OMA $1,000 Shopping Spree

Tomorrow, December 12th, 2009 at 3PM is the Occoquan Merchants Association's drawing for the $1,000 shopping spree.
Tickets have been handed out to customers starting in November and tomorrow one lucky winner will get a gift certificate for $1,000 to be used in various participating OMA shops!

If you didn't participate this year, keep checking back for other awesome OMA sponsered events and activities to win gift certificates and prizes.

Forget about the mall and shop Occoquan for a friendly shopping experience and unique Christmas gifts for those special loved ones! Late night Saturday Shopping through December-- most shops are open til 7/8PM.

Occoquan Town Blessing

Come join the residents and merchants of Occoquan for the town blessing. It is being held at the church tonight, December 6th at 6PM. Free refreshments at Madigan's Waterfront Restaurant following the blessing.

Santa Came to Town!

(Mayor Earnie Porta and Santa)

Yesterday, Santa arrived in his little red sleigh!

Did you miss him? Well don't be sad,

you'll have another chance to see him and all your little kids will be glad!

Join Santa in Occoquan on December 12th, 2009

For BREAKFAST with SANTA at
the Pink Bicycle Tea Room

First Seating 8:30 am

Second Seating 10:00 am

Kids (2-12 years) $7.00

Under 2 Free

Adults $10.00

Reservations are a must.
For reservations please call 571-334-7357 or 703-499-8809

Last year was booked! So call now!!

Art on the Occoquan- Artwalk in Prince William County

Art on the Occoquan is an artwalk event with over a dozen local artists to meet and greet!
Some artists will be doing demos, and there will be complimentary food and drinks available at some locations.

The artwalk is being held on a late night second Saturday shopping night so expect alot of the shops to still be open.

So come, have dinner, SHOP, meet some great local artists, and stroll the streets of Occoquan!

Glory Be on Mill Street is having a special 10% off "Scent of the Month" sale on their Cafe' Latte candles by Keeper's of the Light! The large Keeper's of the Light candles burn for 155 hours and smell delicious.

Stop in and say "Hi" to Marla and also check out all the wonderful new items she just got in.

You are sure to love the "just got home" feeling you get everytime you enter Glory Be.

So come in and save 10% off the scent of the month!!

July 18th Shredding Event!

Come to Occoquan and reduce your carbon footprint by bringing all your papers to shred and be recycled!

The Paper Tiger truck will be located at the parking lot of Ebenezer Church from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

It's FREE! And now you don't have to worry about getting those little paper shreds all over your floor.

There will also be containers for recycling eye glasses and cell phones.

Occoquan's First Ever Trolley Tour!

Occoquan's First Trolley tour was a hit for residents and visitors alike. Occoquan's Mayor, Earnie Porta, narrated the town's history as the trolley strolled down the town's streets, and ended it's tour by visiting a historical reinactor at The Occoquan Regional Park. The historical re-inactor played the part of a woman suffragist who fought to gain the voting rights of women.
Some of the sponsor's for the trolley were the ORC, Occoquan Regional Park, and the Occoquan Historical Society.

The Town of Occoquan has so much history! If you missed the trolley tour, be sure to stop into town and check out the town's mueseum and home to the Occoquan Historical Society. The mueseum is part of what's left of Occoquan's Grist Mill. They have artifacts from historic Occoquan's early days and more!

Mayor Earnie Porta with a town resident

The first group of the day listens to the historic reinactor

"Remember the Ladies"

Historic Trolley Tours in Occoquan Virginia

On Saturday, July 11, Occoquan will be hosting informative, narrated historic tours of the Town and nearby Occoquan Regional Park by trolley. Tours will last approximately 30 minutes and will begin on the hour and half hour from noon to 4:00 p.m.

Price: $5 per adult and $1 for children 12 and under accompanied by an adult.

Purchase a timed advance ticket at the Occoquan Farmers' Market on July 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Limited availability!

Tickets may also be purchased at the trolley itself on a space available basis. All tours will begin at the public parking lot under the Route 123 bridge in Occoquan. This event is sponsored by the Town, the Occoquan Historical Society, Occoquan Regional Park, and Occoquan River Communities.

