Good morning, Fredericksburg.

Bill Freehling interviewed Anne Little, Tree Fredericksburg cofounder, this week to review her career before arriving in town + she discussed her plans to run for City Council and the success of her business.

Visitors from across Virginia attended Historic Garden Week in the Rising Sun Neighborhood along Upper Caroline Street on Tuesday, as private homes and gardens showcased history, architecture and spring color — chaired by Susan Moss with Karli Murray as co-chair.

UMW School of the Arts is preparing a new theater that will offer added creative opportunities for students — officials will share more details soon.

On April 9, Gov. Spanberger signed a bill to raise the minimum wage from $12.77—with planned increases to $13.75 early next year and $15 by early 2028.

Economic officials in Fredericksburg say the move could boost household incomes while local business leaders worry about increased operating costs.

UMW students earned top honors on the National Latin Exam as 18 students achieved distinctions, more than doubling last year’s total.

The achievement comes as the college revamps its introductory Latin curriculum to boost engagement with classical texts.

Students from across the region competed in the inaugural Civics Bee hosted by the chamber, where they displayed civic knowledge, essay skills, and public speaking before local judges.

The event underscored the community’s commitment to civic education.

University of Mary Washington is celebrating 20 years of Research and Creativity Day with a week-long series of presentations, exhibitions and performances at Simpson Library’s new Research and Creativity Collaborative.

The event highlights decades of student work + brings faculty, students and community together.

Multiple road projects are scheduled across Fredericksburg and nearby counties, with alternating lane closures for bridge repairs & pavement work on routes such as 1 and 17.

Motorists should expect delays at various times this week and in upcoming months as crews work to improve safety and traffic flow.

The Virginia Department of Health confirmed two measles cases with potential exposures at Grafton Village Elementary School and KidMed Stafford Urgent Care from April 9-10, April 13-16, and April 20.

Officials advise anyone present to complete an exposure survey and check vaccination records.

Dementia Insights: Navigating the Journey Together

The Quest to Conquer Alzheimer’s Disease w/ Dr. George Bloom, UVA Research Updates from the Alzheimer’s Association Lego Serious Play for Alzheimer’s Connections w/ Loretta Veeney

That Arena Rock Show

7-11 p.m. — The Groove Music Hall — Tickets required — Experience high energy tribute performances of classic rock anthems from the 70s and 80s.

La Sonora Dinamita at El Pino Mexican Restaurant

9 PM — El Pino Mexican Restaurant — Limited seating available — Enjoy a vibrant dance event with La Sonora Dinamita.

Virginia Renaissance Faire

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Virginia Renaissance Faire — Tickets go on sale mid-March — Experience five weekends of medieval revelry and merriment.

Mother's Day 5K/10K Run

7:30 a.m. — Old Mill Park — Entry fee required — Celebrate Mother's Day with a scenic run alongside the Rappahannock River while supporting a good cause.

Sensory Friendly Morning at Ferry Farm

10 AM – 12 PM — George Washington's Ferry Farm — $6 for students, $13 for adults — Explore George Washington's boyhood home in a sensory-friendly environment designed for families with special needs.