9-19-2026 12:56pm

FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL SET FOR TODAY AT FREDERICKSBURG FAIRGROUNDS

John Williams Editor

Disability Resource Resource Center

Free event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features more than 90 vendors, animals, entertainment, food and activities for children and families

By John L. Williams and staff
The Spotsylvania Gazette

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Families can attend the disAbility Resource Center’s annual Fall Family Festival for free today, Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, 2400 Airport Ave., Fredericksburg.

Admission and parking are free. The festival will offer activities for children and visitors of all ages and abilities.

This year’s event, themed “Let the Gourd Times Roll,” will feature more than 90 vendors and community organizations. Attendees also can enjoy animals and pony rides, Raging Reptiles, face painting, pumpkin painting, a bounce house and other children’s activities.

Food trucks and vendors selling sweet treats will be on-site, while entertainment will include live performances, karaoke, door prizes and other family activities.

The festival also provides an opportunity for residents to learn more about the work of the disAbility Resource Center, commonly known as dRC.

The organization serves the city of Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties. It is also developing independent-living services in Culpeper, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties.

The center’s services include peer support, information and referrals, individual and systems advocacy, independent-living skills training and transition services. Its work is centered on helping people with disabilities make their own decisions, participate fully in their communities and live as independently as possible.

The festival’s extensive corporate and community support demonstrates how highly the disAbility Resource Center and its work are valued throughout the Fredericksburg region. Sponsors include businesses, housing and financial organizations, health and rehabilitation providers, service clubs and other community partners.

Because several four-legged guests will be at the festival, organizers ask visitors to leave their own pets at home.

The Spotsylvania Gazette will cover the festival throughout the day, with photographs and a full follow-up story scheduled for Sunday.

Disclosure: John L. Williams, founder and editor of The Spotsylvania Gazette, serves on the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities and is a member of the disAbility Resource Center. The Gazette supports the disAbility Resource Center as one of its two designated charities and provides the organization with complimentary advertising.