Folks in Vienna, Virginia, certainly know how to “live it up” every Memorial Day Weekend. For more than four decades, the community has been carrying on a beloved time-tested annual tradition via their ViVa! Vienna festival. Stronger and more enduring now than ever before, the family-friendly fun times and follies return to the scene this Saturday, May 23, and will run through Monday, May 25.
ViVa! Vienna! is essentially a double-delight celebration that serves as both a beloved charity event and a community-oriented Memorial Day Weekend tradition. Founded and operated by the Rotary Club of Vienna in conjunction with the Town of Vienna over 41 years ago, the engaging incorporation of multiple vendors (arts, crafts, local artisans, small businesses) helps to support more than 70 local organizations, as 100% of proceeds go toward charitable, community, and humanitarian causes.
Vienna organizations and businesses that will be setting up booths specific to the benefit of the public include the Handcrafters Association, Church Street merchants, the Freeman House, Northern VA Model Railroaders, and others. Expect a host of sales and promotions from community retail merchandisers and local businesses.
In addition to the feel-good benefits of supporting worthy causes, ViVa! Vienna! boasts an array of amusing offerings. Live entertainment, presented on the Town Green Stage, will keep the festival buzzing all three days.
Featured performers include the Vienna Singing Princesses, the Great Zucchini, Vienna Community Band, Vienna Dance Academy, Velocity Dance, C4 Performing Arts, Herr Metal, Ocho de Bastos, the Cricket Clown, Cuppett Performing Arts Center, Fat Chance Band, the Jersey Tenors, Vertigo Red, Holding a Grudge, Favorite Child, Charlie Ragusa & Tom Saputo, School of Rock, Josh Konde, Vienna Jammers, the Virginia Ballet Company, Maple Academy of Irish Dance, Born 2 Dance Studio, Fantasm, Unruly Theater Project Teen Improv, Falling Home, the Rockitts, and the Coozies. The stage will also play host to the highly anticipated Memorial Day Ceremony, honoring the men and women who gave their lives while serving in the military at 1 p.m. on May 25.
The festival also features 24 carnival attractions, all provided by Cole Amusement Company. Considered Virginia’s Finest in Family Entertainment, Cole has been serving the East Coast region through their provision of safe rides and family-oriented games for over two decades. Their iconic lineup includes favorites like Willie the Whale, Jolly Choo Choo, Cliff Hanger, Funnel Force, the Expo Wheel, and the Classic Carousel, among many others. Rides are appropriate for ages two and up.
Not to be overlooked are all the delicious food options to be provided, catering to multiple tastes. The works range in the following: Barbecue classics, hot dogs, hamburgers, Italian sausage, popcorn, kettle corn, funnel cakes, candied apples, cotton candy, shaved ice, ice cream, Thai food, Chilean meals, and Lebanese cuisine, in addition to several others.
Perhaps the most popular presentation of consumer specialties can be found at the festival’s BrewFest Beer Garden. Now in its third year, the BrewFest Beer Garden may be a newer addition to the festival in recent years, but it’s quickly emerged as a favored feature for many. Click here to read more.
ViVa! Vienna! is the ultimate community-wide Memorial Day celebration. All festivities will take place in historical settings throughout town. Specific locations include Vienna’s historic Freeman House, Old Vienna Railroad Station, the Caboose, W & OD Trail, and Church Streets at Dominion and Mill.
Take note that Church Street will be closed on Sunday and Monday to traffic from Lawyers Road to Mill Street. This will allow for artisans, retail vendors, political parties and candidates, and professional groups to display their booths. For all other information about ViVa! Vienna!, visit the website at www.vivavienna.org.