Colonial Beach 2016 Guide

Colonial Beach VA 2016 “Whether you’re here for a day or a week, you will experience what we call home.”

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June 2016 • The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide

Welcome to the town of Colonial Beach On behalf of the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce, we welcome you to our waterfront town. This is your guide to explore and become a part of all of the wonderful things that make Colonial Beach a unique and relaxing community.

“Whether you’re here for a day or a week, you will experience what we call home.”

The Chamber of Commerce represents 145 businesses and organizations, from retail, service, real estate, marinas, hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, art galleries, antique shops and professional services that cater to their customers on a first name basis.

The Chamber’s year round events calendar is made possible by businesses and residents who volunteer their time and effort to celebrate the beauty of our surroundings as the second largest public beach in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The bounty of our good fortunes includes a school system that is fully accredited by the Virginia Dept. of Education. Our police department is also fully accredited by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission.

Situated in historic Westmoreland County, Colonial Beach, VA has something to offer everyone.

If you visit us once, you will return time and time again.

Enjoy!

Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce 106 Hawthorn St. PO Box 475 Colonial Beach,VA 22443 (804-224-8145) info@colonialbeach.org www.colonialbeach.org

Carey W. Geddes President, Col. Beach Chamber of Commerce

2014 Board of Directors President: Carey Geddes

Beach Service Center Vice President: Maryann Day

Beach Shop Treasurer: Mitzi Saffos

BB&T Bank Directors: Patrick H. Ward, CPA Kyle Schick, Colonial Beach Yacht Center Joyce Thor, JarrettThor Fine Arts Ed Blunt, The Lighthouse Restaurant Anita Chung, River Edge Inn Shirley Hinrichs, Monroe Bay Inn, B&B

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The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide • June 2016 3

Colonial Beach town information Joan Grant Chief Financial Officer Town Offices 315 Douglas Avenue (804) 224-7181 Danny Plott Chief of Police Brendan McHugh Planning & Zoning Administrator Kathy Flanagan Town Clerk Robert Murphy Director of Public Works Val Foulds Town Manager Mike Ham Mayor mham@colonialbeachva.net Eddie Blunt Vice-Mayor Tommy Edwards Council Member Wanda Goforth Council Member Mike Looney Council Member Burkett Lyburn Council Member Wayne DiRosario Council Member Chamber of Commerce Care Geddes President Maryann Day Vice-president Mitzi Saffos Treasurer Directors: Bryan Coffman; Steve Keene; Caryn Self-Sullivan; Patrick H. Ward; Melissa Prassenos; Eric Nelson

Colonial Beach High School 804-224-7166 Colonial Beach Elementary School 804-224-9897 Washington District Elementary 804-224-9100 Washington & Lee HS 804-493-8015 Montross Middle Sch. 804-493-9818

Upcoming Town Events: June 10 Father’s Day Car Show 4Th off July Fireworks 37th Annual Rod Run to the Beach August 20-21 2nd Annual Water Fest August 27-28 50th Annual Boardwalk Arts & Crafts Festival Sept. 3-4 3rd Annua CB Bike Fest Oct 6-9 3rd Annual Halloween Golf Cart Parade & Fall Festival Oct. 29 22nd Annual Rockfish Tournament Nov. 12-13 Santa’s Wonderland Winter Festival & Lighted Boat Parade Dec. 3

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June 2016 • The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide

Potomac River Festival kicks off Colonial Beach summer Annual crowd-pleaser runs June 10-12, includes carnival, parades, much more for whole family Richard Leggitt

Fireworks, parades, beauty contests, arts & crafts, a carnival and a blessing of the fleet highlight the 65th Annual Potomac River Festival in Colonial Beach.

The three-day event, June 10th through the 12th this year, serves as the kick-off of summer and attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the Potomac River town.

Sponsored by the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Riverfest has been held since 1951. This year's theme is Rollin' on the River. The Riverfest begins with a popular and fun carnival at midweek on Town Hill featuring games, food and rides including a Ferris wheel.

Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Is the colorful and boisterous Firemen's Parade featuring the Colonial Beach Volunteer Fire Department and dozens of other fire departments from Virginia and Maryland.

It is followed by the Miss Colonial Beach Contest held on the Town Hill stage.

Beginning Saturday morning, vendors offering everything from hot dogs to funnel cakes to barbecue as well as dozens of arts and crafts booths will be set up on both sides of the popular Colonial Beach Boardwalk. Over the years the wide variety and quality of food and crafts available at this event have drawn huge crowds to the boardwalk.

