some duds for the kiddos, but we all want the best for our children, and this area is offering it up retail-style.

We scoured many a retail hub and found area boutiques offering dashing attire for all occasions.

Apple Seed 

This is the maternity and baby store for those who are expecting, expecting to expect or have already expected. Apple Seed has calming music for those looking for gifts for themselves or their baby. Transitional clothing like wrap dresses are their specialty. This is the place to go for maternity work wear and suiting. They are also one of the only stores in the area to have the Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller, the all-in-one stroller.

115 S. Columbus St., Alexandria

703-535-5446; www.appleseedboutique.com

The Magic Wardrobe

The Magic Wardrobe is essential for those who want nothing less than the very best for their children. The store offers fine clothing for kids, including infants. The location itself invites both parents and children. Sun pours in through wide windows onto broad wooden floors. Many of the clothing shelves are child-sized to make the shopping trip more inclusive. The Magic Wardrobe is truly a boutique for kids.

108 W. Washington St., Middleburg
540-687-3363; www.themagicwardrobe.com

The Fun Shop

Open for 55 years, The Fun Shop actually sells everything from cooking products to home decoration in their massive, three-building store. But their children’s store, located upstairs, was made for kids. Shelves packed full of toys glow with imagination’s endless possibilities, and books extend as high as the eye can see. The Fun Shop lives up to its name. The store also sells children’s clothes, which simply adds to the paradisiacal atmosphere.

117 W. Washington St., Middleburg
540-687-3861; www.thefunshop.com

Dharma & Leopold’s

Stepping into Dharma & Leopold’s in Gainesville is like stepping in the “Magic Wardrobe.” No longer will your little one have to suffer the fate of wearing the same thing as the child next to them, as owners Brenda Radford Mills and Roxanne Klopp stock unique brands for girls, infants to 12, and boys, infant to 4T. “Anything basic you won’t find here,” explains Mills. The store itself is its own wonderland with a white-picket fence, garden theme; turnabouts of accessories, bookshelves filled with trinkets and toys and an entire wall of shoes. But clothes and accessories are not the only thing Dharma & Leopold’s is about. Throughout the year they host trunk shows, craft events and bring local jewelers, cupcake makers and, something for mom and dad—local wineries.

7945 Stonewall Shops Square, Gainesville
571-222-7817; www.dharmaandleopolds.com

Sweet Caroline’s Boutique

Spending a day out shopping with your little one in tow just got easier at Sweet Caroline’s Boutique. While mom, dad, or grandmom shop the racks of attire—from dressy to casual, holiday themed to occasion wear, and outwear to accessories—the tikes can play in a room just for them with a play table, toys and different children events held throughout the year (story time and face painting). The boutique stocks items  from brands such as Le Top, Zuccini, Royal Child and Funtasia, for girls (up to 14) and boys (up to 10), and carries smocked items, photo books and shoes.

305 William St., Fredericksburg
540-373-5858; www.sweetcarolinesinc.com

Other Local Kids Boutiques:

Little Lords & Ladies Consignment
14088 Sullyfield Circle, Chantilly
703-488-9948; www.littlelordsandladies.com

Anna-Kate’s Closet
2491-A N. Harrison St., Arlington
703-533-0482; www.annakatescloset.com

Pink & Brown
1212 King St., Alexandria
703-684-1050; www.pinkandbrownboutique.com

Doodlehopper 4 Kids
228 W. Broad St., Falls Church
703-241-2262; www.doodlehopper.com

7521 Huntsman Blvd., Springfield
703-912-7200; www.doodlehopper.com

Monday’s Child
218 N. Lee St., Alexandria
703-548-3505; www.mondayschildofalexandria.com

Why Not
200 King St., Alexandria
703-548-2080

Go Bananas
42395 Ryan Road, Ashburn
703-237-1900

19352 Promenade Drive, Leesburg
571-333-4514; www.gobananastoys.com

Little Choux Boutique
www.littlechoux.com

The Mock Turtle
810 Caroline St., Fredericksburg
540-371-0003

Weighing In

Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Support for healthy living steps up in schools.

By Renee Sklarew

When Marcy Foster of Reston was in seventh grade, she realized she was overweight. With three siblings, no one noticed she was eating most of the junk food her parents kept in the home. “The problem continued in high school and college. I tried many crazy diets, but since I was a private eater, nothing worked,” Foster recalls.

