Salute to Stafford to be held Saturday

By Tracy Bell

Published: September 25, 2008

STAFFORD — An event that draws clowns, children, a moon bounce, puppeteers and a costume parade can’t be all bad.

In fact, it’s a county crowd-pleaser.

Salute to Stafford, a most-often annual event, when not forced out by the weather, will be held Saturday at the Courthouse Community Center in North Stafford.

There is expected to be a variety of food, a heron contest, storytelling, a display of vintage cars, crafts, games, a live raptor exhibit, musicians and much more.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and will be sponsored by the Department of Parks and Recreation and Citizens to Serve Stafford.

It is an effort to bring local residents together to celebrate the county’s rich, cultural heritage and enjoy some entertainment and fun, organizers say.

Stafford resident and planning commission member Ruth Carlone, and Citizens to Serve Stafford, started Salute to Stafford in the early 1990s.

People attending the event will be able to vote for their favorite blue heron, choosing from a group of plastic birds dressed up in costume that relate to various themes or portray certain characters.

They’ll also have a chance to dunk local officials, according to a county press release.

For $1 per three pitches, people will be able to try to dunk volunteers Anthony Romanello, county administrator; Harry Crisp, George Washington district supervisor; Paul Milde, Aquia district supervisor; Archer Di Peppe, Falmouth planning commission member; Chris Hoppe, director of parks and recreation; and M. C. Moncure, tourism manger.

All proceeds will benefit the Rappahannock Area United Way.

Free shuttles busses will run from 9:45 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. between the administration center parking lot at 1300 Courthouse Road and the site.

Festivities will take place rain or shine. The Courthouse Community Center is located at 29 Stafford Ave.

For more information, call (540) 752-2323 or (540) 658-4572.