Good morning, Fredericksburg.

About 600 incoming first-year students will begin moving into UMW residence halls on Monday, August 25.

Staff and upperclassmen are on hand to help ease the move—university officials expect the event to set a positive tone as new Eagles get ready for classes.

UMW President Troy Paino kicked off the fall academic year on August 18 at a faculty and staff assembly in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium, welcoming over 1,000 incoming students and outlining plans for facility upgrades, campus life, and new academic programs including entrepreneurship, AI, and a Master of Science in Nursing. He also highlighted summer projects that improved key campus buildings + noted record fundraising support as a foundation for future growth.

Stafford County supervisors voted 4-3 Tuesday night to delay final action on new data center rules and scheduled a work session for next Tuesday to review more details—some members raised concerns about a 1,500-foot setback rule while others urged swift progress in light of recent applications and extensive public comments.

The Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy opened its new Firearms Training Center yesterday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The indoor firing range will offer year-round tactical training for officers from over 40 agencies — a major upgrade for regional law enforcement.

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.

MCA Grand National Show: Gathering of the Herd 2025

8 AM – 5 PM — Fredericksburg Fairgrounds — Free entry — Witness an exciting celebration of Ford Mustang cars with enthusiasts and families alike.

Concert by Canoe

6-10 p.m. — Motts Run Reservoir — Bring your own boat or rent one — Enjoy floating music at a scenic lake concert while dining on a picnic.

Virginia Cider Festival

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Fredericksburg Fairgrounds — Free venue parking — Sip and savor a wide variety of ciders from local and national producers while enjoying live music and food trucks.

Bikes & Breakfast Meetup in Fredericksburg

10 AM — Motoworks — Free entry — Gather for coffee, pastries, and motorcycle discussions before heading out for lunch and rides.

Soul Line Dancing with Regina

7-10 p.m. — Jay's Downtown Sports Lounge — Free entry — Experience the rhythm and fun of soul line dancing every second and fourth Thursday night.

Go for Bo! 2025

6-8:30 p.m. — Stafford Regional Airport — Registration fee required — Experience a beautiful sunset run on a fast, flat course in the community.

Cannonball Century Cycling Event

7 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Massaponax High School — $69 registration until July 15th — Experience a challenging 100-mile biking adventure through scenic routes.

Patawomeck Fall Festival

11 AM – 4 PM — Patawomeck Museum & Cultural Center — Free entry — Celebrate the autumn season with traditional crafts, delicious treats, and DJ music.