For the first time in 39 years, the Herndon Festival, one of the most popular free outdoor festivals in Northern Virginia, will not be held in the historic Downtown District. This year, the time-honored event is sited one block off the Fairfax County Parkway at 200 Spring Street on the campus of Northwest Federal Credit Union. Admission to the festival is free, with free shuttle buses departing regularly from the Worldgate Shopping Center and Herndon High School. The Festival runs Thursday, May 30 - Sunday, June 2, billed as "New Location, Same Great Festival." The Connection asked Northwest Federal Credit Union’s President and CEO Jeff Bentley, and Herndon Parks and Herndon Parks and Recreation Department’s Executive Director, Cindy Roeder, what was their take on the 2019 Herndon Festival.

Roeder explained the change to "New Location, Same Great Festival."

“Our message is that although the Herndon Festival is relocating to the Northwest Federal Credit Union campus, all of the same cherished elements are coming with us: rides, games, crafters, children's hands-on art, food vendors and local businesses, plus more than 50 performances. And it's a great thing to have a new partner in Northwest, who has already proven a delightful host.”

Bentley said: “The first thing I plan to do is look around and try to absorb all of the incredible sights and sounds. I'm sure it will be exciting to see the Northwest Federal campus buzzing with family fun. Second, my wife and I will probably stop by the Northwest Federal booth right next to the carnival to take a few pictures with the fun photo backdrops available free for everyone to enjoy. Third, I think I'll grab a cold beverage and a snack from one of the amazing food vendors.”

Speaking about performers participating in the Festival, Roeder said, “With more than 50 performances, you will surely find a singer or entertainer you really enjoy. We are excited about Vertical Horizon closing the show on Sunday afternoon at 4:45 p.m. We also think folks will like Farewell Angelina, Eve Strings Electrique, China Grove, the Doobie Brothers tribute act and a fun yacht rock group called Three Sheets to the Wind. And throughout the day, you might discover someone new on either the Parkway or Herndon Family Medicine Stage as they both offer a full schedule of quality entertainers. Check out the schedule at www.herndonfestival.net/entertainment.

USATF 10K/5K

The 10K/5K Races will be held on Sunday, June 2 at 7:30 a.m. at the Herndon Community Center. These races are great for all fitness levels and ages; very family-friendly. The race course takes you through historic downtown Herndon. Both the 10K and 5K courses are USATF certified. Awards are presented to the top two finishers from each age group from the 10 & under, to 70 & over. There is still time to register. All the details at http://www.herndonfestival.net/10k-5k-races.html.