View Occoquan from a different and uniques persective and learn the history of this special Town!

Spring 2009 Occoquan Craft Show Survey!

I have created a survey asking YOU who hopefully attended to give us feedback about the Occoquan Craft Show this weekend June 6-7th.

Please fill out this 10 question survey to help us make the Occoquan Arts & Craft Show the best it can be!

Click HERE to take the Occoquan Craft Show 10 Question Survey

The Occoquan Spring Arts & Crafts Show June 6-7th 2009

(Photos of last year's show taken by Bryan Reese of HistoricOccoquan.com)

Come and shop at one of the largest arts & craft shows in Virginia!

The Occoquan Spring Arts & Crafts Show is being held rain or shine on June 6-7th from 10-5PM.

You can find a list of the Town's Merchants participating in the show HERE:

Most of the other shops will be open so don't forget about them!
There will also be plenty of local and out of state crafters.

The Occoquan Arts & Crafts fair has hundreds of participants from all over the country.

If you miss this one, Occoquan has a Fall show in September that is worth checking out for all of your Christmas goodies.

Would you like to be a vendor at next year's show? Please visit the Occoquan Craft Show website for details on how to apply.

Last year, the Spring show happened to be on the hottest day of the year, remember to check the weather and dress accordingly! Dont' forget to bring Cash, although there will be ATM's at the show and alot of vendor's also accept checks and credit cards.

FAQ:

Where do I park?

Parking is located on a vacant lot (that used to be a Department store) outside of town on Gordon Blvd. There are shuttle there that will take you into town.

Will there be food?

YES! The Food vendors will be located at the end of Mill Street. Don't forget about the restaurants in town and the snack shop that just opened up at 304 Mill St.

What about bathrooms?

Plenty of Porta-Potty's will be available at different locations.

COME VISIT OCCOQUAN for a whole day of awesome artisans!

Occoquan River Fest recap and Upcoming Events

Did you see Historic Occoquan on the front page of the News & Messenger?
Denise at Off the Beading Path has a copy in her store, or you can check out the article online at: http://www.insidenova.com/

I wasn't able to take photos of the Festival since I was working diligently :-), but Bryan from historicoccoquan.com took some wonderful photos and they will be posted on his site very soon! http://www.historicoccoquan.com/ keep checking back!

I wanted to take this time to remind you about one of our biggest upcoming events, our annual Spring Arts & Crafts Show! it will be held in the streets of Occoquan on
June 6-7th rain or shine. There will be no Farmer's Market that weekend.
To find out more information about the Craft Show, please visit online HERE
Expect to find some great things! Most of the businesses will be open that weekend so bring $$ and expect to spend the day...or weekend :-)

Occoquan River Festival UPDATE!

The Occoquan River Festival will be held on MAY 2nd rain or shine!
This is due to the fact the weather is expected to be worse on Sunday May 3rd, the scheduled rain date.

There will still be TONS of stuff to do, don't let the weather hold you back from coming to this awesome Occoquan event!

2nd Annual Occoquan River Festival 2009

April showers bring May.....Festivals!

Occoquan is having its 2nd annual Occoquan River Festival next weekend, May 2nd! (Rain date May 3rd)

All of the Occoquan river communities will be participating in a day packed full of events!

Start your Saturday off at the Occoquan Farmer's market (8am-12PM).

Then peruse the streets of Occoquan for sidewalk sales, and multiple craft demonstrations.

The Grand Opening of Royal Confections (on Mill St. by Glory Be) as well as the new Lemonade Stand (where the old "Snack Shop" was) is also happening. Royal Confections has some amazing homemade fudge you'll regret not trying.

There will also be live musicians placed all around town. We have some GREAT musicians this year and you will have to check them out! Some of the musicians include, Heather Renee', Derelict Dog, Urban Scientific, Jim Gilliam, and MORE.

Horse drawn carriages rides will trot around town, and there's also a petting zoo and pony rides for the kids.