After college, Foster joined Weight Watchers where she learned that losing weight required an entire lifestyle change. Since then, she’s lost 35 pounds and kept it off for four decades, and is now a mentor and coach for Weight Watchers. The philosophy of eating wholesome, nutritious food, staying active and allowing treats in small portions helped inspire her as she modeled healthy food choices and regular exercise for her three sons.

Weight Watchers accepts overweight children under the age of 17 with medical permission and ongoing support of a parent. Foster says, “Doctors are thrilled to support kids learning to eat real food.” Teens in Weight Watchers are taught to keep track of what they’re eating, choose reasonable portions and make healthy choices. Foster has seen teenagers who lose weight through Weight Watchers become less self-conscious, gain energy and sleep better. “It enhances their confidence, and they love fitting into their clothes.”

To teach kids about healthy lifestyles, the PTA at Ashlawn Elementary School in Arlington founded “Healthy Kids, Healthy Families,” a program that combats obesity with innovative activities. The program kicks off with an apple for every student, donated by Whole Foods, then the events begin—Fresh Fruit Fridays, Family Gym Night and Lettuce Days (community members grow lettuce in their yard, so twice a year Ashlawn’s cafeteria can serve a school-wide salad for lunch).

Ashlawn Elementary’s principal, Judy Apostolico-Buck, explains: “Our parents make it very real for the students. It’s a challenge to engage kids and build behaviors, but they’ve done that. At school we grow pots of radishes, romaine lettuce and spinach. We make our own salad dressing. The kids talk about how much they love Lettuce Days. You’ll see them eat three or four helpings of salad. They even make salads at home, which is not something most elementary school kids do.”

In response to a community survey, Ashlawn instituted a schedule allowing recess to precede lunch for most children. Where does Ashlawn get the funds for this program? “The PTA raises its own money. Most of it involves hours of time and effort by people, but not high cost.”

Healthy eating habits start in infancy according to Nanci Pedulla, program manager of Healthy Families Alexandria/Arlington, part of Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS). NVFS pushed for legislation to support breastfeeding in the area because, explains Pedulla, “Children who are breastfed are much less likely to become obese in comparison to children who are formula fed.” NVFS programs use in-home and classroom activities to teach the entire family ways to combat childhood obesity.

It’s never too early to teach kids about a healthy lifestyle. One statement you hear frequently from advocates: Families should eat together whenever possible. Weight Watcher’s Foster adds, “Sit down at a table. Don’t watch TV or read; focus on the food.”

(April 2012)

Hybrid Families

Posted by Geoff Nelowet / Monday, February 27th, 2012

Multicultural Families Making it Work

By Renee Sklarew

Carlos Restrepo | Shutterstock

Fifty-four years ago, a couple in Virginia, who coincidentally had the last name of “Loving,” made headlines for their illegal interracial marriage. After being arrested, the couple pursued a lawsuit that resulted in a landmark decision by the Supreme Court in 1967 to legalize interracial marriages in 16 states, including Virginia. Back then, only four percent of Americans said they approved of interracial marriage, while today the approval rating has reached 86 percent according to Gallup. Despite changing laws and social progress, some married couples struggle to mix cultures—whether its race or religion— especially, when children and extended family are involved. 

When Susan Kaplan, who was raised Jewish, married her Christian husband, the couple planned to honor their heritages by celebrating each other’s holidays. After their daughter was born, Kaplan’s

Liskus/Calvindexter/Shutterstock

mother was skeptical about how her granddaughter would retain the traditions of the Jewish faith. 

Kaplan, who lives in Falls Church, was committed to preserving her own, and her husband’s, cultural customs, so she sought out the Interfaith Families Project of Greater Washington (IFFP). The family began participating in the IFFP’s weekly “Gatherings” in Silver Spring, Md. The IFFP is a community organization that seeks to celebrate and investigate both Jewish and Christian religious rituals equally. Here, Kaplan and her husband were not expected to blend their faiths, nor reject their backgrounds. Instead at IFFP events, they found couples like themselves who hoped to find common ground. 

