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Hey there,

If you think things slow down in February around here, think again. We've got a Stafford native heading to the NFL Draft, brand new restaurants opening up downtown, Ghostbusters showing up in Spotsylvania for a really good cause, and so much more happening all around us. This week's newsletter is one of my favorites to put together, so settle in with your coffee and enjoy. There's a lot of good stuff in here.

Let's dive in.

Dori

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Get ready, Fredericksburg, something strange is coming to Spotsylvania Towne Centre. On Sunday, February 15th, Planet Novak is teaming up with Ghostbusters Virginia for "Who You Gonna Claw?", a free, family-friendly community event running from 11am to 6pm. Fans of all ages can snap photos with a custom Ecto-1 Tribute SUV, come face to face with a towering 13-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, meet the Ghostbusters Virginia team, and enjoy carnival-style games. The best part? Proceeds from the games go directly to Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia. Admission is free, so there's no reason not to bring the whole family out for this one. Click here to learn more.

Downtown Fredericksburg is about to get a whole lot more exciting. Stockyards, a brand new 10,000 square foot restaurant, bar, and live music venue, is set to open in just a couple of weeks at 407-409 William Street in the space that used to be Jay's Downtown Sports Lounge. We're talking a 100-bottle bourbon and wine bar, live country and rock music, dancing, and yes, a mechanical bull. Owner Darell Hertenstein and the Hertenstein Investment Group are bringing something the area has been missing, and it's going to be worth the wait!

Stafford is about to get two new dining options. The Board of Supervisors just voted unanimously to approve $250,000 incentive grants each for LongHorn Steakhouse and Olive Garden, opening the door for both restaurants to set up shop right here in our community. Between the two, they're expected to bring 85 full-time jobs to Stafford, invest $7 million, and generate around $500,000 a year in local and state tax revenue. Are you excited to have these two joining the mix, or are you hoping to see something different come to town?

Mark your calendar for March 6th. The Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Fourth Annual CNEW Women's Symposium, "The Power of Collective Impact," from 9am to 1pm at Stevenson Ridge in Spotsylvania.

The morning features keynote speaker Jennifer Griffin from Gwyneth's Gift, a Community Engagement Fireside Chat, and a Small Business and Innovation Panel with local entrepreneurs Maggie McIntyre, Dori Stewart, and Latasha Brooks. It's a room full of women who are building, leading, and making a difference right here in our community. Click here to learn more.

It's time to celebrate the businesses, people, and places that make Fredericksburg special. The inaugural FXBG Neighbors' Choice Awards voting is open now through February 11th. This is your chance to shout out your favorite local restaurant, coffee shop, trainer, realtor, contractor, or any business that's made your life better this year. Head to vote.fxbgneighborsconnect.com and make your voice heard.

Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

This section includes only the major events happening soon. Check event websites for the most current information. Weather Alert: Please verify event details with venues before attending, as schedules may have changed due to weather.

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