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Spring Events

Rappahannock Waterfowl Show

waterfowl

March 17 & 18

Cost: $8.00 for a 2 day pass, children under twelve free

Location: 578 Chesapeake Drive, White Stone, VA 22580

Times: Saturday, March 17 10:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday, March 18, 10:00am to 4:00pm

Parking: On street parking along Chesapeake Drive

Contact: 804-435-6355 or www.rrws.org or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The 33rd Annual Rappahannock River Waterfowl Show brings eighty-eight artists and carvers from 11 states to White Stone to exhibit their paintings, bird carvings, bronze sculptures, and photography. A celebration of wildfowl art at its finest, this unique art show is dedicated to showcasing all forms of wildfowl in many varied art mediums.

This year's Artist of the Year is award winning artist, Tim Donovan of Lovettsville. The Rappahannock Decoy Carver’s and Collector's Guild will host their annual carving contest on Saturday, March 17 at the White Stone Women's Club. Carvers from several states will be competing in classes for working decoys, decorative carvings, birds of prey and shorebirds. Judging begins at 11 a.m. The Virginia Waterfowlers' Association will have special presentations on bird habitats and the historical background of Chesapeake Bay working decoys, along with hands-on activities for children.

Notes: Lunch is available both days. The Rappahannock River Waterfowl Show is sponsored by the White Stone Volunteer Fire Department and all proceeds benefit the operations of the fire department.

Mary Ball Washington Museum & Library Used Book Sale

Mary Ball Washington

March 29, 30, & 31

Cost: Free

Location: 8346 Mary Ball Rd (Rt 3)

Time: Varied

Parking: Ample parking on site

Contact: 804-435-6092

Sale of donated non-fiction and duplicate library books related to history and genealogy. Thursday March 29th 10:00-4:00 for MBWML Members only (new members may join for $25 annual dues). Friday March 30th 10:00-4:00 and Saturday March 31st 11:00-3:00 for general public. Visit in person or phone in your order with a credit card during these hours only. List of titles and prices will be available by email/online approximately one week before the sale. Proceeds benefit the non-profit museum and genealogy center.

"The Essence of Spring" Art Exhibit

Rappahannock Art Gallery

April 3 - 28

Cost: Free

Location: Rappahannock Art League Studio Gallery 19 N. Main Street

Time: 10 am - 4 pm

Parking: Ample parking on site

Contact: 804-435-6092

Rappahannock Art League members will submit works of art in a variety of media reflecting on the beauty and theme of rebirth of the Spring Season. Come by and enjoy this up-lifting show.

Fundamentals of Classic Drawing" Workshop

Rappahannock Art Gallery

April 3 - 24

Cost: Free

Location: Rappahannock Art Studio Gallery, 19 N. Main Street Kilmarnock

Time: 10 am - 3 pm

Parking: Ample parking on site

Contact: 804-436-9309

Awarding-winning RAL member artist, Nana Gail Lauer, will teach four invaluable sessions. Three Tuesday classes and one Thursday class. Participants will learn traditional skills of creating better drawings and will learn to portray light to dark shadows through seeing shapes, values, form and space. Drawing is the basis of all media. Open to members and non-members of RAL, beginners through advanced.

1st Friday Reception for "The Essence of Spring" Show

Rappahannock Art Gallery

April 6

Cost: Free

Location: Rappahannock Art Studio Gallery, 19 N. Main Street Kilmarnock

Time: 5 - 7 pm

Parking: Ample parking on site

Contact: 804-435-6092

The public will have an opportunity to meet some of the artist, view the works of other talented artists through out the Gallery and enjoy light refreshments.

Free Concert at Good Luck Cellars Easter Sunday April 8 at 1:pm

Good Luck Cellars

April 8

Cost: Free

Location: Event Center Good Luck Cellars 1025 Good Luck Road

Time: 1 - 4 pm

Parking: Ample parking on site

Contact: 804-435-6092

Northern Neck native Shane Cooley will be performing at Good Luck Cellars on Sunday, April 8 with his touring friends for a special Easter Sunday performance.

The folk rock singer/songwriter has been touring the United States full time with his original music since he graduated from William & Mary in 2010. The performance will be part of a mini-tour Shane has put together with singers/songwriters Adam Smith and Adam Web, who have been on the road with Shane for several years. This will be their first time performing together in the Northern Neck.

