9 seasonal events coming to the Richmond Highway corridor in May

(Images courtesy of Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, Friends of Mason Neck State Park, and Fort Belvoir)

Marked by both festive and somber observances, the month of May brings a number of events and activities to the Richmond Highway area. Here are nine events to help unofficially kick off the summer season.

1. Cinco de Mayo. From May 4-6, a couple of restaurants around the corridor will help commemorate Mexican culture and heritage with food and drink specials. El Paso Mexican Restaurant (both Cooper Road and Richmond Highway locations) will charge just $5 each for lunch specials, Estrella beer buckets and house tequila shots all weekend long. Meanwhile, La Mexicana Bakery and Taqueria at 2907 Arlington Drive will discount catered food orders.
2. Revolutionary War Weekend. George Washington’s Mount Vernon is hosting a huge family-friendly reenactment all day from May 5-6. Besides watching battles by Continentals, Redcoats and Hessians, attendees can learn about military techniques and 18th century life, meet and greet Gen. George and Martha Washington, and enjoy concessions. Tickets are included in the price of general admission.
3. Wetland Awareness Day. Celebrate the beauty and importance of wetlands at Huntley Meadows Park, the Fairfax County Park Authority’s premier wetland sanctuary. From noon to 4 p.m. on May 6, there will be an opportunity to see raptors, reptiles and amphibians up close, and to enjoy interactive displays and activities. Free admission.
4. Ribbon Cutting at Bucknell Manor Park. Rescheduled from April, the new playground at Bucknell Manor Park will make its official debut on May 6 at 5 p.m. The updated facility includes two play areas appealing to children of different ages. The playground has been brought into compliance with ADA standards. Free admission.
5. Eagle Festival. Celebrate our national emblem on May 12 with a day-long festival at Mason Neck State Park. Activities will include a bird walk, live animal shows, hands-on education, outdoor recreation clinics, pony and hay rides, live music and food/drink. Free admission.
6. Mother’s Day Brunches. Treat your mother to the special Saturday Jazz Brunch featuring the Dan Lamaestra Trio at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church on Sat., May 12 or to a traditional Mother’s Day brunch on Sun., May 13 at the Fort Belvoir Officers Club, Laurel Hill Golf Club, the Mount Vernon Inn (dinner buffet also available) or River Bend Bistro.
7. Bike to Work Day. On Fri., May 18, Richmond Highway area residents who register in advance for this free national event can make a pit stop on their way to work at the Huntington Community Center (open 6:30 – 9 a.m.) or Collingwood Park (open 6:30 – 8:30 a.m.) and receive free t-shirts and chances to win bicycles and other prizes.
8. Memorial Day Observance. Fort Belvoir’s annual ceremony honoring our nation’s fallen service members will take place Thursday, May 24 at 10 a.m. at the Cold War Memorial on Long Parade Field. Members of the general public may attend by bringing photo IDs and accessing the base via Tulley Gate.
9. Waterpark/Sprayground re-openings. Like many area community pools, Pohick Bay Regional Park’s waterpark and Lee District Family Recreation Area’s sprayground officially open Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28. Pohick Bay’s Pirate’s Cove waterpark will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends and holidays, and on June 23 will commence its weekday schedule. Lee District’s “Our Special Harbor” will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends through June 16, then begin its weekday hours.