Kaplan’s daughter attended IFFP’s Sunday school, taught by parent volunteers, to learn how each religion was founded and where they paralleled in history and today. Recently, the couple brought Kaplan’s mother to IFFP’s Rosh Hashanah services. Kaplan explains a benefit her family gains from being part of IFFP: “One important piece for my daughter was to understand she wasn’t unusual; that there were lots of other families raising their children with both traditions. IFFP is a community that provides that type of support. There, she has a sense she’s not the only one who’s doing this. And when we started, that’s what was importantto us.”

Groups like IFFP are creating new environments where people may remain true to their heritage, while embracing each family member’s values and traditions. But another option for couples is pre- and post-marital counseling through IMAGO Therapy. Deborah Ross, who has a counseling practice in Tysons Corner, is president of the Mid-Atlantic IMAGO Therapy Association. Ross says, “Couples should have in-depth conversations before they even go down the aisle to create a template on how to talk about these issues. It’s an opportunity to share in a deep way what [your heritage] means for you, how it informs who you are. These things need clarity.” 

Ross encourages couples to have regular conversations about issues of faith and culture, and not just before the wedding. “The couple might also seek out clergy for advice and support,” adds Ross. “And when you introduce a child, that’s when these issues become less peripheral.” 

Through participation in IFFP, Kaplan’s family has been successful at merging the two religions. “I think there are resources and groups like this around, though they may not be as convenient as a house of worship might be. It depends if that’s what you want to do. We got on the Beltway on Sundays and drove 20 minutes,” says Kaplan. “If you want to raise your kids with both traditions, it’s really helpful to find a support system.”

(February 2012)

Childhood Christmas Memories … Grammy’s Chocolate Cake

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, December 23rd, 2011

Image: Analia Valeria Urani/Shutterstock

Chrystal’s Chocolate Cake

Image: Jut/Shutterstock

Cream Cheese Frosting

Taco Soup for the Soul

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, December 8th, 2011

My new winter favorite!

Two words: taco soup.

It’s a concoction that I adopted from my father, who got it from his brother, who stole it from Mr. Tumnus in the magical land of Narnia after falling through the wardrobe.

It’s magical. A recipe passed down from generation to generation; a culinary treasure so fine that it must be guarded, cherished and kept close.

Ok, here’s the deal. It’s probably the best soup you’ve ever had because A.) It’s tasty and 2.) It’s so easy that even a half-man, half-goat from a fictional, bureau-inspired world could make.

Here’s what you do.

Throw whatever you want into a pot. Those kidney beans that have been sitting in the cupboard for 2 years? Throw ‘em in. That can of diced tomatoes you bought but never used? Into the pot. Canned corn, black beans, refried beans- oh my! They all go into the pot.

Now cover with chicken stock and bring to a boil. Once it’s boiling, throw a box of pasta in with any seasoning you like. I like Mexican chili powder, cayenne, garlic, powdered ranch seasoning packets, taco seasoning… even curry powder.

Now cook all that together until the pasta is tender and voila! You’ve got a hearty, delicious soup and just gotten rid of all those cans of food you never know what to do with.

I like to sprinkle the top of mine with fresh green onion and shredded cheese. And this soup will last forever! Lunch for days!

For those of you who like to have a recipe (my boyfriend goes absolutely bonkers when I just throw stuff into a pot without guidelines. “But how do you know how much to use?!” he cries.) I’ll just write down what I used last time but keep in mind- there is a lot of creative freedom with this soup so don’t feel like you need to follow it exactly!

Ingredients:

1 can of refried beans
1 can of black beans
1 can of cannellini beans
1 can of corn
1 can chopped black olives
1 can of diced tomatoes
½ jar of spicy salsa
2 cans of chicken (they look like tuna cans)
2 boxes of chicken stock
1 box of pasta (ditalini or macaroni works really nicely!)
1 packet of taco seasoning
1 packet of powdered ranch
Any seasoning you like: cayenne, garlic powder, salt, pepper, curry, Mexican seasoning, etc…
Suggestions for garnish: chopped green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips

To make:

Put everything except the pasta into a large pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, dump in the pasta and cook until tender. One little tip- once you add the pasta, it will absorb a lot of liquid so keep the chicken stock on hand and add more as needed until it reaches your desired consistency.

It can also make a great vegetarian soup! Just swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock and leave out the chicken. Bam!

