15th Manassas Railway Festival coming 'round the bend

Plans are in the final stage for the 15th annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival.

The event will take place June 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. around the Old Town Manassas train depot and the Loy E. Harris Pavilion.

The festival features nine elaborate model train displays, a Thomas the Tank Engine kiddie train, live country and bluegrass music throughout the day, a children's stage with both professional and local talent, food conces-sions and rides and vendors of "railroadiana."

This year the popular Virginia Railway Excursion train, to Clifton and back, is sponsored by Northwest Federal Credit Union at Signal Hill.

"The festival is truly a one-of-a-kind family celebration showcasing the history and charm of Old Town Ma-nassas," said Gerrianne Burks, Northwest president and CEO. "We're thrilled to sponsor the excursion train rides, which help to educate the community about one of the nation's first railroad systems in a fun and explorative way. With our newest branch right down the road, this event is one of the ways Northwest Federal is helping to carry on a community tradition and share in a little part of its history."

Tickets for the train can be purchased at the visitors center in the depot for $6 and must be purchased in person. Excursion times are on the hour between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., with each trip lasting about 40 minutes. Children younger than 2 can ride for free. The center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There is plenty of free parking in the city's new five-story parking garage at the corner of Man and Prince William streets in the heart of Old Town.

The festival signals the beginning of an exciting season of events and activities scheduled for Old Town Manassas.

Wine and jazz

Coming up on June 21, just in time for Father's Day, is the fifth annual Wine and Jazz Festival. Tickets are now available online at www.visitmanassas.org for the fairly new event that has grown in attendance and support in a short time.

Featuring jazz music, wineries, tastings and special vendors, tickets make a great Father's Day gift and outing for the family.

Celebrate America

The City's "Celebrate America" event July 4 has become "the" fireworks show to see in Northern Virginia.

This free event features games, rides and all-American fare. For more information on these and other events, go to www.visitmanassas.org.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.