Weekend Roundup: Loudoun Offers Variety

By Ryan Lytle

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Weekends in Loudoun are about variety. Experience that variety this weekend with events such as the county fair, your choice of a bluegrass and folk concert or a gospel concert and a family movie night.

Loudoun County Fair

The annual Loudoun County Fair has been taking place all week, so make sure to stop by the fairgrounds before it closes this Saturday.

There are numerous events being held to close out this year’s fair, including the annual Kiss-a-Pig contest, horseshoe competition, food-eating contests, professional bull riding and many more.

There are also many activities for the younger crowd including magic shows, pet shows and carnival rides.

Along with all the events, there will be food vendors and live music to enjoy.

The fair will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with the gates opening at 8:30 a.m. each day.

Cost of admission is $10 for families, $5 for children between the ages of 6 and 12 and free admission to children under the age of 5.

The Loudoun County Fairgrounds is located at 17558 Dry Mill Road, in Leesburg.

For more information or a complete schedule, visit www.loudouncountyfair.com or call 703-777-3835.

Bluegrass and Folk Music Jam

This Friday, the Round Hill Arts Center will present a stylistic variety of acoustic music from progressive bluegrass and folk music to Celtic.

This concert event is different from many concerts in the area. Round Hill Arts Center actually insists that you bring your own musical instruments to play along.

It is guaranteed to be a family-friendly mix of music and fun.

Along with the music, there will be a BBQ dinner provided by Savoir Fare as well as a cash bar for the older crowd.

The jam takes place this Friday at 6 p.m. and admission is free, though donations are gladly accepted.

The Round Hill Arts Center is located 6 W. Loudoun Street, in Round Hill.

Call 540-338-5050 for more information or visit www.roundhillarts.org.

Family Movie Night: "Charlotte's Web"

If you are looking for a great way to spend an evening with the family, "Charlotte's Web" will be playing out at Fireman's Field Friday night.

It is an outdoor event so make sure to bring a blanket or chair and a picnic to enjoy.

The movie will begin at 8:30 p.m. Friday and admission is free.

Fireman's Field is located off Nursery Avenue, in Purcellville.

For more information, call 540-751-2326.

"Summer Gospel Explosion" Concert

If you are in the mood for a diverse arrangement of powerful gospel music, the Franklin Park Arts Center will be hosting the "Summer Gospel Explosion" Concert this Saturday evening.

"I don't know if it's going to be an annual event," said Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Music Minister Dion Jergo. "I guess it all depends how this show goes."

The concert will showcase four choirs, including the Mt. Zion United Chancel Choir, Heavenly, the Heritage Fellowship Church Adult Choir and the Combined Gospel Chorus of Howard Ministries.

There will also be a multimedia gospel presentation by Derek Winfield.

"It should really be a knockout performance," Jergo said.

The concert will take place this Saturday at 7 p.m. and the cost of admission is $15, with all proceeds going to the remodeling and renovation work for the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.

Franklin Park Arts Center is located at 36441 Blueridge View Lane, in Purcellville.

For more information on the event, call 540-454-1868 or visit www.franklinparkartscenter.org.

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