Fairfax Asks Biz to Help Fund Holiday Events

Fairfax City is hoping businesses can help bring s'mores, hot cider, cards for injured soldiers and hayrides back to its annual Festival of Lights and Carols. 

"Due to budget cuts years ago, some of the favorite activities of the festival were eliminated," said Mitzi Taylor, events coordinator for the Parks and Recreation Department. She hopes that local businesses will donate funds and people to provide some of those events at the Dec. 3 festival. 

It'd cost about $1,600 to bring hayrides back, Taylor said, an expense that could be split between two businesses. The supplies and tent shelter for those wishing to craft cards for injured soldiers would cost about half that, or $700.

"We would like to bring those activities back to the festival and are looking to reach out to businesses to assist with this event not only financially but with volunteers."

In return, giving businesses would get a free promotional table, signs and a mention on the program flyer.

The Festival of Lights and Carols is a day-long downtown holiday event featuring lunch with Santa, tree-lighting, performances from students, Girl Scout troops and carolers, an animated light display at Kitty Pozer Garden and candle-lit tours of the Ratcliffe-Allison House. 

Interested businesses should contact Taylor at Mitzi.Taylor@fairfaxva.gov.

Check Patch for a full festival guide after Thanksgiving.