Saturday at Noon, residents and visitors will be able to watch the long Grand Parade, with floats, music and colorful performers, as it makes its way down Colonial Avenue to Washington Avenue.

Saturday night at 9 p.m. there's a huge fireworks display at the Colonial Beach Municipal Pier. Visitors and residents can set up lawn chairs along the beach to watch the rockets being launched.

The fun continues on Sunday with a Boat Parade at 1 p.m. featuring just about every type of vessel as well as the Blessing for the Fleet. The boat parade featuring a long line of runabouts, yachts and cruisers sails along the Potomac River beachfront to the municipal pier.

Sunday at 2 p.m. is the Pet Parade at Town Hill Stage. The pet parade Sunday features dogs of all sizes from St. Bernard's to toy Poodles. There are no prizes, but plenty of treats available for the pets. "Everybody's a winner," said Joyce Gunderson, a local resident who oversees the event.

"It is a fantastic weekend for the town," said Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce President Carey Geddes. "We have a great group of volunteers who have helped with the events for years and that is the reason things go so well."

Midway fans should have plenty to do at the carnival partt of Riverfest June 10-12

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File photo

The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide • June 2016 5

Photos by Bonnie Gouvisis

The Potomac River Festival kicked off Saturday with the Festival baby Contest. At left are the 6-12 month category winners, Girls: Teagan Galyen-Fred., Runner Up: Kamlyn Snow-Ruckersiville.

Winners Boys: Bryce Conn-Colonial Beach, Runner Up: Alontre Hillary-Colonial Beach. Below are Junior Miss winners, Winner and Miss Photogenic: Cora Bowler-Colonial Beach, Runner Up: Kaylee Short-Woodbridge, Va.

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June 2016 • The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide

Shopping at the Peddlers Market linda farneth

Colonial Beach Peddlers Market offers so much more than a shopping experience.

Aside from over 30 vendors with a multitude of treasures for sale, the market offers a Facebook page which not only updates photo’s of newly added items and vendors, the page gives helpful information about upcoming events in Colonial Beach.

Manager Fred Mills routinely updates Facebook page “peddlersmarket.cb” with the latest items and highlights upcoming events and where to purchase items to help you enjoy those events.

During the Rockfish tournament Mills gave information on check-in and weigh-in times as well as featuring Kimmie’s Fish and Tackle’s booth.

Mills also updates information on the latest sales that vendors run. But the real fun comes from visiting the market in person, while enjoying all the fun events and natural beauty that Colonial Beach has to offer.

As you walk in the large airy market you are greeted by friendly staff and will soon get lost in the variety of goods for sale. Items range from new and used, to hand made crafts, original artwork and items for all types of decors. Shopping is relaxed and all items are clearly marked for customer con-

venience.

Jewelry, Furniture, driftwood crafts and even old antique items are among the many treasures your will find as you stroll through out the market. Vendors occasionally stop by to update and add items, but the staff at the Peddler’s Market are always there to answer any questions, assist with reaching merchandise, retrieve merchandise from locked cases as well as help you load large items into your vehicle.

Prices are reasonable and the markets expansion, from 15 to over 30 venders since it opened in October, speaks to the markets success.

Mills said that over 10 vendors have expanded since the business opened and new vendors arrive weekly to peddle their wares.

You can stop by anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday thru Monday, But the market does close one hour early on Sunday.

(10am to 5pm).

The market is located in the Rankins Shopping Center at 501 Euclid Ave in Colonial Beach Virginia.

While you’re there check out the other locally owned and operated shops within the plaza. Including Rankins True Value, Rankins Furniture Store and Raggs which offers and assortment of new and gently used clothing, specializing in casual busi-

Linda Farneth

A look down an aisle at the Colonial Beach Peddler’s Market shows a colorful array of many knick knacks, collectibles and fun items for sale. ness suits and accessories for ladies.

So come in and join visitors who have already come from all over Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and even the Carolinas

and see what the peddlers market has to offer you.

For any questions or information call The Peddlers Market at (804) 224-0750.

The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide • June 2016 7

Fourth of July promises beach fun, fireworks Richard Leggitt

As the nation celebrates its 240th Independence Day, what better place to celebrate history and patriotism than the town of Colonial Beach located along the banks of the Potomac River and just miles from the boyhood homes of four of our founding fathers.

