12th Annual Parade of Homes comes to Prince William

Sixty-eight of the area’s most unique custom homes, remodeling projects, single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums will open their doors for the 12th Annual Parade of Homes next Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Eighteen of the homes are located in Manassas and Prince William County.

The Northern Virginia Building Industry Association will host the event and thousands are expected to take part in a self-guided tour of the homes of all different designs, styles and price ranges. The Parade of Homes is open the public and admission is free.

The event has been a staple of Northern Virginia’s new home marketing opportunities for over a decade. Originally created to promote custom builders, the event has grown to include remodeling and new home construction.

“The event is simply a can’t miss opportunity for homeowers looking for a new home, decorating trends and remodeling ideas,” Mark Granville-Smith, first vice president of the association, said.

Donated proceeds will benefit the HomeAid Northern Virginia which has received more than $300,000 from the event since 1998. The funds are used to build and renovate shelters for homeless children and families in the area, including Prince William County.

Local homes on the tour include: DR Horton, 4001 Presidential Hill Loop, Dumfries; Ryland Homes, 15426 Rosemont Manor Drive, Haymarket; Basheer & Edgemore, 11667 Chanceford Drive, Woodbridge; Brookfield Homes, 8311 Collier Lane, Gainesville; Brookfield Homes, 16774 Shingle Oak Drive, Woodbridge; Classic Concept Builders, 223 Mill Street, Occoquan; Craftmark Homes, 8852 Yellow Hammer Drive, Gainesville; K. Hovanian, 3205 Eagle Ridge Drive, Woodbridge; M/I Homes, 16142 Jordan Crest Court, Haymarket; Mike Garcia Construction, 9006 Weir Street, Manassas; Sprectrum Homes, 15110 Riding Cllub Drive, Haymarket; Stanley Martin Homes, 1987 Powell’s Landing Circle, Woodbridge; Richmond American Homes, 4116 Presidential Hill Loop, Dumfries and Toll Brothers at 5379 Trevino Drive, 4620 Allens Mill Boulevard, 5505 Players Circle, and 14905 Gaines Mill Circle, all in Haymarket.

Visitors can began building their personal tour by going to www.vaparade.com.

The Nokesville Ruritan Club Brunswick Stew Day is on again for Saturday. This has been a traditional fundraiser for 22 years and the day has now grown into Nokesville’s fall festival. People come from all over to support the Ruritan Club’s service programs while also attending the Brethren Church’s bazaar and the last day of the farmers market.

Stew Day is one of two of the Ruritan Club’s annual fundraisers. The first fundraiser, Nokesville Day, allows the club to provide scholarships and assist the needy.

The Ruritan Club will start cooking the stew in large kettles over fire pits at 5 a.m. The stew will be served at 11 a.m. Quite a few watch as members man the fires, constantly stirring the pots as the stewmaster directs the crew and adds ingredients and secret amount of spices.

Take-out quarts are $8 each or four for $30. Visitors may also eat on site for $48 which includes all-you-can-eat stew, crackers, dessert and milk.

The club asks that people bring a can of food to assist them in their support of the food panty operated by Manassas St. Thomas Church. The event takes place at the corner of Route 28 (Nokesville Road) and Fitzwater Drive.

The Prince William Family and Community Education members are joining the members across the nation in sponsoring an essay and artwork contest for fourth grade students.

The contest is conducted each year and the theme this year is Fairness, one of the Six Pillars of Character. Students are to write an essay and create a hand-drawn picture. The contest provides an opportunity for students to improve literacy skills and develop ethical values.

The contest is open to any fourth grade level student attending public, private or home school.

The contest runs through Jan. 31.

For more information contact Helen Lee at (703) 331-0062.