Do you want to take part in Northern Virginia’s largest communitywide
celebration? Look no further than “Celebrate Fairfax!,” This annual
event is a county fair and music festival hybrid that brings together the more
than 1.1 million residents of Fairfax County, along with more than 300 exhibitors,
food vendors, and interactive activities. “Celebrate Fairfax!” showcases
live concerts on eight stages, as well as Innovation Health Children’s
Avenue, a petting zoo, the Fairfax County Karaoke Championship, carnival
rides, and great festival foods. Another fun free activity for kids to enjoy is
the Fairfax Express Trackless Train Ride.
The “Celebrate Fairfax!” festival was founded back in 1982 but was
known as the Fairfax Festival, as there was no festival for Fairfax residents
since the 1950’s. A group of community leaders and elected officials decided
that because Fairfax County’s population was quickly increasing, they
needed an event that could unite all of the community. It featured a chili
cook-off, carnival, and commercial and county government exhibits, and
was held at George Mason University. In the 1990’s, Fairfax’s leadership and
local officials made the bold move to move the fair to the then brand new
Fairfax County Government Center which had 25 acres of property. During
this time period, the Fairfax Fair changed their name to “Celebrate Fairfax!”
to better represent the mission and vision of the organization.
Chandi Kanhai (9) says, “I might go back to ‘Celebrate Fairfax!,’ as I
had so much fun last year and I hope that I can have even more fun at it this
year.”
Fawaz Omar (9) says, “I’m considering going as I consider it a way
to relieve stress after these brutal exams and SOL’s end.”
Today, “Celebrate Fairfax!” has become an experience-focused event,
with activities such as a karaoke competition, bull riding, a Ferris wheel, a
mechanical bull, many amusement park rides, Nightly fireworks sponsored
by Leidos, and VIP experience packages which offer the individual guest access
to sponsor-like benefits. The most notable country musicians who have
performed at “Celebrate Fairfax!” include Toby Keith, Charlie Daniels, Trace
Adkins, Three Dog Night, The Band, and Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons.
Three Doors Down, Third Eye Blind, the B-52s, and All-American Rejects
are bands who are non-country who have performed at the festival, this
year’s head performers are Bush and Everclear. In the last two years, “Celebrate
Fairfax!” was recognized as the most kid friendly festival by Northern
Virginia Magazine.
“Celebrate Fairfax!” will take place through June 9 to June 11 at the
Fairfax County Government Center. If you want to eat tasty food, enjoy live
entertainment and make memories that will last, then this is the event for
you!