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March 27, 2026
A publication by Gloucester's Department of Community Engagement and Public Information
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HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND! The 40th Daffodil Festival!
This will be a celebration you won't want to miss! For more details on how you can join the fun, head to daffodilfestivalva.org.
Festival Hours: Saturday, March 28th 9-5pm & Sunday, March 29th 12-5pm
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In preparation for the various vendors and event setup, the Sheriff’s Office will close the Main Street Court Circle area to thru traffic at 5 p.m. Friday, March 27th. Traffic will use the South Steet detour around the Court Circle, which is between Martin Street and Cary Avenue, for the duration of the event. This closure will remain in effect until 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 29th, when the entire event has ended.
During the parade on Saturday, March 28th, all vehicle traffic on Main Street will be suspended along the parade route (Main Street from JCMH to Botetourt Elementary School) at approximately 9:55 a.m. and we will re-open Main Street using the South Street detour as soon as it is safe to do so at the conclusion of the parade. Northbound traffic (coming from the Walmart area) on Main Street will be able to proceed onto JCMH towards Mathews County and off of JCMH, if turning left towards Walmart.
During the 5K run on Sunday, March 29th from 9:00-10:30 a.m., all vehicle traffic on Ware House Road will be alternating one lane only.
The Sheriff's Office will be on-site providing traffic control and security throughout this weekend event. Please expect delays and if you live within the courthouse area, please plan accordingly. Again, Main Street will be completely open at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 29th.
We are anticipating significant pedestrian traffic on Main Street, particularly in the Colonial Court Circle area, so please drive safely and enjoy the festival!
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This year's Gloucester Daffodil Show will be held March 28 and 29 at Newington Baptist Church.
Open to the Public:
Saturday, March 28, 2026 ~ 2:00PM-5:00PM
Sunday, March 29, 2026 ~ 12:00PM-5:00PM
Show setup and entry times to be announced.
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Now Premiering: Behind the Blooms
Ever wondered what it takes to bring Gloucester’s biggest event of the year to life?
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Gloucester Daffodil Festival this weekend, we’re excited to release Behind the Blooms — a documentary that takes you inside a full year of planning behind this beloved tradition. From logistics to community collaboration, this film highlights the incredible effort that transforms Main Street into a destination for 25,000+ visitors and residents each year.
Led by the Gloucester Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department, and powered by dedicated partners and volunteers, this festival is truly a community masterpiece.
“This festival is more than an event — it’s a year-long commitment from a passionate team and community. Behind the Blooms showcases the heart, planning, and pride that make Gloucester a must-visit destination each spring.” ~ Hunter LeClair, Tourism, Events & Marketing Manager
Special thanks to Gloucester County Community Engagement & Public Information team for producing this incredible film and helping bring the story of the festival to life.
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It's budget season! Gloucester County Government is seeking your input into the process! Consider attending one of the meetings listed above. All meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Colonial Courthouse unless otherwise noted. | |
Board of Supervisors Members to Hold Town Hall Meeting
Members of the Gloucester County Board of Supervisors will hold a Town Hall Meeting on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Thomas Calhoun Walker Education Center Auditorium, 6099 T. C. Walker Road. Members of the Board will hold the town hall to provide citizens with an opportunity to share their comments or concerns and to ask questions about the FY2027 County budget. Budget materials can be found at: https://gloucesterva.gov/fiscal-services#operbudget
For more information, please contact the County Administration office at 804-693-4042.
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Abingdon Episcopal Church, White Marsh, will be hosting Katelyn Emerson, an organist, in the 4th concert this season in the Arts at Abingdon Concert Series, its 37th year. The concert will be held Saturday March 28, 2026 at 4 p.m. at the church. Admission is free, but a free-will offering will be accepted. No reservations required.
Organist, lecturer, and pedagogue Katelyn Emerson, hailed as “one of the world’s most promising organists” (Listvinafelag Hallgrimskirkju, Iceland) is internationally renowned for performances throughout North America, Europe, and Asia that are ‘thrilling from beginning to end’ and that showcase repertoire from the 14th-21st centuries with ‘impressive technical facility and musicianship” (Cleveland Classical).
