Rocking Around The

Boardwalk

Neabsco Regional Park had its second year of putting up wooden tree cut outs along their newly built boardwalk. Decorated by the Prince William community’s local groups and organization. This year they also expanded their holiday festivities to include a magical light display for the county’s residents.

This holiday weekends event was perfect for families and friends to enjoy. As you walked under the dripping lights, you’d feel as if you were walking into a blissful Winter Wonderland. The music cast an enchanting spell, filling the atmosphere with holiday cheer. For those looking to warm themselves up during this chilly time, there were enticing aromas of delicious treats from local food trucks.

The Unique Tree Display creations delighted you with feeling like a little kid waiting for Santa to bring your wishes. Veterans Park Preschool was one of the first trees along the walk, displaying the children’s creative skill with cute little painted ornament.

Girl Scout Troop 80112 decorated one of their trees with adorable little gingerbread men and delicious looking drawings of yummy Girl Scout Cookie. Santa himself may have been tempted to snag a cookie from this tree. Fred Lynn Middle School took advantage of this opportunity by displaying a QR code for visitors to scan and learn about an upcoming event, The Fred Lynn Comic Con in April. If you enjoy the nerdier side of life, get- ting tickets may be the perfect gift for yourself. Manassas Cub Scout Pack 35 created a marvelously colorful, stained glass cut out for everyone to enjoy.

Homeward Trails Animal Rescue’s showed cute pictures of the pets they have up for adoption. So if you are wishing for a furry little friend Homeward Trails has just what you need.

Prince William Historic Preservation brought our vast history of the county back to life, by trimming their tree with pictures of historic sites and houses.

Walking along the board walks beautiful displays, reminded you of all the wonders our community has to offer that we can fill this next year with.

At night the boardwalk was glistening with lights that synced up with fantastic Christmas music. The views above captivated you with the feeling of walking through a blissful snowfall. Shooting stars shined down on children enjoying this magical time. Up on the lookout tower you could see a spectacular view of the colorful lights reflecting off the water creating a whole new world for you to dive into.

The Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, John Blevins, mentioned how Prince William County was happily surprised by this years turn out for the holiday event they put together. Knowing that Covid has impacted the residents of the county, this gave our county a chance to come together in celebration and appreciation for this community. Local law enforcement worked together with park rangers and volunteers to help direct traffic for this alluring event. When asked if they would be charging for entry next year due to the increase in popularity of the event; John said “It’s a large community wide event, not everything has to have a fee”. Neabsco Regional Park truly embraced the giving spirit this season, inviting you to partake in a magical time.

While interviewing residents about their holiday wishes, many wished for joy amongst their friends and families in the coming year.

Members of the Blakey family are asking Santa for happiness for those around them and the newest Nintendo system.

The young couple, Britany and Jalen Nellum are hoping to add a sweet baby of their own to the family in the near future.

Three year old Amiya Porter talked about how much she loved all the colorful and unique trees, reminding us all to look for the beauty in our lives.

“What would you like for Christmas?” Was a question that little 2 year old Zoey Hartzlor was ready to answer while holding her candy cane. “A Happy New Year.” Zoey said, a holiday wish that all of us can share in.