n LOUDOUN
4 | n PUBLIC SAFETY
VOL. 9, NO. 28
11 | n EDUCATION
12 | n PUBLIC NOTICES
Community-Supported News. Free to all.
1,500 Attend First Lincoln Strawberry Festival BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
Wegmeyer Farms hosted its inaugural Lincoln Strawberry Festival over the weekend with three days of activities ranging from pick-your-own berries to ice cream eating contests and strawberry pancake breakfasts. Event coordinator Harriet Wegmeyer said over 1,500 people bought tickets for the event, despite a very rainy Saturday. “I think it went really well given the circumstances that we were handed,” she said. “On Saturday, it rained all day. But Sunday ended up being really beautiful. It was just a fantastic time.” Even though the rain might have deterred some, Wegmeyer said it didn’t seem to hinder visitors who did make it out. “The rain didn’t dampen people’s spirits,” she said. “Some of the kids had a great time and they were in their raincoats and boots.” The festival served as a fundraiser in collaboration with the Wegmeyer Farms Foundation to support area nonprofits and provide scholarships for high school students. Beneficiaries included the Lincoln Community League, Lincoln Preservation Foundation, Lincoln Elementary, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Loudoun, Loudoun Heritage Farm and Museum and Loudoun 4-H. “One of the things that was so joyful was the community coming together, the volunteers from our partner nonprofits,” Wegmeyer said. “Seeing everyone come
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MAY 23, 2024
SCC Examiner Recommends Denial of Greenway Toll Increases BY HANNA PAMPALONI
hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now
Wegmeyer Farms, in collaboration with the Wegmeyer Farms Foundation, hosted its inaugural Lincoln Strawberry Festival last weekend.
together for the benefit of each other, that was the proudest moment.” The festival kicked off Friday with a BIP (Berry Important Person) Denim Gala and Dinner, which showcased local flavors and wines. Wegmeyer said all 100 tickets sold out for that event. Saturday began at 8:30 a.m. with a pancake breakfast which was quickly followed by a series of events and contests at the farm. Live music, strawberry ice cream eating contests, a toddler runaway stroll, kids story times, strawberry pie eating contests, vendors and a continuation of pick-your-own strawberries filled up the rest of the day. Sunday also boasted a pancake break-
fast and between the two days, over 440 people were served. The remainder of the day’s events included a 4-H animal presentation, another round of ice cream and pie eating contests, live music and a final dance off and musical performance by the farm’s mascot, Berry D. Licious. While it’s too soon to know how much was raised for the nonprofits, Wegmeyer said she is already looking forward to next year. The foundation also held an art contest leading up to the festival, soliciting entries for the event’s poster art. Loudoun Valley High School student Thomas Mazeika earned a $1,000 scholarship for his winning submission. n
State Corporation Commission Senior Hearing Examiner Michael Thomas released a report May 15 recommending denial of a rate increase submitted by Toll Road Investors Partnership II, the company that owns the Dulles Greenway. He opposed the increase to the maximum tolls charged to most drivers because it would “materially discourage use of the Greenway,” in violation of state law. The request, submitted last July, is to increase rates to $8.10 during peak hours, up from the current $5.80; and to $6.40 during off-peak hours, up from $5.25. A hearing on the application was conducted in February, following a public comment period and public hearings. In his report, Thomas states that the increase would provide the company “no more than a reasonable return,” but that because it would discourage use, he would be recommending denial at the time. GREENWAY TOLLS continues on page 36
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