Ready to make history one mile at a time? Walk or Run 250 Miles to Celebrate America’s 250th!

Lace up your sneakers and get moving in the free Run America 250 Challenge: a country-wide virtual walk/run event celebrating 250 years of American history!

Between July 4, 2025 and July 5, 2026 we’re challenging you to walk or run 250 miles—anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re hitting the trails, the treadmill, or your neighborhood sidewalk, every mile brings us closer to honoring America’s incredible journey since 1776.

How you hit 250 miles is totally up to you! From grocery runs to evening dog walks, teeing off on the golf course to exploring scenic trails, every step counts.

Registration for the Run America 250 Challenge opens July 4, 2025, and it’s completely free to join! Sign up by April 30, 2026, to start working toward your 250-mile goal and a commemorative medal.

To log your miles, make sure you’ve downloaded the RaceJoy app. This is how we’ll track your progress so that you can get your well-earned medal! Use the app’s GPS feature to log your miles in real-time, or enter your miles manually into the RaceJoy app. This will help make it easy for you to track your progress and help you reach your goal!

Register Here!

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library is hosting four book discussions in celebration of America’s semiquincentennial. The first will be held at the historic Rising Sun Tavern in Fredericksburg and will discuss From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points in the Revolutionary War, by John R. Maas. This work, published to coincide with the 250th anniversary, provides a sweeping narrative of five critical military events that changed the outcome of the Revolutionary War, including the Yorktown Campaign of 1781.

This book discussion, led by both librarians and historians, will provide an opportunity for attendees to discuss the key moments of the Revolutionary War in a home built by George Washington’s youngest brother, Charles, in 1760.

Contact the Porter Adult Services Desk at 540-372–1144 x7339 for a copy to be held for you or sent to another branch for your convenience. A library card is not required to reserve this book. Limited copies are available.

Future VA250 Book Club Dates:

September 9th, 2025 – From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points in the Revolutionary War by John R. Maas
Meets at The Rising Sun Tavern, 1304 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm

January 26th, 2025 – The Fate of the Day by Rick Atkinson
Meets at the Fredericksburg Branch of Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 1201 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm

April 27th, 2026 – A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon
Meets at Porter Branch of Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 2001 Parkway Boulevard, Stafford, VA 22554
Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm

July 27th, 2026 – This Fierce People: The Untold Story of America’s Revolutionary War in the South by Alan Pell Crawford
Meets at The Mary Washington House, 1200 Charles St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm

A heartwarming musical about two veterans who team up with a sister act to save a failing Vermont inn, featuring classic Irving Berlin songs.

Ticket Information:

• Dinner and Show Tickets:
  • Adult: $82 (plus applicable taxes)
  • Seniors (65+): $77 (plus applicable taxes)
  • Children (3-17): $70 (plus applicable taxes)
  • Military Discount (limit 4 tickets with ID): $77 (plus applicable taxes)
• Show Only Tickets:
  • Adult: $65
  • Seniors (65+): $60
  • Children (3-17): $55
  • RUSH (same day purchase, limited availability, must mention RUSH): $35

Please note that there is a $5.00 online processing fee added per ticket.

Enjoy the whimsical sights and delicious smells of wondrously festive gingerbread creations during the 39th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibit at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! See the contest-winning entries, cast a vote for People’s Choice, and play “iSpy Gingerbread.” This year’s theme is Cozy Winter Spaces.

Exhibit open during museum hours: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; Sun 12-4pm.

Purchase tickets at the door:
$6 adults
$3 for students (ages 6-17)
Free for children ages 5 & under

For questions about visiting the exhibit, email [email protected] or call 540-370-0732.

Enjoy a festive afternoon of creativity, community, and holiday cheer! Learn how to design and craft your own beautiful holiday wreath. We’ll provide the materials and guidance — you bring your imagination to make it uniquely yours. Then, take part in our holiday cookie swap! Bring a batch of your favorite homemade cookies (about two dozen) to share, along with a copy of your recipe to share. At Porter Branch

2025 Stafford Race Series

Presented by Connie S. Schroeder. Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, was the only member of the British peerage to permanently reside in British America and owned the Northern Neck Proprietary in the Colony of Virginia. A close friend of George Washington, the two families, Fairfax and Washington, were often connected throughout his years in Virginia in the mid-1770s. Despite his acquaintanceship with the future President, Fairfax’s title to his domain was confiscated by the Virginia Act of 1779. This presentation will focus on the histories of the Fairfax and Washington family lines, how they were intertwined, and their influence in the pre-Revolutionary War colonial period.

Connie S. Schroeder is a local Stafford County resident of twenty-five years. She attended Georgetown College and holds a BS in Vocational Home Economics and is currently in the final stages of a Professional Studies degree at BYU in Advanced Family History Research. She was the Organizing Regent and is the current Regent of the Overwharton Paris Chapter, as part of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Connie has also presided as the Honorary President of the Virginia State Society, and has served on National Society United States Daughters of 1812, along with various other lineage organizations.

Santa has given us an early Christmas gift in the form of a breakfast event for all children on his nice list–including you little ones who might be here, making sure your names get checked twice this December 25th.