The little beach town will quadruple in size as visitors and friends and family of residents show up to participate in a joyous 2016 4th of July celebration. There will be music, picnics, water activities along the long beachfront and several dozen vendors offering food, drinks and arts & crafts along the town's riverfront boardwalk.

And, of course, fireworks.

Colonial beach is know for its dazzling and lengthy fireworks displays that launch from the Municipal Pier just after 9 p.m. every Independence Day. Residents and guests can sit in lawn chairs or on towels on the beach to watch the colorful fireworks show or view the festivities from one of the many boats anchored in the Potomac River

for that purpose.

There are also celebrations of the nation's birthday at nearby George Washington's Birthplace, which is just down the road and now is a celebrated national park, and at historic Stratford Hall, the home of Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, the only brothers to sign the Declaration of Independence.

There is a visitor center at James Monroe's birthplace which is located in Colonial Beach. Monroe, the author of the Monroe Doctrine, fought in the Revolutionary War as a young man and after serving in two presidential administrations and becoming president himself died on July 4th, 1831.

Colonial Beach is home to many fine restaurants and shops and is known for welcoming guests. There is a town trolley to ferry visitors around town. First time visitors need to pay close attention to traffic and parking since streets will be crowded for the three-day holiday which begins on Saturday and runs through Monday.

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June 2016 • The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide

3rd Bike Fest draws old sponsors, new acts in October

Richard Leggitt When the summer heat gives way to cooler fall weather and brightly colored falling leaves, it's time for the Colonial Beach Bike Fest. This year, the 3rd Annual Bike Fest is expected to draw bikers and music lovers by the tens of thousands to the Potomac River town.

Sponsoring the popular event again this year are the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce, the High Tides on the Potomac Restaurant, Bayside Auto Group, Miller Brewing and All-American Harley Davidson of Colonial Beach and Hughesville, MD. The event will run for four days from October 6th through 11th.

There will be free concerts on three different stages during the Colonial Beach Bike Fest featuring bands like the Nighthawks, Foghat and the Outlaws. This year's event will also feature a special tribute to the music of the late Gig Michaels who was a featured performer at the two previous biker events held along the Colonial Beach riverfront.

One of the attractions of this year's events will be a raffle held by the Colonial Beach Volunteer Fire Department of a 2016 Harley

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High Tides on the Potomac Restaurant and the Black Pearl Tiki Bar will have bands performing every day. In addition, High Tides will host a Harley Davidson fashion show, it's famous 911 wing competition and a tattoo competition, in addition to serving delicious food and a wide variety of beverages.

Just down the street from High Tides, the Jarrett Thor Fine Arts Gallery will be featuring a wide selection of bike related art. And, the Colonial Beach Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will be serving dinner at the firehouse on Colonial Avenue.

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June 2016 • The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide

There’s Great Hiking Nearby While in Colonial Beach Jim Lynch DAHLGREN RAILROAD HERITAGE TRAIL in nearby King George The Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail (DRHT) is a rails-to-trails conversion of the old Dahlgren Branch line, which was built in 1942 to serve the Naval Base at Dahlgren.

The DRHT preserves open space, serves as an active wildlife corridor, and is open for non-motorized uses such as cycling, jogging, walking and cross-country skiing.

Rails-to-Trails projects are unique recreational resources and are of distinctive benefit to their communities. Rail trails are usually level, or have gentle grades and wide curves that offer clear and easy access for people at all levels of mobility, making them particularly suitable formultiple and varied recreational uses. Additionally, the trails may serve as alternate transportation resources, offering walking and bicycle routes to work sites, educational campuses or commercial centers.

The 16-mile DRHT Rail Trail encompasses 238 acres. The western terminus is on Bloomsbury Road (Rt. 605) near the Stafford County line. Here, there is a small parking area and a multi-purpose area used for events. Two old RF&P rail cars are parked on remnants of the rail that remain. Accessing the interior of the cars is not permitted, but all are welcome to view them and take pictures. For safety reasons, please do not climb on the cars.

From there, the trail continues east and terminates about a mile east of Owens Road (Rt. 624). Most of the trail is beneath a beautiful canopy of mature trees, making it very shady and pleasant, even in the hot summer.

This trail goes through some of the wildest and most beautiful land in the Northern Neck of Virginia. The property abounds with wildlife; songbirds, turtles, muskrats, deer, foxes, eagles, hawks, beavers and water fowl are all common sights and sounds.

