Saturday was an exquisite autumn day for the 28^th Annual Mason District Park Festival, as children, parents, grandparents, and others descended on the park for a full day of fun and festivities. The Festival, sponsored by the Friends of Mason District Park and the Fairfax County Park Authority, began in 1980 as a fundraiser for park equipment. The original goal was to buy a “weed whacker” for the park; the Friends raised enough to buy that equipment and a tractor! Overall, the Friends of Mason District Park have raised and donated more than $150,000 to the park.

Entertainers featured on the showmobile stage included The Country Steppers Dance Team, in bright blue shirts and western gear, delighting the audience with their quick feet. The ever-popular Mariachi Los Amigos, in traditional black and silver suits, played to an appreciative crowd at noon. Afternoon shows included the Flamenco Ole dance troupe, and two rock and country bands, Billy Clements and the Pickups, and the Doug Parks Band.

One of the most popular children’s rides was the hayride, sponsored again this year by Goodwin House Baileys, a senior residence complex that provides independent living apartments, as well as assisted living and nursing home care. Each rider received a squishy rubber rainbow-colored “brain” as a toy souvenir. Goodwin House Bailey’s is a cornerstone park donor, as they also provide corporate support for the summer concerts.

Next year’s park festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2008. Mark your calendars now!

The results are in! The early September Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Document Shredding Event, co-sponsored by the Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program and my office, was the best-attended such event in the county this year. Four hundred fifty-four vehicles passed through the parking lot at the Mason District Governmental Center during the five hour event. Household hazardous waste collected totaled 24,046 pounds, and 5 tons of paper were shredded and recycled. There must be lots of cleaner basements and sheds in Mason District now!

Fairfax County personal property tax payments are due on Friday, October 5. Payment options include mail, telephone, computer, or kiosks located throughout the county. VISA, MasterCard (MC), and Discover credit cards may be used to pay on-line at www.fairfaxcounty/gov/dta, or call 703/222-6740 (TTY 711) to use your VISA or MC by phone; 703/222-7594 for Discover payments. Residents are no longer required to purchase a $25 county decal or display it on their windshields. The Board of Supervisors repealed this requirement on July 1, 2006. However, vehicles still must be registered in Fairfax County and personal property taxes paid by tomorrow.