Weekend: 4-H Fair, Sunrise Kayak Tour, Fishing, Campfire Constellations

Get out and have some fun this weekend! Here are some events going on around Northern Virginia; information courtesy of Fairfax County:

FRIDAY, Aug. 1

Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Farm Show
Enjoy old-fashioned country fun with carnival games, rides, fair exhibits and a tractor pull at Frying Pan Farm Park. The 4-H Fair runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Carnival open 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Sunday. The Tractor Pull begins at 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. Parking is $7 per car. For information, call 703-437-9101.

Sunrise Kayak Tour
Enjoy breathtaking views as the summer sun rises over the Potomac River at Riverbend Park. Paddle with a naturalist from 7 to 9 a.m. and learn about the historical and natural beauty of this island-dotted section of the Potomac. One and two-person sit-on-top kayaks are available. The cost is $59 per person. Register online. Down load the Kayak Waiver and bring the completed form to the tour. For information, call 703-759-9018.

Campfire Saturdays: Predator or Prey
From 7:30 to 9 p.m., search for foxes, coyotes, and other predators at Lake Accotink using professional critter calls. Enjoy a sing-along at the campfire. S’more ingredients provided, hot dogs welcome. Meet at the marina. The cost is $6 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-569-3464.

Fishing with Owen
Children ages 8 to 12 go fishing at Hidden Pond Park from 6 to 7 p.m. Equipment and supplies provided, or bring your own rod and reel. The cost is $6 per child. Register online. For information, call 703-451-9588.

Garden Sprouts: National Watermelon Day
Three to five-year-olds read a story about watermelons and search for them at Green Spring Gardens from 11 a.m. to noon. Join our seed spitting contest and make a watermelon craft. The cost is $10 per child. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Family Fun: Lotus Days
Walk to the ponds at Green Spring Gardens from 1 to 2 p.m. to see how the lotus grows and learn about its legends. Make an origami lotus to take home. The cost is $6 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Backyard Composting Basics
Visit Green Spring Gardens’ composting station from 10 to 11 a.m. to learn composting methods. The cost is $15 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Campfire with the Constellations
Meet at E.C. Lawrence Park’s Cabell’s Mill and talk stars and make s’mores around a warm campfire from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. The cost is $6. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

SUNDAY, Aug. 3

Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Farm Show
Enjoy old-fashioned country fun with carnival games, rides, fair exhibits and a tractor pull at Frying Pan Farm Park. The 4-H Fair runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Carnival open 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Sunday. The Tractor Pull begins at 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. Parking is $7 per car. For information, call 703-437-9101.

Intro to River Kayaking
This 30-minute introductory level course at Riverbend Park covers river hazards, water safety and paddling basics. The $28 fee includes equipment and half-day kayak rental (same day only). Classes start at 1 p.m. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018.

Reptile & Amphibian Club
Children ages 6 to 15 explore the amazing world of salamanders, turtles, snakes, lizards, and frogs from 2 to 3 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park The cost is $5 per child. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Bird Watching Club
Kids ages 5 to 11 discover the amazing variety of birds that inhabit E.C. Lawrence Park. This one-hour program starts at 3 p.m. The cost is $5. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Snakes at the Mill
From 1 to 3 p.m., talk with a Riverbend Park naturalist about animals that live in and around Colvin Run Mill’s pond and meet a snake up close. Free. For information call 703-759-2771.

Fairy Tale Tea Time
Fairy tales come to life as you sip tea and enjoy treats surrounded by your favorite fairy tale characters at Hidden Oaks Nature Center from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Come dressed as your favorite character! The cost is $15 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Downton Abbey: The Fabulous Flapper Tea
From 1 to 3 p.m. at Historic Green Spring, we’ll explore the Flapper Girl’s unique image and attitude and discuss her portrayal through the characters of the popular TV series Downton Abbey. The cost is $29 and includes a full English tea. To make a reservation, call 703-941-7987.

Wood Carving Lessons
Wood Carving Lessons Create a creature from a block of wood at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site from noon to 4 p.m. The lesson is free. There is a nominal charge for wood blanks. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Grain Grinding Demonstrations
The miller will be grinding, conditions permitting, from noon to 3 p.m. at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site. Tours cost $7/adult, $6/student, and $5/child and senior. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Ice Cream Making
Crank homemade ice cream at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site from noon to 3 p.m. Ice cream is $1.50 per cup. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Sundaes in the Park
Stroll along the paths around Hidden Oaks Nature Center and stop by the campfire area for an ice cream sundae. Sundaes are $2 each. This program is offered at 3 p.m. on 8/3 and 2 p.m. on 8/17 and 8/31. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

PHOTO: 4H photo courtesy of Frying Pan Park