Weekend: 'Mary Poppins,' Roasting S'Mores, Archery + More

PHOTO of Burke Lake courtesy of Visit Fairfax

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FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- The weather is supposed to be springlike this weekend. Why not get out to one of Fairfax County’s parks to enjoy it? Here’s all the scoop, courtesy of Fairfax County Weekender:

Friday, Feb. 19: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

“Mary Poppins”: Reston Community Players present an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and stagecraft. From 8 to 9:30 p.m. at The CenterStage, Reston Community Center. $25/person and $21/senior or student. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-476-4500.

Saturday, Feb. 20: Where the Wild Things Are

Campfire Saturdays – Royal Lake Winter: Adventure awaits at this evening campfire where, guided by a naturalist, you’ll explore woodland and lakefront spots where wildlife hides and resides, and then end up with a cozy campfire. Bring whatever you like to roast; s’mores provided. From 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Royal Lake. Ages 3 and up. $8/person. Registeronline. For information, call 703-324-8702.

Also on Saturday:

EcoSavvy Symposium – Water-Wise Gardening: Water is a finite natural resource that demands bold conservation efforts. Learn practical, water-wise gardening techniques and creative solutions to conserve, capture, contain and sustain this precious natural resource. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Adults. $70/person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Feeding Day!: Join a naturalist and youth volunteers to search for worms and insects and help feed site display animals. Make a birdfeeder to take home and use. From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. Ages 2 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Native American Archery: Children ages 8 to 12 learn to use bows and arrows as well as gain knowledge of three different Native American tribes through hands-on activities. Program meets three consecutive Saturdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Hidden Pond Nature Center. $24/child. Register online. For information, call 703-451-9588.

Frying Pan Farm Park at Reston Library: Come meet the farm rabbit, explore the mystery basket for clues to the farm and make a craft to take home. From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Reston Regional Library. Ages 6 to 11. Free; register online. For information, call 703-689-2700.

“Getting into College”: Julia Ross will give tips for finding the right college fit, starting the process of researching colleges, finding your passions and paying for college — all topics included in her book. From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Centreville Regional Library. Ages 14 and up. Free; register online. For information, call 703-830-2223.

Scientist George Washington Carver: School-age children know George Washington Carver as “the peanut man.” Join Bright Star Theatre troupe as they present a program about the many scientific and historical contributions made by Mr. Carver. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at George Mason Regional Library. Ages 5 to 14. Free; register online. For information, call 703-256-3800.

Live Onstage – “Brave”: Merida wants to be free! However, her mother wants her to choose a husband. Desperate to make her mother understand, Merida finds an enchanted flower that turns her mother into a 9-year-old girl. Come and find out what happens with Vianlix Mestey’s original version of “Brave!” From 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the W3 Theatre, Workhouse Arts Center (Saturdays through March 19). $14.50/adult and $11.50/child under 12. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Workhouse Cabaret Series – Broadway Memories: Enjoy a spirited musical tour of the greatest hits from the Great White Way featuring the best of yesterday to the newest hits of today. From 8 to 10 p.m. (also Sunday, Feb. 21, 1 to 3 p.m.) in the W16 Theatre, Workhouse Arts Center. $25/adult, $20/senior, military or student with ID. Ticket includes a beverage token. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Sunday, Feb. 21: Plants That Perform

Winter Lecture – Mt. Cuba Plant Trials: Come hear about Mt. Cuba Center’s ongoing trials of native plants from the center’s education and research director, Eileen Boyle. Find out which are shaping up to be the best performers and the most beneficial to wildlife. From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Adults. $10/person in advance or $12/person at the door. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Also on Sunday:

Maple Syrup Boil-Down: It’s sugaring time. Watch as sap is boiled down into sweet syrup over an open fire. Sample maple syrup on fresh baked cornbread — while supplies last. Dress for the weather. From noon to 2 p.m. at Colvin Run Mill. $5/person. Pay at site; no reservations required. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Night Hike Campfire: Take a nighttime walk with a naturalist to search for wildlife and then enjoy a campfire with s’mores. From 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Burke Lake Park. Ages 2 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-323-6600.

Information was correct at time of publication. Please contact individual event sites to confirm programs are being held as scheduled.

The Fairfax County Weekender highlights a selection of county events taking place each weekend. Many more events and activities can be found at the Parks and Library pages, and elsewhere on the Fairfax County website. Additionally, the towns of Herndon and Vienna as well as the city of Falls Church offer many arts, entertainment and recreational opportunities.

A complete list of county calendars is also available online.

To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-3187.

TTY is 711 unless otherwise indicated.