Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. (CFI), a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation, was created by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1984, as the result of a citizen blue ribbon study. Today, CFI's mission is "The Celebration of Fairfax County and Its Communities."
CFI's "flagship" event, Celebrate Fairfax!, began as the Fairfax Fair. The Fair dates back to colonial times when the House of Burgesses mandated that an annual Fair be held to promote commerce, economic development and a sense of community.
The Fair existed as a for-profit corporation from the late 1700's to the mid-1940's, when it went bankrupt after three years of rain. In 1982, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors decided to create and host a countywide event: the "Fairfax Festival." The success of that event led to the creation of the nonprofit Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. which produces the festival today. The Board of Supervisors remains involved through its appointment of 5 members to 17-member CFI Board of Directors.
Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. is led by a 16-member policy governance Board of Directors. For a list of CFI Board Members, click here.
Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. programs include:
Events 101 - A day-long workshop for Fairfax County-based non-profit groups and civic organizations. This workshop is designed to assist charities, religious groups, county agencies, and others who produce events for their members and the public. Past sessions leaders included experts on logistics and operations, volunteers and programming. CFI provides all participants with a comprehensive Resource Guide that summarizes the content from the sessions, a checklist for producing events in Fairfax COunty and directory of vendors. Through the Events 101 Workshop, CFI nurtures cooperation among event organizations, resulting in greater efficiency for those serving Fairfax County. Events 101 is held annually in February. For more information about this event, visit www.events101.org.
Celebrate Fairfax! Festival - Northern Virginia's largest music and entertainment festival. More than 60,000 attendees enjoy five stages of performances, great food, interactive exhibits and activities, a Crafts Market, Better Living Expo, carnival and special attractions. Celebrate Fairfax! is held annually the second weekend after Memorial Day. (June 5, 6, 7, 2009) For more information about this event, visit www.celebratefairfax.com.
Fall for Fairfax - The premiere annual fall festival takes place on The Ellipse behind th Fairfax County Government Center. This great family festival is full of activities including scarecrow making, pumpkin painting, hay-rides, petting zoo, inflatables, kid's crafts, stage entertainment, and more. Held annually the first Saturday of October. (October 3, 2009) For more information about this event, visit www.fallforfairfax.com.
Lord and Lady Fairfax Awards Program and SALUTE! - Each year two community volunteer leaders are honored by each member of the Board of Supervisors.The Monday prior to the opening of Celebrate Fairfax! the Board of Supervisors along with honored guests enjoy a catered meal provided by Coastal Flats, a Great American Restaurant to publicly honor the Lord and Lady Fairfax Honorees.
The Northern Virginia Events Network (NoVEN) - Celebrate Fairfax's latest outreach initiative. NoVEN is a membership program that provides an ongoing source of education, networking and other resources for Northern Virginia’s event producers. Working together, NoVEN members can develop better programs and an enhanced quality of life for our communities. .
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