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July 29, 2026

Summertime in Hunter Mill District brings back one of our most cherished annual events: the Fairfax Carnival and 4-H Fair at Frying Pan Farm Park!

Starting tomorrow through Sunday, the park will come alive with old-fashioned family fun. Whether you are looking to enjoy classic carnival rides, live entertainment, visit the farm animals, or explore the projects created by our local 4-H youth, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Discounted unlimited ride wristbands are on sale now through tomorrow at 10 a.m. The presale price is $25 per wristband. After the sale ends, they may be purchased for $30 each whether you buy them online or in-person at the fair (only available from Thursday 10 a.m. to Friday at 3 p.m.). Of course, you may buy ride tickets when you come to the fair.

Here’s a rundown of the carnival and fair’s schedule of events:

• Tomorrow, July 30 (10 a.m. – 8 p.m.): Opening day of carnival rides and games.
• Friday, July 31 (10 a.m. – 10 p.m.): Enjoy carnival fun all day, plus Big Truck Night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Kids of all ages can climb aboard big trucks, explore heavy equipment, and watch live demonstrations by the Park Authority Mobile Crew.
• Saturday, August 1 (10 a.m. – 10 p.m.): The 4-H Fair Opening Ceremony kicks off at 10 a.m., followed by 4-H exhibits, animal shows, and free family activities from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, August 2 (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.): 4-H animal shows and exhibits continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., concluding with the closing ceremony at 4 p.m.
• On Thursday night, I invite you to come listen to a free concert by Sharon Rae North as part of the Hunter Mill Melodies Series. Come early to enjoy the fair rides and food before you head over to the concert.

I’ll be there for the fair’s ceremonial kick-off around 6:30 p.m., as well as help welcome Sharon Rae North to the stage for her performance at 7 p.m.

Hope to see you there tomorrow.

Regards,

Walter

• Attend Hunter Mill Melodies Concert Tomorrow
• Participate in National Night Out at Reston Community Center
• Planning Commission Approves Reston Town Center North
• Land Use Committee Members Sought
• What's News in Vienna
• Events and Activities

Planning Commission Recommends Approval for Reston Town Center North Redevelopment to Build New Library and Shelter by 2030

What’s happening: This past Wednesday, the Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval for the 47-acre Reston Town Center North redevelopment. The proposal now advances to the Board of Supervisors for a public hearing that’s currently scheduled for Sept. 15.

New library: If approved by the Board both on an RTCN-wide and in future block-specific rezonings, this joint redevelopment project with Inova will result in a new Reston Regional Library and Embry Rucker Homeless Shelter that are planned to be built by early 2030. Other county facilities included in the redevelopment are a future recreation center, athletic field and public school. On Inova’s properties, the hospital center proposes to build up to 1,000 residential units, along with medical, office an retail space.

Development framework: This proposed rezoning sets forth the framework for the configuration of the redevelopment’s 11 blocks, park space including the central green, and locations for redesigned streets and streetscapes throughout the property. Future rezoning applications will be required for the individual buildings when they’re ready to move forward.

The rezoning also sets the stage for a separate land exchange between Fairfax County and Inova. Both own a patchwork of properties across the 47-acre site, and the exchange will allow for a more coordinated redevelopment plan.

What’s happening: The Reston Planning and Zoning Committee seeks new volunteers to serve on its 15-member advisory body. Regular members have three-year terms while associate members serve one-year terms. To join, you must be a Reston resident.

• Apply online by Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 5 p.m.

What you’ll do: Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. virtually. As an independent advisory body to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission, the committee performs an important role in reviewing proposed rezoning and related development plans, proposed changes to the Reston Comprehensive Plan, and updates to the Planned Residential Community District.

More info: For questions or more information, contact John Kauppila by email.

Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Members Sought

What’s happening: I’m looking for residents to join my Hunter Mill Land Use Committee. This volunteer group reviews land use proposals in the district, and it advises me on land use issues in Hunter Mill outside of Reston and the Town of Vienna.

