Archives for the ‘Events’ Category

Do It For The Children

Author: David From http://www.musingsoverapint.com/ • Jan 24th, 2012
   Category: Blog Entries.Local, Events
As noted previously, our son's school held their annual dinner and auction fundraiser this weekend. At our previous school, each year we donated a craft beer and food tasting event to the cause. Now that he's moved on to high school, we agreed to do the same for the new school. The event consists of at least  eight different courses, served for 6 people, in our home. We discuss the various types of beer, the signature marks of each style along with interesting brewing, beer culture or historical facts related to craft beer. Of course an appropriate food is served with each beer. The event has apparently developed a bit of a reputation as we have folks telling us well in advance they intend to bid it.

The tasting is scheduled be held in May. In order to give the winning bidder something to take home that evening, the package also included a cooler, a bottle opener, a six-pack of Starr Hill beer, a 750ml bottle of Gouden Carolus, 4 assorted specialty beer glasses, 2 Blue & Gray Brewery pint glasses, and copy of the classic "Brewmaster's Table: Discovering the Pleasures of Real Beer with Real Food" by Garret Oliver.

As the evening progressed it became apparent that folks had pooled their resources and two groups were engaged in a bidding war for the event. After the bidding ended, in order to further support the school, we offered to provide another dinner to the second place bidder, if they agreed to also match the winning bid. This offer was accepted.

So, now there will be two Saturday afternoons this Spring that we'll spend expounding on the goodness of craft beer and food, and of course tasting it too! It is a sacrifice that we'll happily take on. After all, we're doing it for the children.


Learn To Homebrew

Author: David From http://www.musingsoverapint.com/ • Oct 29th, 2011
   Category: Blog Entries.Local, Events
The Fredericksburg Brewing Insiders will celebrate the annual Teach a Friend to Homebrew Day with a demonstration at the Blue & Gray Brewery on Saturday, November 5. Join these local home brewers, and all around fun people, for a day of brewing instruction.

I stopped by for a previous year's event and had a great time.

See the Fredericksburg Brewing Insiders web page for more information.




I Need A New Hat

Author: David From http://www.musingsoverapint.com/ • Oct 5th, 2011
   Category: Blog Entries.Local, Events
Sometimes you just have to say goodbye to an old friend. My Blue & Gray Brewery cap has been my constant companion for many years. It's traveled to numerous beer festivals, shooting matches, and plenty of other outdoor activities. I grabbed it the other day to pack for the Fredericksburg USPSA match and noticed that the ol' boy had seen better days. The embroidered logo was faded and unrecognizable, the brim and top were stained, and there certainly wasn't any shape left to it. Even though I'm not given to vanity, I decided that perhaps it wasn't fit for wearing. It's time to retire this cap.

The next order of business is finding another suitable cap. But I don't wear just anybody's advertising. Any of my favorite breweries or shooting sports businesses want to send a new cap my way?




Local GABF Winners

Author: David From http://www.musingsoverapint.com/ • Oct 3rd, 2011
   Category: Blog Entries.Local, Events
I had such a busy weekend that I've been remiss in sharing the news about Virginia winners at the Great American Beer Festival. Once again, some of our favorite Virginia craft breweries brought home medals.

Starr Hill Brewery, Crozet Virginia
Gold in Category #34: Vienna-Style Lager for Jomo Lager
Silver in Category #15: Indigenous Beer for Monticello Reserve Ale
Silver in Category #26: Smoke Beer for Smoke Out

Blue Mountain Brewery, Afton, Virginia
Gold in Category #15: Indigenous Beer for Monticello Reserve Ale
Silver in Category #17: American-Belgo-Style Ale for Blue Reserve

Mad Fox Brewing Company, Falls Church, Virginia
Gold in Category #25: Kellerbier or Zwickelbier for Kolsch Kellerbier
Bronze in Category #45: English-style Summer Ale for English Summer Ale

Devils Backbone Brewing Company, Roseland, Virginia
Silver in Category #31: Dortmunder or German-Style Oktoberfest for Tommy Two Fists

I should also give a shout out to another favorite brewery here at the Musings. Maryland-based Flying Dog Brewery brought home a Gold medal in Category #83: Barley Wine-Style Ale for Horn Dog Barleywine.

Congratulations to all the winners. You can see the complete award list at the GABF site here.




Fredericksburg Area Oktoberfest This Weekend

Author: David From http://www.musingsoverapint.com/ • Sep 21st, 2011
   Category: Blog Entries.Local, Events
If you missed the Capital Alehouse Oktoberfest this past weekend you can still get your Prosit! on this coming weekend. The 9th Annual Fredericksburg Area Oktoberfest kicks off Friday at the Blue & Gray Brewery, and continues through Saturday. There will be two three tents full of family fun — sing alongs, stein holding contest, Oompah music, ginger bread walk, authentic, delicious German foods and pastries, and free fall crafts table for the kids.

If you can't wait until Friday, Lee's Retreat has prepared a special Oktoberfest menu for this week. Blue & Gray's popular Oktoberfest Bier is also on tap at the brewpub. And just a word of warning, this beer sells out quickly every year so get your growler filled before it's gone.




That’s Right, 27 Years!

Author: David From http://www.musingsoverapint.com/ • Sep 15th, 2011
   Category: Blog Entries.Local, Events
Happy Anniversary to my wonderful wife of 27 years!

Today Colleen and I celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary. I won't say it seems like "just yesterday," because that would cheapen the significance of all those years. It's been a wonderful 27 years and I've treasured every moment of it.

Colleen, thank you for being a wonderful wife, a loving mother to our son, and a blessing to everyone whose life you touch.

? ? ? I love you! ? ? ?