To preview the performers go to their websites.

Shane Cooley

Adam Smith

Adam Web

Wine Tastings as well as wine by the glass and bottle (for guests over age 21) are always available at Good Luck Cellars Thursday and Saturday from 11-6, Friday from 11-8, and Sunday from 12-5. Food is not available for sale at Good Luck Cellars but guests are welcome to bring their favorite snack or picnic lunch when visiting the vineyard and winery. Complimentary “nibbles” are available Friday evenings.

"Beginning Watercolor: Painting Basics Simplified" Workshop

Rappahannock Art Gallery

April 17 & 18

Cost: Free

Location: Studio Gallery, 19 N. Main Street Kilmarnock

Time: 10 am - 3 pm

Parking: Ample parking on site

Contact: 804-436-9309

Kathleen Noffsinger, RAL Award-winning member artist and popular teacher, will present all the basics for the new watercolor painter plus a great review of color mixing and painting techniques for the intermediate painter. Continuous hands-on demonstrations will show techniques first hand.

Kilmarnock 5K Race/Walk and Kid's Fun Run

Kilmarnock 5k

April 21

Cost: $20 pre-registration & $25 on race day (18 & under: $15 - $20).

Location: 97 FMC Drive, Kilmarnock, VA 22482

Time: Registration: 6:30 - 7:45 am  Run: 5K starts at 8am

Parking: At the school

Contact: Patricia Monge-Meberg at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call the school at 804-435-3503

The Kilmarnock 5k begins at the Northern Neck Montessori School on the corner of DMV and FMC Drive. Registration is at the school with all proceeds benefiting the Northern Neck Montessori School. Awards will be given in 5 year age groups. There is a Kid's (1/2 mile) Fun Run at 9:00 AM. ($7 pre-registration/$10 on race day) Please contact the race if financial assistance is needed. Award presentation at 9:30 AM.

Historic Lancaster Court Day Festival

Mary Ball Washington

April 21

Cost: Free

Location: 8346 Mary Ball Rd (Rt 3)

Time: 9 am - 2 pm

Parking: Ample parking on site

Contact: 804-462-7280 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Shop the arts and crafts market, tour historic buildings and museum exhibits, see living history and artisan demonstrations, and enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities and educational displays on the old Lancaster Court Green. Re-live the spirit of community gathering that traditionally occurred on "court days" in the county seat. Sponsored by the non-profit Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library. Vendor spaces available (download application at ). Rain or shine.

RAL Art Forum titled "Little Dancer Aged Fourteen"

Rappahannock Art Gallery

April 23

Cost: Free

Location: Studio Gallery, 19 N. Main Street Kilmarnock

Time: 1 - 3 pm

Parking: Ample parking on site

Contact: 804-435-6092

This 50 minute video presentation reveals how Degas broke every rule in the book to create his modern masterpiece and also tells the life story of the sculpture's model.

Historic Garden Week "Lancaster Legacies"

historic garden

April 25

Cost: Advanced sales until April 11th are $25 per person. Available by mail until April 11th. Please send check payable to the Garden Club of the Northern Neck. Include a stamped, self-addressed, letter-sized envelope to: Carol Hughes, P.O. Box 775, Irvington, VA 22480. 30 per person; $15, single-site admission. Children 13 and older, full price; ages 6-12, half-price; ages 5 and under, free of charge. Tickets may be purchased on tour day at any of the houses open and at the Information Center located at St. Mary’s Whitechapel Parish House.

Location: 5940 White Chapel Rd., Lancaster, VA 22503

Times: 10 am - 5 pm

Parking: Parking at each venue except Monaskon Post Office, park at St. Mary’s Whitechapel Epsicopal Church for FREE trolley service.