“Nowhere else locally can I hike all day, for miles, through the woods listening to birds; it’s a true breath of fresh air,” says one trail fan.

Trail users include scout groups, families and individuals, cyclists, and runners. There

are two long-distance running races on the trail every year; a half-marathon in February in conjunction with the Northern Neck Winterfest event, and a 50-kilometer race in August.

The trail is accessible from: the Bloomsbury Road trail-head; the road crossings at Comorn Road (Rt. 609), about four miles from Bloomsbury Road; and Indian Town Road (Rt. 609), about eight miles. There are small parking areas at these locations. Future improvements will include parking at Owens Road and trail connections to Caledon State Park.

Until the trail becomes part of the State Park system, it remains in private ownership. The owner encourages the public to use the trail, but asks that users obtain a permit at no charge. Visit the Friends’ website for details and to download a permit application at friendsdrht.org.

In the future, the trail will also be part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, a trail system that runs from Pittsburgh, PA to the Chesapeake Bay. Note that the trail passes many properties of our trail neighbors, even though very few residences are visible from the trail. Leaving the trail and trespassing on our neighbors’ property is strictly forbidden.

The Friends of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail encourage you to visit and enjoy this beautiful natural pathway through King George County. We’ll look for you on the trail!

Other hiking trails near Colonial Beach: GEORGE WASHINGTON BIRTHPLACE NATIONAL MONUMENT- 550 acres In Westmoreland County, just a few minutes southeast of Colonial Beach and under the protection and care of the National Park Service since 1932, the grounds are a nice walking area with several paths around the Memorial House in the Historic Area. Park at the Visitor Center (nice movie, exhibits, gift shop and restrooms). Go out the back door of the Visitor Center, and enjoy the view of Popes Creek from the wooden deck (there are rocking chairs there for those not wishing to hike).

Take the Popes Creek Trail toward the Histor-

ic Area and Cedar Grove. If you have a little more time, take the new (2012) wooden footbridge that goes across an arm of the creek to the Picnic Area (restrooms here are closed during winter months) and a separate 0.9-mile nature trail. Come Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail Map back across a pair of boardwalks to the barnyard area, and back WESTMORELAND STATE PARK- 1900 to the Visitor Center parking lot on the Up- acres (approx.) per Trail. Level grade with a few short rises; Just a few miles farther down Route 3, lodirt, crushed oyster shells or woodchip-based. cated between Washington’s Birthplace and There is one small wet, boggy stretch on the Stratford Hall in Westmoreland County, separate Nature Trail, but for only a few yards. there are seven trails, totaling six miles in About two miles total, not including the sepa- length. Some steep hills, including a long rate nature trail. Tours of the Memorial House and steep staircase coming up from the and other informative presentations by Park beach on the Potomac River; dirt paths, Rangers and Guides are available. Open 9-5 winding through mature forests; welldaily (except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiv- marked; a great place to spend the day hiking, and Christmas). Pets are not allowed in ing with a lunch. Cabins and campsites are the Historic Area (including its trails and the available. footbridge). There are no admission or parkParking fee for all, and camping fee, if aping fees. www.nps.gov/gewa plicable.

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Classic cars, classic cause to support at Rod Run to the Beach Aug. 20-21 Richard Leggitt

The Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the 37th Annual Rod Run to the Beach Aug. 20-21 and with the help of the original Colonial Rod Club will raise funds for scholarships for graduating seniors from Colonial Beach High School.

The summer event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to help deserving students. The popular two-day event will bring car buffs from up and down the East Coast to Colonial Beach to display their antique, classic, street rods and custom cars on historic town hill.

The Rod Run to the Beach was started in 1978 by Steve Young, one of the founders of the Colonial Rod Club. When Steve passed away four years ago, his brother, Al Young continued to work with Steve's wife, Linda, to keep Steve's Rod Run dream alive.

This year, with the advice and guidance from Al Young, the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce has taken over the sponsorship of the event. "Al's wisdom and expertise are often called on and his wishes will always be followed," said

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Last year's Rod Run to the Beach was a tremendous success due to the cooperation of Colonial Beach's businesses and the many donations of prizes. The Chamber of Commerce is hoping this year's event will be just as successful. The registration fee for the event is $15 per car if paid early. Late registration is $20.

With the help of many volunteers, the Rod Run to the Beach is one of Colonial Beach's most popular summer events.

