Children enjoy a ride at the county fair in 2014.Youth for Tomorrow’s 31st Annual Country Fair & Actions will be held Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its Bristow campus located at 11835 Hazel Circle Drive off Linton Hall Road.
The local non-profit boarding school, Youth For Tomorrow, sets aside one day each fall to invite the local community to celebrate the partnership they have enjoyed since 1986. The Annual Country Fair & Auctions is one of northern Virginia’s most affordable family fun festivals, and it is also YFT’s largest fundraising event.
Washington Redskins and Hall of Fame Coach Joe Gibbs founded the private, non-profit school 30 years ago, to serve the at-risk population of young boys in the region. The program has greatly expanded since 2003 to include at-risk girls, victims of human trafficking and families who need counseling.
“We are able to care for the hundreds of children who come here for help each year, many without funding, because of the immense support we receive from corporate and local citizens throughout the region,” said YFT’s CEO, Gary Jones. “We want people to come with their families to see for themselves how we partner with the community to bring a new life to our children.”
Due to last year’s rain cancellation, only the auctions were held, making this year’s Annual County Fair is even more important to the school; however, that is not why residents should attend. They should attend to enjoy the rides, activities, food, auctions and entertainment.
Those who attend will find many of their favorite activities and events from past fairs such as more than 75 rides, games and activities on the field, plus dozens of children’s shows and activities under the Minnieland tent.
The Farmer’s Market features a petting zoo, pony rides and more for young children.
All attendees should appreciate live music and entertainment performed by local bands throughout the day as well as delicious foods prepared by local vendors available for purchase.
The renowned Live Auction includes sought-after prizes such as tropical vacations and tickets to premiere sporting events. Action-bidders will also enjoy Peterson Companies’ Market Square and silent auction, showcasing locally donated items, and those who enjoy competitive bidding will want to take a chance on the Blind Bid Board.
While much is familiar this year, attendees can also expect some new exhibits such as the interactive STEM ZONE pavilion sponsored by The Micron Foundation, NOVA SySTEMic’s Solutions. It provides an up-close and personal encounter with high-tech drones, robots and 3-D printers, just to name a few familiar innovations.
Also new to the fair is the Dock Dogs Aquatic Canine Competition, which will take place in the show area. And, the acclaimed Piscataway Indian ceremonial dance troupe will be performing both morning and afternoon shows.
As Youth for Tomorrow continues to grow its facilities, the fair includes two dedication ceremonies scheduled for the morning.
At 9:30 is the dedication of the Brenda House, YFT’s newest home for girls. It is a $592,000 investment: one-third of which was donated by HomeAid, Toll Brothers and its trade partners. YFT philanthropist Mr. Bob Wiser generously donated the remaining funds.
The groundbreaking for the new YFT Chapel will then commence at 10:15 a.m. The chapel’s constructed is possible thanks to major donations from The Peterson Family Foundation, the Wm. A. Hazel Family, Bob Wiser and Joe Gibbs.
Parking is free at the campus and at satellite parking areas along the Linton Hall Corridor and Route 28.
Additional details about all of the events can be found at www.youthfortomorrow.org or by calling 703-YFT4Kids .
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