Ferry Road Closed August 16-23

Author: Sarah Stelmok From http://sarahiouslyspeaking.com • Aug 16th, 2011
   Category: Blog Entries.Local, Events, RealEstate.Local, Stafford

Ferry Road Closure

Update 08/19/2011 – Ferry Road has been reopened!  Work has been completed early and the road is now open to all traffic!

This road closure will probably affect more people than one would imagine.  Ferry Road will be closed August 16-23.  The railroad tracks near the the McDonald’s just feet from the Rt3/ Ferry Road intersection is being repaired.  There are several alternate routes to avoid the construction.  Town and Country Drive saw some pretty heavy traffic this morning as drivers cut across from White Oak Road and Ferry Road.  The neighborhoods of Argyle Terrace, Argyle Heights, and Hillcrest Terrace offer a cut through from Ferry Road to Rt.3 (Kings Hwy).



Evening Parade, Marine Barracks Washington

Author: David From http://www.musingsoverapint.com/ • Aug 1st, 2011
   Category: Blog Entries.Local, Events
We took a trip to DC this weekend to see the Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington. The Barracks, also known as "8th and I", was established in 1801. It is called the "oldest Post of the Corps." The Evening Parade consists of appearances by the U.S. Marine Band, the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, along with Alpha and Bravo Companies, which make up the ceremonial infantry units of Marine Barracks Washington. Alpha Company includes the Silent Drill Platoon.


The Evening Parade is held every Friday during the summer. And although free, the tickets are hard to come by, as they are reserved almost as soon as they become available. Thanks to the persistent efforts of a friend we were privileged to attend last Friday's event. After driving to Northern VA to meet up with the ticket bearer we took a long subway ride into the city. After dinner at a local restaurant and pub, we made our way over to the Marine Barracks. The streets around the Barracks were filled with uniformed Marines and members of other branches of the Armed Forces. We even saw uniformed personnel from other countries. Also attending were many veterans groups and other heroes sponsored by the Wounded Warrior Project. The current Director of the FBI, Robert Mueller, was introduced as a guest of honor.

It wasn't long after we were seated that we noticed the U.S. flag flying over the Barracks was different. This flag consists of 15 stars and 15 stripes. (Video.) This is the flag of our Country as it appeared from 1795-1818. Also known as the "Star Spangled Banner Flag", the Marines are permitted to fly this version of the flag on the Friday's of the Evening Parade. The only other location allowed to fly this flag is Fort McHenry in Baltimore.

The Marines are justifiably proud of the historical significance of both the location and the mission of Marine Barracks Washington. The Evening Parade is an impressive display of precision and pageantry. I encourage anyone who is able to make the effort experience this historic, and patriotic event.




2011 Fredericksburg Fair

Author: Sarah Stelmok From http://sarahiouslyspeaking.com • Jul 26th, 2011
   Category: Blog Entries.Local, Events, RealEstate.Local

Fredericksburg Fair Ferris Wheel

It’s my favorite time of year!  It’s FAIR TIME!  Break out your wallets and pants with elastic waistbands; the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair starts Friday, July 29.  There are so many sites to be seen and events happening at this years Fair.  Here’s a small portion if the schedule.

Miss Fredericksburg Fair Pageant -

Miss – Friday July 29 (8pm)

Tiny Miss – Saturday, July 30 (10:30am)

Little Miss – Saturday, July 30 (11:30am)

Pre-Teen Miss – Saturday, July 30 (12:30pm)

Miss/ Mr. Fredericksburg Fair (11 months-2 years) – Sunday, July 31 (2pm)

Attractions and Events

This year’s Fair includes NOJOE’S Clown Circus, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Demolition Derby, Kids’ Tractor Pull, Pig/ Goat/ and Duck Racing, Livestock Shows, Barbarian Fight Club, and Musical Entertainment.  For a complete list of events and times click here.

Admission -

Children 3 and Under – FREE

Adults – $7

55 and Up – $5

July 31 – Military Appreciation Day – show your military ID and get in FREE!

August 1 – Kids’ Day - Children 4-14 reduced rate $5

August 2 – Two for Tuesday – all admission $2

August 2 – Gospel Sunday – bring your church bulletin and get $1 off admission

(rides are not included in price of admission)



2011 Fredericksburg Fair

Author: Sarah Stelmok From http://sarahiouslyspeaking.com • Jul 26th, 2011
   Category: Blog Entries.Local, Events, RealEstate.Local

Fredericksburg Fair Ferris Wheel

It’s my favorite time of year!  It’s FAIR TIME!  Break out your wallets and pants with elastic waistbands; the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair starts Friday, July 29.  There are so many sites to be seen and events happening at this years Fair.  Here’s a small portion if the schedule.

Miss Fredericksburg Fair Pageant -

Miss – Friday July 29 (8pm)

Tiny Miss – Saturday, July 30 (10:30am)

Little Miss – Saturday, July 30 (11:30am)

Pre-Teen Miss – Saturday, July 30 (12:30pm)

Miss/ Mr. Fredericksburg Fair (11 months-2 years) – Sunday, July 31 (2pm)

Attractions and Events

This year’s Fair includes NOJOE’S Clown Circus, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Demolition Derby, Kids’ Tractor Pull, Pig/ Goat/ and Duck Racing, Livestock Shows, Barbarian Fight Club, and Musical Entertainment.  For a complete list of events and times click here.

Admission -

Children 3 and Under – FREE

Adults – $7

55 and Up – $5

July 31 – Military Appreciation Day – show your military ID and get in FREE!

August 1 – Kids’ Day - Children 4-14 reduced rate $5

August 2 – Two for Tuesday – all admission $2

August 2 – Gospel Sunday – bring your church bulletin and get $1 off admission

(rides are not included in price of admission)