Springfield Days Returns with New Events and Traditional Favorites

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Presented by Safford Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge of Springfield, Springfield Days is a community-wide weekend-long celebration featuring free activities for a variety of interests May 30 – 31, including PetFest, a car show and, new this year, the Springfield Days Stride and the Springfield Market Expo.

Springfield Days is always a great start to the summer and every year, its community spirit grows,” said Jeffrey C. McKay, Lee District Supervisor. “I encourage everyone to attend this great family weekend.” McKay will offer the official Springfield Days Proclamation on Saturday morning at South Run park.

Events start Saturday morning with the Springfield Days Stride. A new event this year, the 2K race/walk is open to runners, walkers, strollers and pets, serving as the main health and wellness event of the festival. The traditional Springfield 5K will now be held in the fall.

“We just couldn’t find an ideal course this year for the 5K, but still believe it’s important to include an active lifestyle event as part of Springfield Days,” said Mark Russell, race coordinator and owner at Metro Run & Walk. “The 2K will encompass some of the area around the new Springfield Town Center, and is structured so anyone can participate. There will be a few vendors on site as well, providing breakfast after the race.”

Also new this year, Springfield Days volunteers bring you Springfield Market Expo. Visit booths of more than 50 local businesses selling their products at an outdoor marketplace in the parking lot of Springfield United Methodist church. Purchase jewelry, craft items, foodstuff, health and beauty supplies and more. The list is endless, and the businesses are local. The Market Expo is open Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and radio station B101.5 will be broadcasting live.

“I love Springfield Days. I felt we needed to bring back celebrating the people of Springfield, particularly those who own businesses in the area,” said Margaret Panik, Market Expo creator. “They are our neighbors and our friends. They are part of the reason why Springfield is a great place to live and work. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to shop local!”

In addition to the new events, Saturday has plenty more to offer including the Springfield farmers market, PetFest at South Run Park and the car show at American Legion Post 176. PetFest is presented by Top Dog sponsor, Regional Veterinary Referral Center and organizing sponsors, Felix & Oscar, Olde Towne Pet Resort and Fairfax County Park Authority. Other local businesses have also joined at various sponsorship levels. Activities at PetFest include Paws on Parade, shows from Mutts Gone Nuts and an Amtrak K9 demonstration. Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome to attend this event with their owners as well.

“PetFest focuses on fun and celebrating the joy pets bring to our lives,” said Diana Greiner, owner of Felix & Oscar and an organizing sponsor.

The American Legion Post 176 in Springfield will host its annual car show. The event is free to attend or to exhibit, and all types of vehicles are welcome. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the show runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Then, on Sunday, join neighbors at Lake Accotink Park for the highly anticipated Cardboard Boat Regatta. Cheer on teams from local elementary schools, scout troops and businesses, as well as families, friends and neighbors as they race to the finish in their homemade cardboard boats. Will they sink or will they float? Parking at Lake Accotink is $4 per car on Sunday.

“Springfield Days is a group effort supported by local businesses and service organizations. It’s our opportunity to bring the community together to enjoy family-friendly activities and catch up with neighbors,” said Nancy-jo Manney, Springfield Days planning committee chairperson and executive director of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. “The Cardboard Boat Regatta is an event that highlights this in a large way. Competitors include students from Fairfax County’s SACC programs, scout troops, families and businesses, all equalized on a beautiful spring day working hard to keep their boats afloat.”

Springfield days is run by an all volunteer staff, and costs are covered fully by sponsoring businesses. For a full schedule of events, registration forms and an updated sponsor list, visit springfielddays.com. You can also find Springfield Days on both Facebook and Twitter.