Thousands show up to view the more than 125 cars on display and revive memories of their heydays. Classic cars from the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s will be on display. Judges at the car show will award trophies for the Top 15 cars, Best in Show and a Founder's Choice Award.

The Rod Run to the Beach attracts registered vehicles from as far away as New York and South Carolina. Vendors set up booths around Town Hill and there is music, food and drinks. The vendors help everyone enjoy the day and before and after the event the cars are a popular attraction as they cruise around Colonial Beach. This year as last year, Rod Run organizers are expecting very large crowds.

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June 2016 • The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide

Boardwalk art show has long legacy of crafts excellence

50th show promises to be a great one

Get results!

Richard Leggitt

The 50th Annual Arts and Crafts Show on the Boardwalk will be held September 3rd and 4th along the Potomac River in Colonial Beach. The arts and crafts show has become a focal point of regional and local artists and crafters since it was begun in 1966.

Sponsored by the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce, the show will feature ceramic, wood, glass, jewelry and pottery creations as well as the work of artists in oil, acrylic, watercolors and ink. Tents and booths will line both sides of the boardwalk.

Admission to the Boardwalk event is free.

Residents and visitors to Colonial Beach can browse the various arts and crafts displays, enjoy a meal at one of the Beach's popular restaurants or just soak up the sun and sand.

Artists and crafters participating in the Arts and Crafts Show on the Boardwalk will compete for prizes ranging from 1st place to honorable mention. Judging starts on Saturday, September 4th, and prizes will be awarded based on creativity, craftsmanship, detail and design.

Those attending the Boardwalk Arts and Crafts show can also have the additional treat of visiting the Jarrett Thor Fine Arts Gallery, located just off the Boardwalk at 100 Taylor St. At the Thor Gallery, guests can view the displayed landscapes, seascapes, still life and portraits done by talented local and regional artists.

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The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide • June 2016 13

Boundaries in Colonial Beach

Although the Town of Colonial Beach is physically located in Virginia, anyone venturing out into or over the Potomac River off the town’s shores is legally then located in the State of Maryland.

Many have contemplated this boundary over the years, and as some have found out the hard way, you can’t break the law in Colonial Beach and then seek refuge in the waters of the Potomac thinking that the CB Police Department, Westmoreland County Sheriff ’s Officers and/or Virginia State Police can’t touch you there.

Because of the invisible boundary and the time it would take law enforcement officers from Charles County, Md. or Maryland State Police to respond to the area, a mutual agreement has been made between the states that allows Virginia law enforcement officers to respond to emergency situations and detain suspects in unlawful activities while Maryland law enforcement respond from across the river.

This boundary line was of great benefit to business owners of properties built out over the river during the time that slot machines were legal in Maryland but not in Virginia.

“Little Reno”, later named “Reno” before it was transformed into today’s “Riverboat on the Potomac”, was one such venue that enjoyed the benefits of owning slot machines back in the day.

After slots were no longer legal in Maryland, along came the Maryland Lottery. Before the days of the Virginia Lottery, people would drive to Colonial Beach from all over the State

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Overhead, a sign reads, “Welcome to Maryland”, announcing that the state line is about to be crossed, and anyone proceeding will be able to purchase alcohol and lottery tickets under the laws of Maryland, leaving Virginia’s rules and regulations on the other side of that line.

As far as fishing in Colonial Beach goes, since the Potomac River is in Maryland (all but just a few feet of it, anyway), and its shores and the Municipal Town Pier are in Virginia, either state’s saltwater fishing license is acceptable here.

Fishing in waters that are solely in Virginia, such as Monroe Bay and nearby Maddox Creek fall under Virginia’s fishing rules and regulations only. Children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license, and there are certain days each year that are “free fishing” days, meaning no one is required to be licensed.

The Potomac River Fisheries Commission, located just behind the Boardwalk, is ready and able to answer all your questions, and to sell you the license(s) you may need. I understand that there is even a “combo” license available there.

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June 2016 • The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide

Raise the roof for CBVFD at annual blues festival Check out Li’l Ronnie and the Grand Dukes June 17-19 at Black Pearl Richard Leggitt

Hundreds cavorted to the old-style tunes at last year’s High Tides Blues Festival.

File photos

Learn the history of DAHLGREN

DAHLGREN DAHLGREN

The theme of the 2016 High Tides Blues Festival in Colonial Beach June 17-19 is Raise the Roof because this year funds from the popular blues fest will go to the Colonial Beach Volunteer Fire Department to help pay for badly needed roof repairs to the Colonial Beach firehouse.

