Saturday, May 18, 2013
Despite the rainy weather, local residents still turned out to enjoy River Fest.
Today's rain couldn't quite quench the local spirit at Occoquan's River Fest, as local residents still turned out to fish, explore the river, and support local businesses. The Miss Rivershore ferried guests from Occoquan Regional Park to the town, and a small train attached to a lawn mower looped its way around the park. Northern Virginia Celtic band Celtic Marc played lively tunes for the guests at Blue Arbor. Young children sported colorful face paint. Haunted Occoquan provided historical ghost tours, while Mayor Earnie Porta gave a history paddle tour. For a previous River Fest celebration, see this video.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Boyd Alexander entered photos of Occoquan.
Occoquan photographer Boyd Alexander has entered a Prince William County tourism contest, and is asking local residents to vote for his photos of Occoquan. To vote for Alexander's photos, first like the Prince William County & Manassas Virginia Tourism Facebook page. Only those who like the page may vote in the contest. Then check out Alexander's photos, including a shot of the Occoquan Town Hall. Whichever photo receives the most votes on Facebook wins. Voters can vote for more than one photo. To enter the contest yourself, provide your email address, photo, and caption at this link. "Both skilled and novice photographers who have captured the historic sites, quaint towns and natural beauty that make Prince William & Manassas a unique …
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Lorraine Musselman was a beloved pillar of the small town and was known as the "Lady on the Bench," as a nod to her favorite place to sit and wave to those who passed by.
The bench where Lorraine Musselman sat to wave to friends and passersby on Commerce Street in Occoquan is now covered with flowers and photos and farewell notes. Musselman, Occoquan's longest continual resident, died on Jan. 2 at 82. She leaves behind a brother in the Woodbridge area. A fixture of the town, Musselman served as a council member and a member of the architectural review board. She was a member of the Occoquan Historical Society Board of Directors when she passed away. Musselman volunteered at the craft show and worked at the museum and the post office. She moved to the town when she was only nine months, and lived in the same house for her entire life in Occoquan. Musselman was one of the first Occoquan residents that Mayor …
Monday, January 7, 2013
Owner Gudi Bignotti now has the freedom to be more selective about her merchandise.
Occoquan Antiques owner Gudi Bignotti is done with retirement. After nearly closing the shop in 2011 and closing it to retire in April of 2012, Bignotti has downsized and moved her business from Mill Street to Union Street. "My husband saw that I was not happy after we did all the traveling that you do after you retire, that's supposed to be so wonderful," she said. "We did it all, and that was the end of it. I could not stand it anymore. I said, 'Pete, I have to open another store.'" "We are in this for the long run," she added. Her husband now works two days a week at the shop. She signed the lease Nov. 1 last year, and opened Nov. 15 to catch holiday business. She calls the store an "antique boutique," and hopes to catch the …
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Kathy Messick's pendants will be given to members of the media at the Country Music Association Awards.
An Occoquan artisan's jewelery will be included in the official gift bags given to media backstage at the Country Music Association Awards this year. Kathy Messick's Wire Knitted Floral Inspired Pendants, usually sold through Kath’s Elegant Accessories, will be a part of the celebrity gift lounge at the CMA Awards from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1. Messick's pendants are featured through The Artisan Group, which promotes artisans at Hollywood events. Messick considers herself a country girl at heart, since she grew up in Opp, AL, according to a statement released by Messick. Kath's Elegant Accessories was founded in 2010. To learn more, visit www.KathsElegantAccessories.com.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
The businesses hope to encourage holiday shoppers.
A number of Occoquan businesses are extending their hours for the holiday season. On Thursday evenings in particular, between now and Christmas, almost 30 Occoquan businesses will be open until at least 7:00 p.m. So we hope you will consider visiting Occoquan for your holiday shopping needs.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Four galleries hosted open houses during Occoquan's Art on the Block event on May 12.
Photographs of dining patrons transformed by digital paint colors; layers of beeswax mixed with resin and oil colors; a representation of death and hope captured in a single white balloon—these gallery pieces were among hundreds on display for Occoquan’s Art on the Block. The May 12 event was the collaborative effort of four galleries located on the 300 block of Mill Street: Kelly’s Artbox, Artists’ Undertaking Gallery, The Loft Gallery, and Art a La Carte. Each gallery offered buffet-style refreshments and the opportunity for patrons to familiarize themselves with the works of local artists and their wide range of techniques and media: from painting, pottery, and sculpture to photography, metal works, and jewelry. Hannah Weatherington has…
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
The rubber ducks will race down the Occoquan River on June 16.
Tickets are now available online for the 6th Annual Duck Splash Race in the Town of Occoquan. Watch thousands of rubber ducks drop from a bridge and race along the Occoquan River on Saturday, June 16, at 12:30 p.m. "Adopt" a duck for $5 and win one of ten cash prizes ranging from $20 to $500. Net proceeds benefit the 501(c)(3)Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition, an organization dedicated to building a network of public trails and stream access points throughout Prince William County. This is a fun, family event. Visit Occoquan on June 16, have lunch, and watch this modern Occoquan tradition! To purchase tickets online click here.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Check out the HD footage.
Videographer William Hong recently captured Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge on video, hosted here in Vimeo. The Occoquan area is popular with artists. Recently, a blogger featured photos of Occoquan. A Flickr user photographed the Occoquan river. Patch photographer Stephanie Dupal-Demartin has also photographed Occoquan several times. Do you have photos of Occoquan? Submit them to our local gallery!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Vote now for your favorite.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Rachel Leon
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Monday, July 18, 2011
Occoquan's Cock and Bowl is one of 25 restaurants featured in the "Best Restaurant" category of HOT 99.5's "Hottys" contest. In the Hottys contest, site readers can vote for the "hottest people, places, and things in Washington, D.C.," according to HOT 99.5's website. To help Cock and Bowl win best restaurant, vote here. So far, it's in the lead with 145 Facebook likes. To find out what other Occoquan spot made it to one of HOT 99.5 Hottys lists, come back to Lake Ridge Patch at 9 a.m.
38.68388
-77.26085
Cock & Bowl
302 Poplar Aly, Occoquan, VA
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1766515
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Allie Guidry
4:28 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
His photos are amazing. He really captures the charm and character of the town of Occoquan. more ›