Cool Off - Think Fall (Jubilee)

Monday, August 10, 2009

Thoughts of crisp fall weather are a nice reprise from the August heat, so start thinking about the 27th Annual Fall Jubilee coming up on October 3rd from 10am until 5pm. Last year an estimated 40,000 people visited Old Town Manassas for this highly anticipated craft and artisan festival. Featuring vendors of hand-made items such as jewelry, quilts, clothing, soaps and lotions that line the streets of Old Town, the Fall Jubilee has become a family tradition. Non-profit organizations and community information booths help make up the over 100 exhibitors, and often hold raffles and drawings throughout the day. The multi-level Old Town parking garage makes parking close to the festival plentiful and free.

The Chainsaw Chix, an international group of female chainsaw artists, will be returning for a repeat performance. Last year’s artists, Sara Winter of New York and Alicia Charlton of Canada, will be joined by two additional artists from Montana and Pennsylvania, to once again keep the crowds in suspense at the most popular, live exhibitions of last year’s festival. The Chix will be carving twice the number of original works of art, which will be auctioned off at the end of the exhibition.

The Kid’s Neighborhood, sponsored by NW Federal Credit Union, will once again feature entertainment by professionals as well as local performing arts students. The stage schedule still has openings for groups that would like to perform for the thousands of people that attend the Jubilee. Fun for the kids also includes face painting, games of chance, rides and the Harris Teeter Pumpkin Patch where they can decorate their own pumpkins. Grownups have their own entertainment including live bands throughout the day, and various Virginia wineries tempting them with a taste of their award winning wines before you purchase.

The Fall Jubilee is produced through sponsorships from area businesses that understand the marketing value that comes with participating in area events. “We proudly support several of the family-focused, Historic Manassas, Inc. events,” says Jenn Womack of Northwest Federal Credit Union. “Participating in these events is relatively easy and offers us a platform to showcase our services and promote financial literacy for children. We’ve enjoyed taking part in these events and look forward to doing so again in 2010.” To take full advantage of sponsorship benefits, contact Steve Urry at Historic Manassas, Inc. (steve@historicmanassasinc.org or 703-361-6599) before August 31.

Applications for crafters and non-profit groups are available on the Fall Jubilee page of the website, and volunteers are always needed to help at the festival. For more information about Historic Manassas, Inc. and other Manassas events, visit their website at www.visitmanassas.org.