Celebrate Memorial Day in Fairfax County

Monday, May 30, 2011, is Memorial Day, a day we remember those brave men and women who lost their lives in service of our country.  If you are looking for a way to celebrate Memorial Day in Fairfax County, here are a few of the events going on you may want to check out:

Centreville, VA
May 28, 2011: ThunderFest 2011
Bull Run Regional Park (7700 Bull Run Dr).  This event is catered towards motorcycle enthusiasts and military members.  Beginning at 11am and continuing until 10pm, enjoy food, face painting, live music, a classic car show, food eating contest and motorcycle show and contest.  Cost: $30 per person (tickets available at the gate).

Herndon, VA
May 29, 2011: Jimmy's Annual Memorial Day & Anniversary Party
Jimmy's Old Town Tavern (697 Spring St).  Beginning at 12pm, listen to live music while munching on Jimmy's BBQ ribs, burgers, hot dogs, crawfish, lobster, crab, chicken and more.  If you get there between 12pm and 2pm, you can enjoy Jimmy's seafood at a discounted price.  There is no cover charge to join in on the fun.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Operation Home Front (which helps the families of military members) and Hike for Our Heroes (an Iraq war veteran hikes across the entire US to raise $5 million for military families).

Mt Vernon, VA
May 27-29, 2011: Sunset Celebration
George Waashington's Mt Vernon Estate & Gardens (3200 Mt Vernon Memorial Hwy).  From 6-9pm each day, enjoy an evening tour of George Washington's historic home, listen to 18th century music, play games, dance and take a wagon ride around the grounds.  Cost: $18 per adult, $12 per kid (ages 6-11) and free for kids under 6.

Vienna, VA
May 28-30, 2011: Viva Vienna! 2011 Memorial Day Festival
Church Street in Vienna, VA.  Hours: Saturday from 10am-10pm, Sunday from 10am to 10pm and Monday from 10am to 6pm.  Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Vienna, this family-oriented festival offers lots of food (for purchase), live entertainment and carnival rides.  Admission is absolutely free.  Proceeds from the festival go towards the Rotary Club of Vienna's efforts to help the community for the following year.  So, please come out, have fun and help this worthy cause continue their efforts.

May 29, 2011: Wolf Trap Summer Blast Off!
Wolf Trap Filene Center (1551 Trap Rd).  Gates open at 6:30pm.  "The President's Own" US Marine Band will be performing at 8pm and the evening concludes with a brilliant fireworks display at 9:45pm.  This event is absolutely free to the public.  You just need to bring a blanket and/or lawn chair for comfortable viewing and make sure to arrive early.  The park will close once it reaches capacity.

I personally want to thank all of the amazing men, women and families of service members who make sacrifices every day to protect the rights and freedoms we, as Americans, are privileged to benefit from.  Celebrate Memorial Day in Fairfax County by enjoying any of these events.  When you see a veteran or current serviceman, shake their hand and tell them how much you appreciate what they are doing for us.