Memorial Day Weekend Events in Fairfax County Parks

Information courtesy of Fairfax County Weekender:

Friday, May 22: Rolling Through History

S’more Wagon Ride and Campfire: Have dinner with us! Enjoy a turkey hot dog supper roasted over the campfire (bring your own sides and drinks) and take a brisk wagon ride through the Rocky Run Stream Valley. Discover who Ellanor C. Lawrence was and learn about other aspects of the area’s local and natural history. Return to a warming campfire and make a sweet chocolate treat to eat. From 7 to 8 p.m. atE.C. Lawrence Park. Meet at Cabell’s Mill. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Also on Friday:

Animal Shelter Dog Adoption Program: A placement educator from the Fairfax County Animal Shelter will describe the county stray dog program, as well as the process of placing them with new families. From 4 to 5:15 p.m. at Kings Park Library. All ages. Free; register online. For information, call 703-978-5600.

Survival Skills: Survive the wilds and learn shelter building, edible vs. poisonous plants and other “dangers” of the wild. From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Hidden Pond Nature Center. Ages 6-12. $7/person. Register online. For information, call 703-451-9588.

American Indian Stories Campfire: Toast marshmallows around a campfire and hear traditional American Indian stories focusing on seasonal changes. From 8 to 9 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Saturday, May 23: Lasting Images of Service

Visions of Courage, Impressions of Service Art Exhibit: The World Police & Fire Games is a spectacular biennial event celebrating the athletic ability, honor, courage and camaraderie of first responders. In late June and early July, first responders from 70 countries will compete in Fairfax County and the region. This exhibit expresses, through art, the values of the first responders from around the world. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays through July 26 at the W16 Gallery, Workhouse Arts Center. Free; no ticket or registration required. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Also on Saturday:

Author Talk with Veronica Li of “Confucius Says”: Author Veronica Li discusses her new novel, “Confucius Says,” about a middle-aged Chinese American woman who dutifully takes her parents into her home in Northern Virginia. From 10:30 a.m. to noon at Patrick Henry Library. Books will be available for sale and signing. Adults. Free; register online. For information, call 703-938-0405.

Cures from the Quarter: At the slave quarter, learn how enslaved African Americans maintained their health. Discover the differences and similarities between health care methods of slaves and their masters. 1, 2 or 3 p.m. at Sully Historic Site. Learn about the Native American influence on early American health care. Forgotten Road Tour included. $7/adult, $6/student and $5/senior or child; pay at site but reservations recommended. For information and to make a reservation, call 703-437-1794.

Spring Campfire Saturdays at Royal Lake: Adventure awaits as, guided by a naturalist, you explore the woodlands and lakefront spots where wildlife hides and resides, and learn about animal calling. Bring something to roast around a cozy campfire; s’mores provided. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Royal Lake Park. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-451-9588.

Evening Walk: Join a naturalist and hike the trails after dark to look and listen for owls, beavers and other night animals. From 8 to 10 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Sunday, May 24: Play On

Young Soloists Recital: Hear talented young music students, including Ashley Renette Konga Ondoua, Luke Alexander Ratcliffe and Ruiran Xun on piano, as well as Allison Park on cello. From 3 to 4 p.m.at The Alden, McLean Community Center. Free; no tickets required. For information, call 703-790-0123.

Also on Sunday:

Stream Stomp: Investigate Bugg Creek for salamanders, crayfish and more in this catch-and-release adventure. Learn about erosion and other environmental issues affecting aquatic wildlife. From 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Program cancelled in case of severe weather. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet and clothes that can get dirty because we’re wading in the stream. $5/child. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

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.

PHOTO: Huntley Meadows