Weekend: Country Western Dance, Chocolate Fest, Jewelry Showcase

Ready for the weekend? There’s plenty going on around Fairfax County’s parks. Take a look at what’s going on, courtesy of Fairfax County Weekender:

Friday, Feb. 6: Walk on the Wild Side

Tracking the Wild Creature: Children ages 6 to 12 learn different ways to identify and track animals. From 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Hidden Pond Nature Center. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-451-9588.

Saturday, Feb. 7: A Gem of a Show

8th Annual McLean Jewelry Showcase: Just in time for Valentine’s Day! This fabulous showcase will feature a variety of quality, handmade jewelry by artisans from around the region including casual to elegant pieces for every taste and budget. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at theMcLean Community Center. $3/admission; $1 off coupon. For information, call 703-790-0123.

Also on Saturday:

Fairfax Historic Courthouse Open House: Historic documents on display, including original George and Martha Washington’s wills. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chocolate caper mock trial (noon and 2:30 p.m.). “So you think you are smarter than a lawyer” (1:15 p.m.). Parking map (part of the Chocolate Lovers Festival). Free; no registration required. For information, call 703-246-4168.

Celebrate African American Month with African Polyrhythms: Kofi Dennis presents call-and-response chants and stories with sight and sounds including an introduction to various African percussion instruments. From 11 a.m. to noon at Kings Park Library. All ages. Free. Register online. For information, call 703-978-5600.

10th Annual Washington Gardener Magazine Seed Exchange: The annual exchange includes lectures, seed swap and more. Bring your extra seeds to swap with other gardeners so everyone leaves with a bag full of seeds, new garden friends and expert planting advice. From 12:30 to 4 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. $20/person; $15/FROGS or WG magazine subscribers. Fee includes lectures, goody bag and seed swap. To register or for more information, call 703-642-5173.

Snake and Turtle Feeding: Enjoy a brief presentation and demonstration by animal caretaker staff. At least one snake, two turtles and a toad will be fed. Learn to identify the county’s only venomous snake, the northern copperhead. See four snakes and four turtles plus other reptiles and learn what makes a reptile different from an amphibian. From 4 to 5 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Children must be accompanied by a registered, paying adult.$5/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Cool Cow Comedy Presents Robert Mac: Mac won Comedy Central’s national Laugh Riot competition in 2001 and subsequently appeared on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend. This is a “clean program” suitable for ages 16 and up; however, patrons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. A la carte beer, wine, soft drinks and concessions sold before each performance. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. and 9 to 10:30 p.m. in the W3 Theatre, Workhouse Arts Center. $15/person in advance and $20/person at the door (9 p.m. show is a fundraiser for Girl Scout Service Unit 52-08; all tickets are $20/person). Buy tickets online. For more information, call703-584-2900.

Sunday, Feb. 8: Sweet Sap

Maple Syrup Boil-Down: Bundle up, brave the weather and watch and learn as sap is boiled down into sweet syrup over an open fire. Sample the delicious combination of maple syrup over fresh baked cornbread while supplies last. From noon to 2 p.m. at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site. $5/person fee includes admission to a pre-season open house at the mill; pay at site. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Also on Sunday:

Winter Lecture — Windowsill Floral Displays: Designer Nancy Ross Hugo inspires you to create simple windowsill arrangements that are in tune with nature. From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. $10/person in advance; $12/person at the door. Registeronline. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Winter Tree ID: Do you know your sweet gum from your hickory? Learn winter tree identification basics and go for a hike. From 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Sunday Afternoon Dance: Dancers of all skill levels are welcome to foxtrot, swing, cha-cha and waltz during a fun afternoon. Music selection ranges from golden oldies to today’s more modern dance selections. Door prizes and light refreshments add to the fun; partners not required. From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center – Hunters Woods. Ages 18 and up. $10/person; pay at door. For more information, call 703-390-6157.

Sunday Country Western Dance: Line dance, two-step, shuffle and swing the night away to popular country/western tunes played by RCC’s DJ. Dances are held monthly in the Community Room, which offers a spacious wooden dance floor and a smoke-free environment. Refreshments provided. No square or contra dancing, please. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center – Hunters Woods. Ages 18 and up. $10/person; pay at door. For more information, call 703-390-6157.

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.