December 2022

Annual Stafford Historical Society Christmas Party

Thursday December 15th 2022 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM


Members and Guests Only. The Christmas party will be held at the Rowser Building, Room A. It begins at 6:30 PM. The SCHS provides napkins, plates, cutlery, and beverages. Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share.

November 2022

(Updated) Monthly Presentation – Memories of Hartwood Winery

Thursday November 17th 2022 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM


Connie Hilker will present a PowerPoint program about Hartwood Winery, Stafford County’s first winery. Connie has lived next door to the winery for the past 20 years and will share photos and stories of the early days of the winery.

The originally scheduled program on George Washington has been rescheduled for February 2023.

This presentation will be our first attempt at live streaming via Facebook. To view the presentation from Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/StaffordHistory. You should see the live feed listed at the top of the posts. If not, you may need to refresh your page. Given that this will be our first attempt, please be patient as there could be unplanned technical issues.

UPDATED: Stafford – Spotsy Arts Festival

Saturday November 12th 2022 10:00 AM – Sunday November 13th 2022 4:00 PM


UPDATE: The event has been cancelled for Sunday, November 13th due to damage from the winds last night. We appreciate the support of the artists and everyone who visited the event on Saturday.

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A juried arts festival featuring the best of the best.

The Stafford Museum and Cultural Center is super proud to be bringing this premiere event to Embrey Mill. Free to attend and browse.

THIS IS A FAMILY FRIENDLY FESTIVAL

What better way to do your Christmas shopping than shopping at this event. As you stroll through the rows of tents where you will meet and be able to talk with the creators of sculptures, paintings, pottery, photography, one-of-a-kind jewelry designs, batiks, and much more.

This Festival offers a wide variety of mediums, styles, sizes, subject matters, and price ranges. There will be something that will appeal to everyone who attends.

​“History lives in Stafford!” You can visit a wide variety of attractions and combine your business or golf trip with off-the-beaten-track side-tours through history, local award-winning wineries and breweries, and a wide selection of shopping and arts.

November 12th 10am – 5pm
November 13th, 11am – 4pm

401 Coneflower Lane, (Embrey Mill), Stafford, VA

It’s a great outdoor space for social distancing and following safety rules to ensure the safety and well-being of our Exhibitors and Shoppers.

October 2022

Monthly Presentation – Update on Stafford County Museum

Thursday October 20th 2022 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM


Stafford County Commissioner of the Revenue, Scott Mayausky, will be presenting a status update on the proposed Stafford County Museum.

Stafford County Agricultural & Homemaking Fair

Thursday October 13th 2022 5:00 PM – Sunday October 16th 2022 10:00 PM


About the Stafford Fair

The first annual Stafford County Club and School Fair was held at Stafford High School on October 21, 1922 for two days conducted by the School Board, and officers of the Fair; W.D Peyton, president; James Ashby, secretary & treasurer; V.B Perry, manager. The first fair also involved a school parade, marching from Stafford High School to the Courthouse. On October 18, 1929, it was reported that the Agricultural Department, directed by R.L. Reid, Hayden Silver and Grafton Greenlaw, was one of the best exhibits in years. They also held educational and domestic art exhibits inside the school building. The fair was cancelled in 1930 due to drought conditions and revived in the fall of 1931 by combining “Achievement Day” with the County Fair. At that time, it was reported that this fair would be the most notable of all county-wide gatherings. “It is designed for all the people and it is estimated that more people meet at it and intermingle in social pleasure than at any other event in the county’s annual history.” The Fair did not operate during WWII. It was revived in 1948 to be held for many years at the new Falmouth High School. In 1959, Mrs. Deichman former manager of the Stafford County fair and other officers of the Stafford County Fair were sought after to renew and organize the “area-wide” Fredericksburg Fair where Mrs. Deichman served as Treasurer.

Over fifty years of history had passed since Stafford held its own fair. Gordon Shelton stepped up to revive the Stafford Fair in the fall of 2010. In keeping with tradition, he held the fair in the fall on school grounds. The Fair, held at Mountain View High School for the first few year had quickly outgrown the field in front of the school and moved behind the Margaret Brent Elementary School in 2014.

At the new location, we were able to add a demolition derby and a tractor pull arena and make room for a temporary homemaking building, tents for the 4H and animals, pony shows, music concerts and more exhibits. In 2015, we held our first Miss Stafford County Pageant bringing our queen to the VAF competition.

The Fair continues to grow as a non-profit, volunteer organization. We are not supported by any government entity. We are in need of permanent grounds.

Each year we are able to promote agriculture, community spirit, family fun events, motor sports, home making contests, 4H competition, vendor’s, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, pony rides, and carnival rides, food and overall fun for everyone!

We are proud to have been able to provide the opportunity for Fire & Rescue teams to demonstrate and receive special training in the Jaws of Life recovery from automobiles.

We happily dedicate our time to the Stafford County Christmas Parade, which began in 2015 dedicated to Sheriff Charlie Jett and Clerk of the Court Barbara Decatur. In 2020, due to COVID, the parade location was moved to the fairgrounds. The parade is now held on the 3rd Saturday in December every year at the Fairgrounds.

Gordon Shelton, Fair Manager is honored to be on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Association of Fairs.

September 2022

Via Colori Stafford Street Art Festival

Saturday September 24th 2022 1:00 PM – Sunday September 25th 2022 9:00 PM


Save the date! Our 2nd annual Via Colori Stafford! will take place September 24-25, 2022. Look for even more artists, entertainment, and fun!