Contact: email Carol Hughes at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The southernmost of the four counties that make up the area known as the Northern Neck, Lancaster County has maintained the serene and quiet beauty that attracted our early settlers. The tour focuses on upper Lancaster County, and takes the visitor through lush, rolling farmland along the Rappahannock River, and the creeks of the Rappahannock and Corrotoman. In 1608, Captain John Smith referred to this land as “a place heaven and earth never agreed better to frame man’s habitation.” Ticket includes admission to the following 5 properties:

  • Mitchell's Manor, 525 Colinbrook Way
  • Monaskon Post Office and General Store
  • Summerfield, 125 Westwood Road
  • Deep Creek Farm, 38 Meadowbrook Lane
  • The Oaks, 1362 Morattico Road

Box lunches are$15 per person and must be reserved before April 16. Contact Janie Smith, (804) 462-5908 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Refreshments: Complimentary, and served at the Monaskon Post Office and Store, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A free trolley will run to the site every 15 minutes from the Information Center.

Children younger than age 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Irvington Farmer's Market

farmers market

May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, September 3, October 6, November 3

Cost: Free

Location: Irvington Rd. & King Carter Drive

Time: 9:00am to 1:00pm

Parking: on street parking around the Commons

Contact: 804-438-9371 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or www.irvingtonva.org

It's a great way to kick off a weekend of leisure. First Saturday of every month from May to November. Rain or shine.

Old-fashioned open-air market featuring local produce, fruit, herbs, flowers, plants, meat, seafood, cheese, baked goods, art and handcrafted items, as well as live music and playground. Sponsored by the Irvington Village Improvement Association.

Music by the River

music by the river

May 12, May 26, June 9, June 16, July 14, July 21, August 11, August 18

Cost: Parking Fee - $3

Location: Belle Isle State Park, 1632 Belle Isle Rd., Lancaster, VA 22503

Times: Varied

Parking: Ample parking on site

Contact: 804-462-5030 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Belle Isle State Park hosts a variety of free concerts from May through August. These concerts attract hundreds of people and allow participants to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic dinner. Concerts are performed from 6 to 8 pm on selected Saturday dates. Games and kids crafts area add to the fun.

  • May 12 - Bill and Pam Gurley
  • May 26 - United States Navy Country Currents band
  • June 9 - Rappahannock Crossing
  • June 16 - Sweet Justice
  • July 14 - Battle of the Bands--details to come
  • July 21 - King of Swing
  • August 11 - Mercy Creek
  • August 18 - Southern Grace

By the Bay Parade of Homes

parade

May 18 & 19, 2012

Cost: Tickets are only $20 for a two day ticket if purchased online by May 15th or $25 if purchased afterwards. All tickets must be picked up at Good Luck Cellars.

Location: Starting location - Good Luck Cellars, at 1025 Goodluck Rd., Kilmarnock, VA

Time: Friday 10AM - 6PM & Saturday 10AM to 5 PM

Parking: Ample parking at each location

Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 804-435-6092

Thinking of a new home in the Northern Neck? Perhaps a new kitchen or bath for your pied-a-terre? Or maybe refreshing the décor? Then the 1st annual By the Bay Parade of Homes is the place to come for everything you need to know. Featuring 12-15 unique home properties in Lancaster and Northumberland Counties, this event will showcase builders, craftsmen, home décor designers and other vendors in the home building arena. Start off by coming to the parade headquarters at Good Luck Cellars, 1025 Goodluck Rd., Kilmarnock, to get your welcome packet and map to the properties. Meet with 30 other vendors there plus you can sample some of Good Luck's vintages.

Click to reserve your "will call" tickets now.

Memorial Day Service at Historic Christ Church

hcc memorial day service 2012

May 28, 2012

Cost: FREE event featuring music and service. Guest speaker is Col. Alan R. Metzler, Chief of Security Forces, HQ Air Command

Location: Historic Christ Church, 420 Christ Church Rd., Weems, VA

Time: 11:00 AM (Music) 11:30 AM Service

Parking: Ample parking

Contact: 804-438-6855

Speaker: Col. Alan R. Metzler, Chief of Security Forces,HQ Air Combat Command; Music: Col. Neil Smart, USA (Ret.), Organist; Color Guard: Lancaster High Junior A.F.R.O.T.C.; Echo Taps: Robbie Spiers, Glen Burtner. Sponsored by:Northern Neck Chapter, Military Officers Association of America, American Legion Posts 86 and 117, Boy Scout Troop 242 of Kilmarnock, VA; Foundation for Historic Christ Church, Inc.

Click for more information on Historic Christ Church and its programs.


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