Prizewinner of competitions on three continents, Katelyn garners acclaim from listeners new to classical music and audiences of organ aficionados and colleagues alike for her “beautifully designed programs” (Orgue Canada).
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Gloucester County’s Residential Household Harmful Waste Collection Day will be held Saturday, April 18th, 2026, from 9 AM- 3 PM at the Hayes Convenience Center on Guinea Rd.
This special collection is the best way to rid your home of hazardous items in a way that is safe for your family, community, and the environment.
At this collection, Gloucester Residents can dispose of the following:
- Automobile hazardous waste: antifreeze, brake and transmission fluids, gasoline, and batteries.
- Painting supplies: paints, thinners, epoxy, wood preservatives.
- Gardening/Outdoor supplies: pesticides, herbicides, pool chemicals, etc.
- Household Items: small propane canisters and propane tanks for grills, fire extinguishers, toxic household cleaners, drain cleaners, mercury, batteries, electronics, etc.
This collection only happens twice a year (April and October) so mark your calendars! Brought to you by Waste Management and Gloucester’s Clean Community Office.
If you have questions, please contact Clean Community at 804-693-5370 or email cleancommunity@gloucesterva.info.
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Historic Garden Week in Gloucester
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 10 A.M to 5 P.M.
Presented by the Garden Club of Virginia, Historic Garden Week is the only statewide house and garden tour in the nation. It offers visitors a chance to tour inspired homes and private landscapes, public gardens, and historic sites across Virginia. In addition, more than 1,000 world-class floral arrangements adorn the house interiors.
The Gloucester tour, presented by the Garden Club of Gloucester and Mathews, features four beautiful and unique waterfront homes and gardens:
● Warner Hall, a large historic 17th century plantation consisting of 126 acres on the Severn River originally built by George Washington’s great-great grandfather, Augustine Warner. As part of a British Crown land grant, he secured the land by bringing twelve settlers across the Atlantic to Jamestown. His descendants would go on to shape American and English history, with a lineage that includes his great-great-grandson George Washington, Robert E. Lee, Meriwether Lewis, and Queen Elizabeth II. The estate is a living chapter of American heritage and extensive archeological research and excavation have been undertaken over the years to understand the property’s rich history. This will be the first time the main building at Warner Hall has been open for Historic Garden Week since 1941.
● Colraine, a beautiful 19th century home on Wilson Creek was built over five years by Pennsylvania Dutch carpenters. Originally constructed for a new bride, the property now spans 27 acres and includes the main house with sweeping views of Wilson Creek, along with three additional houses, two garages, a three-hole golf course, a pool, and two boat docks. The formal living room boasts 12-foot ceilings, a dramatic staircase, and eight original stained-glass panels believed to be Tiffany.
● The Covenant was built in 1999 for a couple that wanted a country setting and water. Visitors will be delighted to see this custom-built residence that captures both elements. The drive up is surrounded by lush farmland and tall trees, and the house is positioned on a wide stretch of the Piankatank River. The gracious front porch offers views of a broad bank of azaleas and mature trees, while the spacious brick patio at the back provides vistas of the river.
● Oyster Point is located on a point of land between Dancer’s Creek and the Piankatank River. This home’s interior and exterior reflect the owners’ love of the sporting life. The “Duck Room” on the lower level is a sportsman’s paradise, featuring custom display cases and cabinetry that house an extensive collection of duck hunting paraphernalia, including antiques and items that the owner still uses. There are decoys, taxidermy, duck calls, and more. This room which gives both hunting lodge and man cave vibes is not to be missed.
Tour Co-Chairs
● Katherine Mazzocco and Carol Nyce
gloucester@vagardenweek.org
● IG=@historicgardenweekgloucester
● FB=Historic Garden Week in Gloucester VA
Tickets
● $50 pp in advance and $60 on tour day at VAGardenWeek.org.