Water taxi's will take you to other locations for the festival, which include a classic car show AND MORE!

Seriously people, I mean it when I say there will be a whole day's worth the things to do during the Festival. :-) Please join us for a relaxed, mostly free, family day out to Occoquan.

All photos were taken around the Historic Town of Occoquan-- the Gazebo and the courtyard of the Garden Kitchen.

Farmer's Market in Occoquan!

Have you heard about the Occoquan Farmer's Market?
Come join us every Saturday starting April 18th (from 8-12PM) to November 19th.

All the produce and plants will be locally grown from farmer's within a 120 mile radius.

Are you a farmer looking to sell? Contact Joann at Tastefully Yours for information.
Hope to see you there!

It's Easy Being Green in Occoquan

Occoquan is "going green"! We'll be putting up recycling bins underneath the 123 bridge as well as kicking off spring with a going green day.

Join the Occoquan Merchant’s Association on Saturday, April 18th 8 AM - 12PM at the Ebenezer Baptist Church Parking Lot as we start Spring off by going GREEN! The following services will be available to individuals:
* Secure Paper Shredding (Courtesy of My Paper Tiger)*
* Cell Phone Recycling (Courtesy of Secure The Call)
* Eye Glass Recycling (Courtesy of Lions Club International)
* Enter our drawing for prizes including a Singer 7469Q Sewing Machine
* Donations will be collected for a local charity
* Add’l Shred Days: June 20th & July 18th, 10 AM – 1 PM
*Paper Recycling Instructions: No businesses. Only “secure” paper accepted, no folders, card stock, etc. Secure paper is any document that can lead to identity theft (eg. credit card receipts, bills, bank statements). For more shredding info visit http://www.mypapertiger.com/.

The shredded paper will be made into pulp to make recycled paper products and help lessen the demand on our forests!

For more information visit: http://www.occoquanmerchantsassociation.com/

The Pot 'O Gold Winner

What a gorgeous weekend!

Saturday, April 4th was the day that the winner was drawn for the Pot 'O Gold Prize.

Congratulations Caroline!

The Pot contained over a $1,000 worth of donated gift certificates, and merchandise from Occoquan businesses. The metal bucket of goods weighed over 50 lbs and needed two people to carry it!!

Some of the local merchants (Jackie from Endeavors, Joann from Tastefully Yours, Kelly from Kelly's Artbox, Lisa from Lisa Julia Photography, and Denise from Off the Beading Path) were present as well as some town visitors and people who entered the drawing.

Be sure not to miss out on the next town drawing/contest!

Thank you to Lisa for providing the photography at the event! Please take a look at her gorgeous website: http://www.lisajuliaphotography.com

She specializes in heirloom family portraiture (maternity, babie's, children, families & more)

Get your Spring and Easter Goodies in Occoquan!

Decorating for Easter? Have spring fever and need something flowery and green to look at?

Glory Be and Willow Creek are just a couple of the stores you can find darling Easter Home decorations and other springy goodies!

Glory Be's lovely handmade bunnie's are sure to make you smile. :-) Also, be sure to check out all the new furniture that has just come in! Great prices and just in time to spruce up your home for spring.

Glory Be is located on Mill Street next to the Virginia Grill.

You will love Willow Creek's fresh green hues, little Peter rabbits peeking out from behind cabbages, and shabby chic decor. Willow Creek has also started carrying the clothing line: Fresh Produce! Stop in today and get a look for yourself at all the great items.

Willow Creek is located on 203 Washington Street: 703-497-2070

So don't forget to shop OCCOQUAN for all your spring and Easter needs! There are plenty of other wonderful stores all decked out just waiting for you to enter~

Find Some Luck in Occoquan

Have you heard about Occoquan's

Pot of Gold Drawing?

You can win an awesome Pot 'O Prizes (estimated value over $1,000!) by visiting the various participating stores and signing up to enter the drawing. The more shops you visit and sign up in, the better your chances of winning! So visit them all! No purchase is necessary.

The last day to enter is April 3rd. The drawing is held in front of the town hall on April 4th, at 1PM.

