Annual Events

January

Celebrity Waiter Dinner: Annual benefit dinner, with costumed local-celebrity wait staff whose antics are meant to raise money, like the dinner itself, for the Rappahannock County Benevolent Fund. Contact Beverly Atkins at 540-675-5370.

April

Fodderstack 10k Classic Race: The annual 10k race course follows the historic hills between the towns of Flint Hill and Washington and has been held for more than 35 years, drawing hundreds of runners of all levels from the region. Usually coincides with art festivals in Washington and elsewhere around the county. Register online at www.fodderstack10k.com.

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point Races: Held at historic Ben Venue Farm, on Route 729 at U.S. 211. Contact the joint-masters at 540-364-4573 or 540-636-1507 or visit olddominionhounds.weebly.com.

Rappahannock Historical Society Antiques Appraisal: Annual fundraiser for the historical society features appraisers who will tell you what you have (from the item you brought, or some good photos of it); with food and refreshments. For more information, contact Judy Tole at 540-675-1163.

May

American Cancer Society Relay for Life: The Relay for Life is a community event in which teams take turns walking in the relay to raise money in the battle against cancer. For information, contact Ellen Timbers at 540-987-8402.

June

Amissville carnival and parade: This annual event benefits the Amissville Volunteer Fire and Rescue squad. Usually in late June. For information, call 540-937-4218.

July

Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks: Held on the fields of the Thornton Hill race course on U.S. 522 south of Sperryville, proceeds benefit the Sperryville Volunteer Fire Department. Lots of food, live music, games and displays. Fireworks start at dusk. Contact Richie Burke at 540-987-8570 or Gary Settle at 540-987-9333.

Castleton Festival also sponsors a Fourth of July fireworks show, usually a day or two before or after the Sperryville event; generally the fireworks above the meadow beside the Festival Theatre has followed a performance by a big-name bluegrass act in the theatre. Call 866-974-0767 or visit castletonfestival.org.

September

Taste of Rappahannock: Annual festival of foods and wine from local chefs and vintners benefits Headwaters, Rappahannock Countyntyns education foundation. To reserve or for more information, contact Headwaters at 540-987-3322 or info@headwatersfdn.org, or visit headwatersfdn.org.

Rappahannock County Farm Tour & Festival: This two-day, free event showcases farms and businesses producing the very best in local food, award-winning wines and artisanal products, set against the backdrop of the county's extraordinary beauty, along with an artisans center at the visitors center. For more information visit http://rappfarmtour.org/.

Rappahannock Rough Ride: Multiple bicycle races and events for all levels of fitness and skill. This outdoor challenge benefits the Rappahannock and Fauquier Free Clinics. Call 540-347-0394, or visit fauquierfreeclinic.org.

October

Trinity Floral Art Sale and House Tour: For more than half a century, the women of Trinity Episcopal Church in Washington have held this charitable tour of three distinctive and/or historic homes in Rappahannock County. Includes tea at Middleton Inn, and ends with an Evensong service, concert and reception at the church, which is headquarters for the tour. Call 540-675-3716 or visit trinwash.org for more information.

November

Artists of Rappahannock Studio & Gallery Tour. Sponsored by the Rappahannock Association for the Arts and the Community (RAAC), the tour draws hundreds of art lovers to Rappahannock County. This self-guided driving tour begins at the Washington School, which is set up as an art gallery for the event, with samples of artists' work. Tour attendees receive a map that directs them to the participating artiststst studios and the county's many fine art galleries. For further information, visit raac.org or call 540-675-3193.

December

Christmas in Little Washington: This annual event is held the first weekend in December and includes a Christmas parade, artisanstst markets, a visit from Santa and activities and open houses by local businesses and churches. For more information about the day, one of Rappahannockntyns most popular family-friendly events, contact Town of Washington clerk Laura Dodd at 540-675-3128 or visit washingtonva.gov.