5 Things: Harry Potter, Back to School, Country Fun, Abraham Lincoln and a Sales Tax Holiday

Welcome to the week of July 29 when we'll say goodbye to July and hello to August. As summer winds up quickly, here's a few suggestions of things to do and things to know about to make your week West End wonderful.

Dragon's Blood and more at the unique Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum in Old Town for a special exploration of the science behind the fictional Harry Potter. In honor of Harry’s birthday, the Old Town Alexandria shop will explore the real world of science and medicine behind author J.K. Rowling’s book series, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, July 31. The museum is located at 105-107 S. Fairfax St. $6 per person, no reservations required.

It's back to school for Samuel Tucker Elementary School students Aug. 1. The K-5 school on Ferdinand Day Dr. in the West end operates on a modified calendar. Be alert for kids walking, biking and taking the bus to school.

Enjoy country fun at the 4-H Fair Aug. 1 through Aug. 4 at Frying Pan Farm. There are carnival games, rides, and fair exhibits. In addition, watch the 4-H exhibitors get their farm animals ready for the show, visit exhibit booths, try farm chores, enjoy fair food and watch dog and horse shows. An antique tractor pull begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday. The fair runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The carnival rides open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday and 11a.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday. There is a $7 parking fee per car per day. Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Call 703-437-9101 for more information.

Sales tax holiday. The Commonwealth of Virginia will hold its annual August sales tax holiday from Friday, Aug. 2, through Sunday, Aug. 4. Qualifying school supplies selling for $20 or less per item and purchases of qualifying clothing and footwear selling for $100 or less per item will be exempt from sales taxes.

The Day Lincoln Was Almost Shot is the subject of a new book by B. Franklin Cooling III. A book signing and author’s reception will take place Saturday, Aug. 3, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 4301 Braddock Rd.