What you’ll do: As a member of the committee, you’ll review applications for rezonings, development plans, other land use entitlements, and major planning and zoning policy initiatives affecting the Hunter Mill District. You’ll apply your local knowledge of neighborhood conditions and concerns (e.g., traffic circulation, pedestrian safety, stormwater drainage) to help developers mitigate potential issues with their proposals.

When there are applications, plans or initiatives to review, the committee meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Meetings occur virtually on Microsoft Teams.

Treasure or Trash? Find out at the Appraisal Road Show Aug. 1

Every antique has a story to tell. Find out what yours is worth at the free  Americana Appraisal Road Show. This special Vienna250 and Shepherd's Center of Northern Virginia event takes place this Saturday, Aug. 1, at 2 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center. Antique experts will explore the history, condition, and value of your submitted treasures. American items are requested and pre-registration is encouraged. 

“Boston Tea Party Tasting” Aug. 2

Ever wondered what was tossed into Boston Harbor during the Boston Tea Party? Find out at the free "Boston Tea Party Tasting" on Sunday, Aug. 2, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Freeman Store & Museum. Stop by and sample the types of tea that colonists liked and the kinds the East India Tea Company wanted them to try. As you sip, explore the "Making A More Perfect Union" exhibit. This event is hosted by Historic Vienna, Inc. and Vienna250. 

📏Bad Influence plays blues and roots music on July 29 at Lake Anne Plaza.

🎤 Billboard-charting jazz singer Sharon Rae North performs on July 30 at Frying Pan Farm Park as part of Hunter Mill Melodies.

🎤Desiree Jordan sings R&B and soul classics on July 30 at Halley Rise.

🧩Swap puzzles on July 31 at the Reston Regional Library.

🎸 Rolling Stones tribute band Mother’s Little Helpers play July 31 at Reston Station.

🌱Exchange seeds on Aug. 1 at the Reston Regional Library.

🎸Ace Monroe plays high‑energy hard rock and blues‑rock on Aug. 1 at Reston Town Center.

🎞️ Watch the movie “Minions” on Aug. 1 at Reston Station.

😂 Laugh with Lohr Family Antics on Aug. 1 at Reston Town Square Park.

📖P. O’Connell Pearson discusses his new book “No Ordinary Women: How Progressive Era Reformers Reshaped America” on Aug. 2 at City of Fairfax Regional Library.

🎸Two Bass Hit play electro-acoustic jazz and folk on Aug. 2 at Reston Town Square Park.

🧘‍♀️Take a Tai Chi class on Aug. 3 at Reston Regional Library.

🎤Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet performs the standards on Aug 5 at Lake Anne plaza.

🎸 Acoustic rockers Speidel, Goodrich, Goggin and Lille return to the stage on Aug. 6 at Frying Pan Farm Park, and enjoy food from Leo’s Tacos.

🎷Jazz and Klezmer musician Seth Kibel performs on Aug. 6 at Halley Rise.

🎸 R&B tribute band The Tribe perform on Aug. 7 at Reston Station.

🚚Bring the kids to Reston Association’s Totally Trucks on Aug. 7.

🎵Hard Day’s Night plays the Beatles classic hits on Aug. 8 at Reston Town Center.

💃Greater Washington Chinese Dance perform a variety of dance styles on Aug. 8 at Reston Regional Library.

👧🏻Kid-favorite Rocknoceros presents catchy tunes for all ages on Aug. 8 at Reston Town Square Park.

🐍Learn about the Snakes of Reston on Aug. 8 at Walker Nature Center.

🎸Listen to the vibrant rhythms of Latin America guitar music on Aug. 9 at Reston Town Square Park.

🎺Vaughn Ambrose Trio seamlessly plays Big Band to funk music on Aug. 9 at Dogwood Pavilion.

🪉Celtic melodies take stage when Iona plays on Aug. 12 at Lake Anne Plaza.

🎵Enjoy adult contemporary hip hop when The Band Black History plays on Aug. 13 at Halley Rise.

Find all events for these local organizations: Reston Community Center, Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation Programs, Tephra ICA and Arts Fairfax. Find other community events in the Reston Letter.