11th Annual ~ not too spooky ~ Halloween Hoedown!

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE DOOR!

To get there, go to: 16009 River Farm Lane Leesburg, VA 20176
NOTE: After turning onto Limestone School Road (a gravel road), continue on the road and over the small one-lane bridge. You will then turn right at River Farm Lane, which will take you to the arena. There will be signs and volunteers there to assist with parking.

Ride a mechanical bull, or create a one-of-a-kind hand-dyed silk scarf?

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Photos by FX Pictures

Bid on professionally wrapped auction baskets, or dance to the live band?

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Photos by FX Pictures

Have your portrait sketched, or enjoy a BBQ buffet? (vegetarian & gluten-free available)

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Photos by FX Pictures and AART

Bid on once-in-a-lifetime vacations, or enter the costume contest?

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Photos by FX Pictures

Play in our Kiddie Korral, which includes arts & crafts, inflatables, and games!

Photos by FX Pictures & AART

We hope you DO IT ALL at the ~not too spooky~ Halloween Hoedown!

FAQs

When is the event?
Saturday, October 28, 2023

Is the event rain or shine?
Yes! The event takes place indoors.

Where is the event being held?
River Farm
16009 River Farm Lane
Leesburg, VA 20176

What is AART's fundraising goal for this event?
$25,000

What is the schedule?
Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and you will have immediate access to food, drinks, games, the silent auction, and Kiddie Korral. Winners of the costume contest will be announced around 7:30 p.m. The silent auction will close between 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. The times listed here are all subject to change.

What should I bring?
A great attitude, ready for a night of fun! There will be silent auction items and additional drink tickets for purchase, so bring cash, checks, or credit card.

What should I wear?
This event has no dress code; however, western wear or a Halloween costume is welcomed! The event is held in a horse arena so the floor may be dusty. We DO NOT recommend wearing high-end shoes or high heels. Please wear or bring socks if you plan to ride the mechanical bull.

I want to wear a costume! What should I know?
Judges will walk around the event around 6:00 pm to determine the best individual, child, and group costumes. Winners will be announced around 7:30 pm and receive their awards.

What should I know about the silent auction?
Bidding will open at 5:00 p.m., and rolling closing times will occur between 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. You must be present to win! If you leave before the item you bid on is closed, you must designate someone to bid and take the basket home, or the next highest bidder will be selected.

What type of items will I find in the silent auction?
There will be an assortment of items including, but not limited to, wine, alcohol, family-friendly activities, kid games, and tickets to sporting events. All baskets are professionally wrapped and make excellent holiday gifts!

What about those once-in-a-lifetime vacation packages?
AART has partnered with AmFund to provide amazing once-in-a-lifetime vacation packages for you to bid on. Last year, some of our most popular packages were - an African Photo Safari, Fire and Ice - Iceland, Royal Chateau & champagne Adventure in France.

You can view the trips for this year at https://bit.ly/aarthoedowntrips2023

What is on the bbq menu?
Various bbq meats, bbq side dishes like baked beans, cole slaw, and mac n' cheese. Vegetarian chili will also be served, along with gluten-free options. The items listed here are all subject to change. However, there will always be a vegetarian option available.

Do you need volunteers for this event?
Yes, we do! If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, fill out our event volunteer interest form.

* Universal preschool does not exist in Virginia; coupled with the high cost of living, many working-class families and those living in under-resourced communities must prioritize shelter and essential utilities over the cost of preschool. Data tells us this is true –

• Only 29% of low-income children in Northern Virginia are enrolled in preschool, compared to 67% in higher-income households - making this the highest income disparity of preschool enrollment in the entire country. Hughes.
  
  
• Children from low-income families and those at risk for academic failure, on average, start kindergarten 12 to 14 months behind their peers in pre-literacy and language skills. U.S. Department of Education.
  
  
• If children cannot master reading at a basic level by the third grade – they are six times more likely to leave school without a high school diploma. Hernandez.
  
  

All Ages Read Together helps fill the preschool opportunity gap in Northern Virginia. Our program is unique because we are portable and operate within in-kind spaces to keep our costs down. You will find our classes in affordable living communities, libraries, senior centers, community centers, and places of worship in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties. Want to learn more, visit https://allagesreadtogether.org