Lake Ridge/Occoquan community events

» Now through Nov. 20, Poetic Art exhibition at the Lorton Workhouse, W-16, second floor, Poetic Art is a benefit for the Yellow Ribbon Fund, a nonprofit organization created in early 2005 to assist our wounded soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan. This exhibition features both professional and amateur poets and artists working in collaboration to produce Poetic Art.

» Today, 7:30 p.m., NOVA Novel Book Club will discuss Stieg Larsson's novel "The Girl with the Dragoon Tattoo" at the Chinn Park Regional Library. Join the discussion of this European best seller. For more information, please visit the Chinn Park Regional Library at 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge, or call 703-792-4800 (voice).

» Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Parade of costumes at Chinn Park Regional Library for ages 2-6. Come in costume for Halloween stories, songs and a parade. No tickets required.

» Friday, 6 to 9 p.m., Creepy Carnival at Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center will include the Amazing Maze, a moon bounce, carnival games, candy, prizes, food, face painting, and more. This event is recommended for ages 10 and under. Fee: free for ages 2 and under; $6 for ages 17 and under; $3 for ages 18 and over. Call 703-730-1051 or contact Christy Moore at cmoore@pwcparks.org for more information.

» Saturday, Occoquan's Harvest Parade and Fall Festival sponsored by the Occoquan Merchants Association. Children, parents and dogs are welcome to march in the parade in costume, which begins at noon and will proceed down Mill Street. Gather for the parade at 11:30 a.m. in the town parking lot under the Va. 123 bridge. Festivities will continue until 5 p.m. with face painting, a petting zoo, pumpkin decorating, and other fun activities. Two pies will be thrown in the mayor's face to help raise funds for the Prince William American Red Cross.

» Saturday, starting at 5:30 p.m., Howling Moonlight Paddle Trip at Lake Ridge Park. Although the marina closed for fall, participants in this trip can take one last paddle on the Occoquan Reservoir. For questions and registration for the boat trip, call 703-494-5564 or go to www.pwcparks.org.

» Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation hosts its annual Fall Festival in the Tall Oaks parking lot at 12298 Cotton Mill Road.

» Monday, 7:30 p.m., Autumn and Winter Holiday Floral Design presentation by Michael's Flowers at the Tall Oaks Center, 12298 Cotton Mill Drive, sponsored by the Garden Club of Lake Ridge. A $5 donation is requested. RSVP to 703-490-6417or 703-491-7145.