That may not have been much of a recipe but it works and it’s perfect for a chilly winter night at home! Make it and pass it on…

Enjoy!

– Jennie Whistler

Oktoberfest-fest!

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, September 30th, 2011

(Image: Kzenon/Shutterstock)

Guten Tag, Gut Checkers!

This weekend, don’t miss out on your chance to put on your lederhosen and polka your eyes out! Here’s a guide to all the Oktoberfest events going on:

Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest
September 29 – October 2 - Fremont Field, Fort Belvoir; (703)879.4088; Prices and hours vary

Octoberfest at Sweetwater Tavern in Sterling
October 1, Noon - 5 p.m. - Sweetwater Tavern, 45980 Waterview Plaza, Sterling; (571)434.6500; Free

Vienna Oktoberfest
October 1, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.  - Historic Church Street in Vienna; (703)281.1333; Free

I am planning to head to the Vienna Oktoberfest myself, where I’m promised there will be lots of great German food, live music and beer gardens galore. I can’t wait to go get my bratwurst on!

I’ll see you there!

– Jennie Whistler

Fear Factor

Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Monday, September 26th, 2011

Social anxiety does not have to follow the child throughout life.

By Renee Sklarew

Shutterstock/Qushe & Daniel Gale

When the new school year approaches, your child seems anxious. When faced with a new situation, s/he doesn’t engage with others, clings to you, or even cries when you leave. But what is wrong? And how can you help?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports 5.2 percent of American adults have “social phobia”—people who feel uncomfortable speaking to others beyond their own family members and are fearful of new things—a psychiatric disorder that usually manifests in childhood and early adolescence.

Some common physical symptoms include blushing, profuse sweating, trembling, nausea and difficulty talking. People with social phobias may seek therapeutic environments to overcome fears and anxiety.

One option is the Social Anxiety Support Group of D.C., Maryland and for SASG, says she was an extremely shy child, but today she supports adults who are nervous dealing with new people and new situations. Sunny believes parents play a key role in helping shy children gain social confidence. “How parents treat other people, and how they handle new situations, teaches children how to behave. Children learn behavior from their own parents. Social anxiety is partly genetic and partly environmental,” explains Sunny (full name withheld).

George Mason University professor Koraly Perez-Edgar, Ph.D., is an internationally known researcher studying temperamentally shy children and their psycho-physiological traits. Her research looked at children from 4 months to 19 years of age, whom she followed for exhibiting “early negative reactions”—they expressed a strong fear response to new settings and were more likely to withdraw in social situations. Perez-Edgar found that without early intervention, shy children often develop anxiety disorders.

What did parents of shy children do to successfully intervene? Perez-Edgar says, “Children who entered social environments—like daycare or frequent, manageable playdates—usually figured out how to navigate social situations for themselves.” The children who were isolated at home with a nanny or parent were more likely to remain socially inhibited.

When school starts, Perez-Edgar explains, it’s easy to identify the shy kids, because they hold back at first. Fortunately, she says, as long as a shy child makes at least one friend, s/he will likely learn how to cope and work through her/his initial anxious response. Perez-Edgar’s studies show children with the worst outcomes are those whose parents either “swooped in,” or “threw them into the deep end instead of working through it little-by-little.”

Some recommendations Perez-Edgar makes: Parents should take their shy child to visit the classroom before the first day of school, “so they can imagine themselves there before adding other kids. It’s less overwhelming.” She also suggests arranging a meeting between the shy child and other children from the class in advance. The team of researchers notes that the gradual practice of facing fears, like encouraging shy kids to ask questions in a store, helps them overcome inhibitions and gain confidence.

From personal experience, Sunny adds: “If shyness persists into the teenage years, try cognitive behavioral therapy.” Now, for the easy part: “And try telling them you love them. Giving them a hug now and then helps their self-esteem and may provide a basis for bonding with other people.”