This will be the 6th annual blues fest held at the High Tides on the Potomac Restaurant at their Black Pearl Tiki Bar along the Colonial Beach Boardwalk. Featured performers this year include Lil' Ronnie & the Grand Dukes, Johnny Rawls & Biscuit Miller and Gracie Curran & the High Falutin' Band.

The blues fest, which attracts large crowds of blues fans from as far away as the Carolinas and Pennsylvania, will go on rain or shine. A Festival Pass is $55 for all events. A Single Day Pass for Saturday Only is $27. A Single Day Pass for Sunday Only is $23 and the Friday Night Pre-Fest Party is only $20 per person.

Proceeds from the festival will go to the CBVFD, known as the Pride of the Potomac.

Established in 1895, the fire department is a completely volunteer station with the exception of one paid employee who works five days a week. The CBVFD responds to more than 600 calls per year with 30 active volunteer firefighters.

This year blues blues festival supporting the fire department kicks off on Friday, June 17th at 6 p.m. with the band Vintage #18 which will be followed by the Ron Spencer Band and then at 9:30 p.m., Lil' Ronnie and the Grand Dukes.

On Saturday, June 18th, the blues begin at Noon with Doug Parks & the Lonewolves, followed by Blues Flash, Still Standing Feat, Linwood Taylor, Big Boyd Little Band, Patty Reese and at 9:00 p.m. Johnny Rawls and Biscuit Miller, a crowd favorite.

Born on the south side of Chicago and raised by his grandmother, Miller was given his childhood nickname, Biscuit, after always being in the kitchen and underfoot while his grandma was trying to cook. She also gave him his love and appreciation for music, as gospel and soul were played in her home on a regular basis. Known for his big smile, Miller's music always gets the crowd dancing.

Sunday, June 19th, the top notch entertainment also begins at Noon with Fast Eddie & the Slowpokes, followed by Blues Buckets, Sweet Suzi & Sugafixx and wrapping up beginning at 5:30 p.m. with Gracie Curran & the High Falurin' Band. More information is available at: http://www.hightidez.com/blues/. Blues #1

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The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide • June 2016 15

Joyce Gunderson is living her dream with Raggs Richard Leggitt

Joyce Gunderson, a Colonial Beach businesswoman, has recently opened the latest edition of Raggs, her women's clothing, gifts and furniture store, at 500 Colonial Ave. just blocks from the town's Potomac River beach.

"I am living my dream," said the vivacious Gunderson. "I have wanted to be in the clothing business since I was eight years old. I am doing what I want to do."

Raggs is a clothing store that Gunderson has operated in several Virginia locations, including King George, for the better part of 30 years. It was located in the Colonial Plaza Shopping Center until recently when it moved to the former location of Wishes and Dreams, which closed last year.

"Wishes and Dreams had a great, successful run," Gunderson said. "But I was excited when I learned this location was going to be available. Without a doubt, it is better visibility."

The new store brightly painted in beach colors, not only has women's clothing, but jewelry, gifts and furniture. "We will be adding new stuff all

the time," said Gunderson. "Hopefully, we can make it fun for customers."

Gunderson said she chose the name Raggs "because that is sort of the slang name for the clothing business."

Gunderson, who went to Virginia Tech and majored in fashion mechanizing, travels a great deal representing Balfour jewelry on college campuses in Virginia and Maryland.

She is well known in Colonial Beach, where she has lived for more than 20 years, as a tireless civic activist and community volunteer. "I want this store to be a community resource," she said.

Debbie Ey, Gunderson's manager at the colorful and eclectic Raggs store, is proud of the various merchandise on sale at Raggs. "We have two lines of jewelry with interchangeable stones," Ey said. "And, we have a lot of beach wear."

Ey said Raggs is currently open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. "We will expand those hours in the summer," said Ey, which is good news to all of those area residents who want to share Joyce Gunderson's dream.

File photo by Richard Leggitt

Debbie Ey, the manager of Raggs in Colonial Beach is proud of the variety of colorful merchandise.

The colorful Raggs storefront is located only a couple of blocks from the Potomac River beach in Colonial Beach.

‘Il G El lus ra M vis io n n d on P s M ro re of ar e sle th sh & e a Pa y, M St l ts ar ar s y C ily n ’ lin e

16 June 2016 • The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide

Stage at 2 p.m.