Join us for a delicious breakfast this December! We invite all kids and their parents to Grounds Bistro’s Annual Breakfast with Mr. & Ms. Claus on Saturday, December 13th. Seating times are 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.

Tickets include breakfast, gratuity, a special gift from Santa for each child to take home, and a digital photo. For breakfast, we’re serving scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, sausage, and buttermilk pancakes covered in syrup —just the way you like it! Served with juice or milk for children and brewed coffee for adults.

You are welcome to bring your camera for additional photos with Santa after breakfast, taken in front of a Christmas backdrop.

Join us on December 18, 2025, for a holiday-themed program revolving around the Gingerbread Contest and Exhibit held at George Washington’s Ferry Farm. Children 6 and under will learn about the shapes and colors on the gingerbread houses on display for the holiday season and participate in an interactive story time!

The Mini-Mornings program series introduces young learners (ages 3-6) to our museum spaces. Children and their caregivers participate in a story time and related craft and activity while exploring George Washington’s Ferry Farm or Historic Kenmore.

Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Following the program, children and their caregivers are invited to take an abbreviated tour through the Washington House.

REGISTRATION:
$6 Children (6 and under)
Accompanying adults free.

DATE & TIME:
Thursday, December 18, 2025
10:15am-11:15am

LOCATION
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
268 George Washington Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22405

If you have questions, please email [email protected] or call (540) 370-0732

 THE LONGEST-RUNNING FESTIVUS IN VIRGINIA 
Tuesday , Dec 23 @ Adventure Brewing
We’ve been airing grievances longer than your uncle’s been mispronouncing “IPA.”
Join us for the OG Festivus bash—no tinsel, no frills, just pure chaotic cheer.
 Grievance Wall + Airing of Grievances
 Feats of Strength (thumb wars to full-on glory battles)
 Festivus Champion crowned
 Ornament Exchange @ 6PM (bring a $10-ish gem)
Festivus isn’t over until someone pins the head of the household. You’ve been warned.

Presented by Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor of the Stafford County Historical Society. Stafford County has played a vital role in the founding of this nation, from the original settlements of the families of our Founding Fathers to the construction of a number of privately owned architectural buildings still standing to this day to the early industries of commercial fishing, quarrying, and iron manufacturing. The locations discussed feature the people associated with them, their stories, and how they relate to our history, along with an overview of the communities who lived in Stafford across the years, with particular interest to the once bustling seaport of Falmouth.

Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor is the author of They Called Stafford Home, among other works related to the rich history of Stafford County. A life-long Staffordian, Jerrilynn continues to heavily contribute to historical and genealogical studies of the people and places of this County. She is a secretary of the historical society and a frequent lecturer on various historical topics to numerous regional historical organizations.

Get ready to shake off the winter chill at the annual Polar Pals Fun Run, a free, family-friendly event for all ages! Whether you’re a serious runner or just looking for a fun walk, join us as we promote health and wellness in the Stafford community.
This event is a key part of the Health and Wellness Fair hosted by Stafford Schools and Stafford Parks and Recreation.
🏁 Races & Times:
– 1/2 Mile Fun Run (Ages 12 and under) — Starts at 12:00 PM
– 1 Mile Fun Run (Ages 4–12) — Starts at 12:10 PM
– 5K Race (Kids & Adults) — Starts at 12:30 PM
🏆 Why Join Polar Pals?
– Stay Active: Encourage a healthy, fun outdoor activity during the winter months!
– Prizes & Swag: 1/2 and 1-mile runners receive a swag bag of goodies. 5K runners compete for prizes in various age groups.
– Win the Bear! The school with the most registered runners will win the coveted giant Polar Pal stuffed bear to display all year!
– Post-Race Fun: Enjoy hot chocolate and head inside for indoor activities and access to resources offered by school division departments and community partners.
➡️ Registration & More Information: www.staffordschools.net/polarpals
Pre-registration is highly encouraged to guarantee your spot!

Some of the dishes we eat today were also enjoyed by our colonial ancestors, but often with variations. Come join us in our Makerlab as we discuss the history of making cakes and quick-breads in colonial America, share the similarities and differences from modern baking in techniques and ingredients, and walk through the steps of baking a pan of gingerbread, using Mary Ball Washington’s recipe. According to tradition, Mary Ball Washington, George Washington’s mother, served this dish to General Lafayette when he visited her in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Whether you’re single, taken, or just in a long-term relationship with running, the Love the Run You’re With 4-Miler is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend! Join us for a heart-pumping race filled with love, laughter, and a little friendly competition.

Lace up your running shoes and hit the course solo, as a dynamic duo, or with your running squad—because love (and running) is better when shared! Expect a lively atmosphere with Cupid-approved race swag, sweet treats at the finish line, and a post-race celebration that will have your heart racing for more.

Race Highlights:

• A scenic 4-mile course to get your heart pounding
• Sweet surprises at the finish line (because love = chocolate)
• Plenty of photo ops to capture the love
• Awards for top finishers and best Valentine’s-themed outfits

Whether you’re running for love, running from love, or just running because you love it, Love the Run You’re With is the ultimate way to celebrate Valentine’s Day!