(September 2011)

Gaylord National Resort Presents ICE! 2011 Merry Madagascar

Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

On Saturday, the Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center announced this year’s ICE! theme at its “Christmas in July” exclusive media preview. ICE! is Gaylord National’s annual attraction, featuring a life-sized, walk-through winter wonderland hand-carved from two million pounds of colorful ice. It always includes some extremely cool activities that you won’t find anywhere else, especially not this close to home. ICE! 2011 will feature DreamWorks’ “Shrek,” “Kung Fu Panda” and “Madagascar” with its “Merry Madagascar” theme. The kids will love this! Santa and his reindeer crash on the island of Madagascar and the penguins have to save Christmas by delivering all the presents. King Julien learns the true meaning of Christmas after getting on Santa’s naughty list.

Yours truly attended the media preview this weekend and had a marvelous time, as I’m sure you can see from the slideshow below. Gaylord National is an almost indescribable place, with a fancy shmancy interior and a gorgeous Potomac overlook visible through the huge glass walls of the resort. Even though I was only at the resort for a few hours, I left feeling like I had taken a weekend vacation. Although Gaylord is just on the other side of the river, it seems like a getaway spot much farther away than that.

The Christmas in July preview began with the announcement of this year’s theme accompanied by shiny streamers very suddenly popping out at the audience (which made both me and my friend jump a little) and an introduction of this year’s ICE! characters. Here’s Shrek’s memorable entrance:

Then it was party time! The Gaylord had a sushi bar extravaganza for us, and my friend and I gladly did some damage on that. The movie “Madagascar” was playing on the big screen with an old-fashioned popcorn machine popping away for the audience. Santa sat in what I like to call the ‘winter wonderland forest’ with snow (tiny bubbles) falling all around. Shrek, Alex the lion, King Julien and Po the panda roamed the room, posing for photo after photo. (Yes, I got in line with all the 5 year olds, and I am proud of it). The Gaylord National really knows how to throw a party! They even had party favors at the door: Madagascar chocolate bars! Check out the slideshow for a preview of all the delish Madagascar-themed food and drinks you could be savoring the flavoring of this holiday season! I tried my very best to taste-test almost everything, and I can definitely say I approve! 

The DreamWorks Experience Package features festive interactive character meals, character passport meet & greets, gingerbread decorating with Gingy and a DreamWorks scavenger hunt. This year, Gaylord National is adding more two-story tall ice slides than ever before! Every night, guests experience the lighting of a 60-foot glass tree and a real-life indoor snowfall along Holiday Lane. With eight outdoor ice skating rinks, live entertainment every night  and a Northern Lights show featuring a 150-foot tall light curtain hanging from the 20-story atrium, you and the kids will both find something fun to do. ICE! runs from November 18 through January 8 this holiday season.

Early bird discount tickets are on sale now!

-Rebekah Lowe

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

12►

In the mood for some light-hearted fun?

Posted by clara / Monday, June 20th, 2011

Monday, June 20, 2011

Have you heard the good news?

Crystal City BID and Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse are bringing the famous Chicago Improv Group “Second City” to the Synetic Theater stage! Mark your calendars because they’ll be in town July 15 and 16. Tickets are now on sale for $40 www.arlingtoncomedy.com.

We’re told that the new partnership is pushing its efforts toward making Crystal City a suburban center of comedy. We couldn’t be happier.

Image: Shutterstock/Laurie Barr

Also, we wish congratulations to the 1st Stage Theater in Tyson’s Corner! Their production of “Jack and the Beanstalk” won the Helen Hayes Award. Written for children and adults by DC playwright Mario Baldessari, with music by Rex Daugherty and directed by Leslie A. Kobylinski – “Jack and the Bean-Stalk” is a fun-for-the-whole-family, comic, rollercoaster ride of quirky characters, including an irreverent Cow, a crafty, bean-peddling Stranger and a saucy Hen What Lays the Golden Eggs.  Aimed at younger audiences, but with lots of laughs built in for adults, it’s a perfect fit for families who want to share the joy of live performance theater. Tickets are $15, and the production closes this Sunday, June 26. For more information, visit www.firststagetysons.org.

Photo Courtesy of Georgetown Waterfront Festival

Don’t forget this weekend is the Georgetown Waterfront Festival! They’re hosting D.C.’s largest water balloon battle. Get your super soakers and swim trunks ready, because the festivities last from Noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 26 at the Washington Harbour. The water war starts at 2 p.m. But no festival would be complete without food. Tony & Joe’s and Nick’s Riverside Grill will be serving up fresh seafood and burgers. For more information, visit www.georgetowndc.com.

–Clara Ritger