ANNUAL EVENTS
JANUARY
Celebrity Waiter Dinner: Annual themed benefit dinner, with costumed local-celebrity wait staff whose antics are meant to raise money, like the dinner itself, for the Rappahannock Benevolent Fund. The Benevolent Fund raises money to provide emergency assistance to local families. For more information, contact Jane Whitfield at janeewhit@gmail. com.
APRIL
Fodderstack 10k Classic Race: The annual 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. Contact Jean Lillard at 540-675-5330 or visit 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.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 or visit rappahannockhistsoc.org.
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, call 800-227-2345 or visit relayforlife.org.
JUNE
Amissville carnival and parade: This annual event benefits the Amissville Volunteer Fire and Rescue squad. Usually in late June. For information, call 540-9374218 or visit amissvillevfr.org.
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 540-9878570 or Gary Settle at 540-9879333.
SEPTEMBER
Taste of Rappahannock: Annual festival of foods and wine from local chefs and vintners benefits Headwaters, Rappahannock County’s 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 — the ninth annual tour in 2017 takes place Sept. 23-24 — showcases farms and related businesses producing the very best in local food, awardwinning wines and artisanal products, set against the backdrop of the county's extraordinary beauty. For more information, call 540-675-5330 or visit 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 rappahannockroughride.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 and ends with an Evensong service, concert and reception at the church, which is headquarters for the tour — scheduled in 2017 for Oct. 15-16. 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 year, 2017, scheduled for Nov. 4-5. 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 artists’ studios and the county's many fine art galleries. For further information, visit raac. org or call 800-695-6075.
DECEMBER
Christmas in Little Washington: This annual event is held the second Sunday in December and includes a Christmas parade, artisans’ markets, a visit from Santa and activities and open houses by local businesses and churches. For more information about the day, one of Rappahannock’s most popular family-friendly events, visit washingtonva.gov.