So come on into town and get lucky!! Don't turn down the chance to win free gift certificates and goodies from all the wonderful shops in town.

**Photo is of flowers from Accolades Florist in Occoquan-- Order early for your Easter and Mother's Day flowers!
http://www.accoladesflorist.com/

The Occoquan Bride- Perfect places for all your bridal needs.

Money is tight, but that doesn't mean that you can't still pamper yourself as a bride! Occoquan has many wonderful, AFFORDABLE places for all your bridal needs.

Start your bride's day out at LaBella Bridal Boutique located at 201 Union St., Suite 201. If you're looking for personal one-on-one attention and a large selection of gowns-- LaBella is the place for you. LaBella has been dressing brides and bridal parties for over 15 years! Their elite selection and excellent service has kept brides coming back. Their staff goes out of their way to ensure that you look your absolute best on your wedding day. They are by your side from your very first visit until that special day comes. Let LaBella pamper and dress you from head to toe.

Please call for your personal appointment-(703)-494-2929

About 20% of LaBella's items are consignment; perfect for the penny-pinched bride.

Also, receive a free veil with your purchase of any bridal gown!

LaBella has a wide selection of prom and homecoming gowns, 20% off!

Looking for a romantic and quaint place to take your bridesmaids for a girl's day out? Then check out the Pink Bicycle Tea Room located on 303 Commerce Street.

The Pink Bicycle Tea Room (http://www.pinkbicycletearoom.com/) serves afternoon tea in a warm and romantic environment. Adorn yourself with one of their many tea hats! The Pink Bicycle Tea Room also offers delicious lunches, pastries and catering. It is the perfect setting for bridal & baby showers, birthday parties of all ages, or any get together. You're guaranteed to love the host, tea, and company!

Reservations are highly recommended. Please contact Lisa at: (703) 491-5216

Still searching for something for your bridesmaids? Check out Brambles (http://www.bramblesstudio.com/) line of wedding jewelry made by Praha Jewelry Designs. Brambles is located at 307 mill Street. Praha jewelry is handmade from pearls, sterling, and semi-precious stones at a very affordable price! Stop in the store to get a look it yourself.

This article only features a few, but don't forget to check out other great bridal destinations like:

*Dansk Day Spa-A unique Scandinavian experience (703) 492-1991 http://www.danskdayspa.com/

*Vanida's Nail and Skin Care

Manicure, pedicure, facial, massage therapy, microderm abrasion, oxygen treatment, training.(703) 492-9346

*My Bodyoga Spa

Massage, skincare, yoga, wraps, Tai Chi, Acupuncture, workshops, Spa parties, nutrition.

(703) 494-9642

*Off the Beading Path

Make your own bridal jewelry!

http://www.offthebeadingpath.biz/

There are also many picture perfect locations around Occoquan. Like the waterfall by the biking path, the Mansion, and the gazebo surrounded by pink blossomed trees!

Fall in LOVE with Occoquan

Historic Occoquan, Virginia is the perfect place to take your sweetie this Valentine's Day weekend. Why? Well let me just tell you some of the few things some of the town shops have to offer!

The Garden Kitchen (http://www.gardenkitchen.com/) is having a special 3 course Valentine's Dinner with wine. Please contact the restaurant for more details!

Speaking of wine-- after your meal stop in next door to Tastefully Yours (http://www.tastefullyyoursva.com/) to try their lovely selections of wines during their special wine tasting on February 13th.

Guys-- are you still looking for that perfect (and affordable) personal gift for that special girl? WOW her with something you made yourself! Denise at Off the Beading Path (http://www.offthebeadingpath.biz/) is having special "Guy's Only" beading classes to help you make something unique. Classes are on February 6th, 8th, and 12th and are only $10 plus materials. Please make reservations and contact Off the Beading Path through phone or email.

These Valentine's Hotspots are all located on Mill Street.

Also, take some time to stroll through Occoquan and get a view of the gorgeous river by the town's gazebo. It's romantic and sure to encourage a kiss....or two. :-)