🌱 City, UMW Unveil Civil Rights Trail + Gas Prices Drop 16 Cents

Hey, everybody! It's Saturday in Fredericksburg and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community.

But first, today's weather:

A bit of snow and rain. High: 44 Low: 31.

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Here are the top three stories in Fredericksburg today:

1. The City of Fredericksburg and the University of Mary Washington partnered up to unveil the city's new civil rights rail, "Freedom, a Work in Progress," during a special unveiling ceremony and even on Feb. 23. The event featured several speakers, including U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, and was attended by many community members and local leaders. The new walking trail is nearly three miles long and takes participants through the stories of locals throughout the city's post-Civil War history. (UMW)
2. Gas prices in Fredericksburg have dropped 16 cents from last week's prices. The drop is the largest drop in Virginia where the state's overall average went down only seven cents this last week to $3.17 per gallon of unleaded gas. The recent drop in gas prices is attributed by experts to a decrease in domestic gasoline stocks and fluctuating oil prices. (Fredericksburg Today)
3. Join the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce for Distill It: Issues Facing Our Region's Businesses. The informational event will be on Mar. 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will feature speakers from our region's largest and most successful organizations at the A. Smith Bowman Distillery. You can register here. (Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

Today in Fredericksburg:

• 2023 Black History Month Program: Black Resistance At Fredericksburg Expo Center (9:00 AM)
• Spirits Festival At Fredericksburg Fairgrounds (11:00 AM)
• ZoankidZ Nerf Night At Zoan Baptist Church (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Bring your children for some recreational fun at Preschool Play Date! Kids from ages 1 to 5 can come to participate in arts and crafts, an indoor play park, and more today, Feb. 25 starting at 9:30 a.m. (Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events via Facebook)
• Many pets are waiting for adoption around the country, including here in Fredericksburg. Check out this roundup of animals available for adoption in the area and learn more about pets like Olivia, Killarney, Tiger, Bud, and more. (Fredericksburg Patch)
• Take some time to nominate your favorite organizations and businesses for Best of the Burg 2023! Nominations close on Mar. 1 and can be made here. (Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (February 28)
• FTE Presents Stop Kiss Mar3-5, 10-12 (March 3)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right! I'll see you around.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.