Good morning, Fredericksburg.

Fredericksburg’s Swift Water Rescue team saved 10 people this summer after powerful thunderstorms raised dangerous river conditions on the Rappahannock — the 10-person team, which includes boat operators and divers, will remain on standby to help in future high-water events.

Herbert and Jean Graves celebrated 70 years of marriage in Spotsylvania with dancing, music, and family food while five generations—five children, 20 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren—joined the festivities, marking a rare milestone in their enduring legacy.

Amazon and The Community Foundation launched a $300,000 grant program to support local nonprofit projects that boost innovation and resilience in Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, and Louisa Counties.

Applications open on Aug. 18 and close on Sept. 25 (awardees will be celebrated in December).

Fredericksburg welcomes Novel, a new downtown bookstore opened by Andie Ayers—formerly executive director of the Fairy Godmother Project—to offer local readers a fresh space for unique books.

UMW’s Continuing and Professional Studies was awarded a $78,000 GO Virginia grant — the first in the healthcare cluster — to launch a new Practice Management Certificate Program in partnership with Mary Washington Healthcare.

The program will pilot a Medical Office Manager course with research starting soon and registration opening in spring to boost the region’s healthcare workforce.

High schoolers from several states took part in UMW’s six-day Summer Enrichment Program, where they attended courses and field trips to experience campus life.

The program offered hands-on workshops—ranging from communication to jiu-jitsu—that gave students a taste of college life.

The City of Fredericksburg is alerting residents that a deteriorating stormwater pipe beneath Lewis Street and Sophia Street has led to erosion and roadway undermining.

The City has placed a steel plate and dirt fill as a temporary fix while it prepares plans to tender permanent repair bids—updates will follow.

Local and state agencies are performing road work across I-95, Route 1 and other major routes affecting Fredericksburg and nearby areas with overnight lane closures for inspections, milling and paving.

Some projects will keep drivers in detours through summer 2026 and fall 2027 — plan for delays in your travel.

On Monday, the USDA announced that Virginia farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene will receive $60.9 million through a block grant program managed by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services—funds that will cover losses to infrastructure, timber, and crops for those who have not received other assistance.

Spotsy Summer Classic Car Show

2-6 p.m. — 7100 Steckler Way, Fredericksburg, VA — $25 registration — Celebrate classic cars and community vibes while supporting local businesses and a pet rescue.

Rockin' on the Riverfront

7-11:59 p.m. — Riverfront Park Fredericksburg — Free entry — Enjoy a performance by Good Time Alibi and local snacks under the stars.

Open House at 1309 Graham Dr

4-7 p.m. — 1309 Graham Dr, Fredericksburg, VA — $584,991 USD — Explore a luxurious home with custom design elements in the Village of Idlewild.

Puppy Yoga Fundraiser

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Possum-bilities — $28 per person — Enjoy a beginner-friendly yoga class with puppy cuddles and support a good cause.

Soul Line Dancing Night with Regina

7-10 p.m. — Jay's Downtown Sports Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy an energetic evening of community soul line dancing with Regina.

8th Annual Cooking Autism Car Show

9 AM – 3 PM — Stafford Regional Airport — Free entry — Celebrate stunning cars while supporting a great cause with food, music, and family-friendly activities.