All Ages Read Together's 12th Annual ~not too spooky~ Halloween Hoedown

Photos courtesy of FFX Pictures

FAQs

When is the event?
Saturday, October 26, 2024

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?
At least $35,000.

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 youth silent auction will close at 7:30, and the rest will close between 8:00 - 9:00 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 cards.

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, and 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?
This is an all-ages event, so please take care when choosing your costume. Around 6:00 p.m., judges will walk around the event to determine the best individual, youth, and group costumes. Winners will be announced around 7:30 p.m. and receive their prizes.

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 unique once-in-a-lifetime vacation packages for you to bid on. Last year, some of our most popular packages were an African Photo Safari, Paradise, Sun, and Soul in San Juan, and the Scottish Highlands. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/aarthh2024trips

What is on the BBQ menu?
BBQ meats and side dishes like baked beans, cole slaw, and mac n' cheese will be served. Vegetarian chili and gluten-free options will also be served. The items listed here are all subject to change. However, a vegetarian option will always be 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.
  
  
• On average, children from low-income families and those at risk for academic failure start kindergarten 12 to 14 months behind their peers in pre-literacy and language skills, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  
• If children cannot master reading at a basic level by the third grade – they are four 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 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