🌱 Fireworks Show Contract In Talks + Rt. 28 Construction To Begin

Good morning, Manassas Park! I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Partly sunny. High: 53 Low: 34.
• Friday: Cooler with showers around. High: 42 Low: 35.
• Saturday: Breezy; a shower in the a.m.. High: 47 Low: 29.
• Sunday: Partly sunny. High: 51 Low: 34.

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Here are the top three stories today in Manassas Park:

1. During its most recent meeting, the Manassas Park Governing Body discussed a new contract for the annual Independence Day fireworks show at Signal Hill Park. The city wants to move the celebration date from Jul. 5 to Jul. 1 to avoid competition with other fireworks shows in the surrounding jurisdictions. Additionally, the city is considering shortening the show by using electronic fireworks, which would cost about double the price of hand-lit fireworks but would shave five minutes off the run time. (PotomacLocal.com)
2. A $24 million construction plan on Route 28 in Manassas Park is set to begin its first phase. The project aims to replace five signalized intersections with Restricted Crossing U-Turns (RCUTs), which will reduce the risk of serious crashes by minimizing conflict points. As part of a wider effort to improve traffic safety and accessibility, Fairfax County and the Virginia Department of Transportation have also been widening their respective portions of Route 28. (WTOP)
3. OmniRide has resumed limited commuter service into D.C. from the Horner Road commuter lot amid the ongoing long bus operator strike; however, other commuter routes remain suspended indefinitely. While local buses are running every 90 minutes as some drivers have continued to work, many employees are still on strike. According to Bob Schneider, the director of Keolis and OmniRide, a contract agreement between the union and the company has yet to be reached. (WTOP)

Coming up in and around Manassas Park:

Thursday, March 9

• Rock Ready HIIT Class At Vertical Rock Indoor Climbing Center, Manassas (6:30 PM)

Friday, March 10

• Gotaway Band At Heritage Brewing Co, Manassas (6:00 PM)

Saturday, March 11

• Greater Manassas St. Patrick's Day Parade At Historic Downtown Manassas (11:00 AM)

Sunday, March 12

• Manassas Ballet Theatre: La Boutique Fantasque & More At Hylton Performing Arts Center - Merchant Hall, Manassas (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking to keep the kids engaged this summer break? Manassas Park Community Center summer camp registration opens on Apr. 1. Visit the link for a preview of this season's sessions. (Manassas Park Community Center via Facebook)
• Heads up, local house hunters: five new properties have just hit the Manassas Park real estate market. (Manassas Park Patch)
• The House of Mercy will be hosting a High Tea Fundraiser at Manassas Park Community Center on Sunday, Mar. 19 from 2-4 p.m. Enjoy tea and refreshments, a silent auction, and more to raise funds for families in need. (bristowbeat.com)

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Featured events:

• PWLT Presents: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (March 10)
• Manassas St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 11)
• Estate Planning Seminar on March 14th and 15th at Northern Virginia Community College (March 14)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! See you soon for your next update.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.