● Available online only
● Ticket includes admission to four homes and Ware Episcopal Church.
Tickets at vagardenweek.org.
Email questions to gloucester@vagardenweek.org.
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A Gift to the Community
We extend our sincere thanks to the Garden Club of Gloucester and Mathews for their generous donation of two beautiful benches at the Beaverdam Park Farys Mill entrance.
Perfectly placed overlooking the reservoir on both sides of the boat ramp, these benches offer a peaceful spot for visitors to relax, take in the view, and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
Your contribution enhances the experience for everyone who visits and helps make Beaverdam Park an even more welcoming place for our community.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to keeping Gloucester beautiful!
| Ryan & Mason Bates helped clean up the county during Clean Gloucester Day on Saturday. Here, they are shown taking a cookie break! Thank you for your service to the community! | |
New Best Years Trip Alert!
Join us for a trip to Natural Bridge & Lace Falls on May 12th from 8AM-7PM!
Registration for this event just opened this morning and will fill up quick!
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Spring Fishing Tournament is Back! Sunday April 14th!
Join Gloucester Parks, Recreation & Tourism for our Spring Fishing Tournament — a fin-tastic day of family fun on the water!
Shore & Boat Divisions available
Each child must catch three fish — all different species
Open to young anglers ages 5–15
Adults must accompany their young anglers (trust us, you won’t want to miss this!)
Lunch is provided — hot dog & chips for participants
Equipment rentals available if you don’t have your own
Come for the fishing, stay for the memories, and enjoy a perfect spring day outdoors with the family!
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New Park Program Alert!
Grab your paints and head outdoors! Plein air painting invites artists to capture the beauty of nature while enjoying fresh air and a change of scenery. Bring your supplies, and we’ll supply the perfect backdrop and creative inspiration.
This program is free and open to all age groups. Registration is required so we know who is coming to join the fun!
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Spring Break Camp-In-A-Bag!
Join us this Spring for a multi-day, self-guided “camp” designed for you to complete at your own pace, even from your own home. Our Camp-In-A-Bag will be filled with daily activities, lessons, and fun projects to help welcome the Spring season in 2026.
Each bag will include five days of self-guided entertainment, with the benefit of being able to pause at any point and continue later in the week, making it a flexible option for Spring Break schedules.
Register today and enjoy a week of learning, creativity, and seasonal fun!
https://gloucesterva.gov/parks-recreation-tourism/programs/spring-break-camp-in-a-bag
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What a fantastic Monday night this week dedicated to enhancing our teaching practices through Building Thinking Classrooms professional learning! A heartfelt thank you to all our educators who chose to invest their time in learning and growth for the benefit of our students.
A special shoutout to our K-5 Math/Science Coordinator, Melanie Jenkins, and our 6-12 Math/Science Coordinator, Kristen Heaney, for their invaluable contributions in guiding us through this journey.
During the session, we explored key topics such as:
- Assessment Techniques: Focusing on creating rubrics that reflect the competencies we want to nurture in our students.
- Student Self-Assessment: Encouraging students to engage in self-reflection and provide constructive feedback.
- Grading for Mastery: Implementing strategies for assessing student mastery over time, rather than a one-time evaluation.
Together, we are committed to creating engaging and effective learning environments that foster critical thinking!
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Active learning in action at Peasley Middle School!
In Ms. Fradenburgh and Ms. Jeffrey’s 6th Grade ELA classes, students are diving into station rotations that keep them moving, thinking, and engaged every step of the way. From analyzing text features and practicing typography skills to sorting transition words and comparing ideas, each station challenges students to apply their learning in meaningful ways.
Students are not just completing tasks—they’re collaborating, discussing, and building deeper understanding through hands-on activities. Whether working independently or with peers, they are strengthening critical reading and writing skills that support strong academic achievement.
This is what engaged learning looks like—active, purposeful, and student-centered!
| | Gloucester County is hiring & NOW is the time to apply! Don’t you agree? | |
Gloucester, Virginia 23061
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