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Hey neighbor! 👋
Happy Thursday! Fredericksburg has a new hometown hero. Betty Hume, a retired library reference assistant and UMW alum, is now a two-time Jeopardy! champion. We’re also celebrating some local music history, with a highway marker coming for rock legend Link Wray and the story of the 312-year-old Stradivarius that made a secret stop in town.
The season of giving is here too. Trees of Hope returns next week to support Loisann’s Hope House, the Frosty 5K and Reindeer Run turns 10 (heads up: Reindeer Run prices go up after Sunday), and our guides to 17 holiday markets and 100+ local shops make shopping local easy. Tell us how you’re shopping this year in our quick poll, then plan a packed weekend, from the Tree Lighting on Saturday to a Mac & Cheese Cook-Off on Sunday.
Grab your coffee and let’s dive in. 🌊
Dori
Featured Events
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🎄 Trees of Hope Returns to Support Local Families
Trees of Hope is Fredericksburg’s largest annual fundraiser to end family homelessness, and it’s back at the Fredericksburg Country Club next week. Every dollar raised supports Loisann’s Hope House, the region’s only shelter for families experiencing homelessness, helping local families find stability and a fresh start.
Three ways to join in, all at the Fredericksburg Country Club:
Open House: Tuesday, November 17, 10 AM to 6 PM. The easiest way to stop by and see the trees
Merriment Luncheon: Wednesday, November 18, 11:30 AM to 2 PM, with shopping from Novel, POUR, Laurel McLeod, and Still Meadows Boutique, and the 2026 Illuminator Award presented to Cassie Payne
Magical Night of Giving: Thursday, November 19, 6:30 to 9:30 PM, with dinner, drinks, a live auction, and a special tribute honoring Ken Kroko
Can’t make it out? The silent auction goes live online the afternoon of Monday, November 16, so you can bid from home.
Celebrate the season while supporting local families. Get tickets and bid on the silent auction: treesofhope2026.auctria.events
❄️ Lace Up, Neighbors! The Frosty 5K Turns 10
Calling all runners, walkers, and tiny reindeer! 🦌 The Frosty 5K and Reindeer Run is celebrating its 10th year on Saturday, December 12, with a scenic course along the rolling hills of Mine Road in Stafford. Grownups can run or walk the 5K, while kids 12 and under take on the 1 Mile Reindeer Run (antlers optional, but we’d love to see them). Everyone who crosses the finish line earns a custom medal and a cozy long-sleeve race shirt, and every step supports Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation, which helps more people survive cardiac arrest through CPR and AED education.
🦌 Reindeer Run: 9 AM. Sign up by Sunday, November 15 to snag the $22.50 price before it goes up
⛄ Frosty 5K: 9:30 AM, $37.50 through November 28
👕 Want the shirt? Register by November 23 to guarantee yours
🚗 Parking: Embrey Mill Park, 1600 Mine Road
Make it a new family tradition and start your holiday season on the right foot. Grab your spot: runsignup.com/frosty5kandreindeerrun_signup
FXBG’s Got It
Highlighting a few things worth knowing around town:
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A Fredericksburg Library Legend Wins Jeopardy! 🧠
Fredericksburg's own Betty Hume, a retired library reference assistant and UMW alumna, became a two-time Jeopardy! champion this month. In her first game, she ended the four-game winning streak of returning champion Erica Doornek. Betty told host Ken Jennings she had been putting off trying out for decades, and he joked that her procrastination finally paid off. Fans online have fallen hard for her, with one writing, "I want to be Betty when I grow up." Congratulations, Betty, from all your neighbors!
Rock Legend Link Wray Gets a Fredericksburg Highway Marker 🎸
Before "Rumble" changed rock and roll, Link Wray first played it right here, at the old Fredericksburg Arena in 1957. Now a new state highway marker will honor that moment. The unveiling is Saturday, Nov 21, at 1 p.m. at James Monroe High School, and it's free and open to the public. Come be part of a little rock and roll history in the 'Burg. Learn more here.
A 312-Year-Old Violin Made a Secret Stop in FXBG 🎻
For one night in October, one of the most famous violins in the world quietly came to town. Violinist Timothy Chooi played the 1714 "Dolphin" Stradivarius, once played by the legendary Jascha Heifetz, with the Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra at James Monroe High School. The violin's visit wasn't announced ahead of time for security reasons, but music director Kevin P. Bartram recognized it by its sound alone, and marching band students crowded around his office window to listen. Chooi also led a masterclass for student musicians from Courtland High School, Fredericksburg Christian School, James Monroe, and Stafford and Spotsylvania. Learn more here.
🗳️ Quick Poll
We’re curious! Tap your answer below. It takes one second, and we’ll share the results in a future issue.
How are you doing your holiday shopping this year? 🎁
🎁 Have You Browsed the Local Gift Guide Yet?
Our Fredericksburg Area Local Gift Guide features more than 100 locally owned businesses, sorted by town and by what they sell, so you can knock out your list and keep your dollars close to home. Look for the 🎁 Holiday Deal badge for special offers this season. Browse the guide: fxbgneighborsconnect.com/p/local-gift-guide
Own a local business? Listings are free for locally owned businesses that sell gifts, and we’re adding new ones all season. Get listed here.
🛍️ 17 Holiday Markets, Town by Town
Your holiday shopping plan just got easier. Our new guide rounds up 17 holiday markets across Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, and King George, with dates, hours, and addresses for each one. Save it, send it to your shopping buddy, and start planning your Saturdays. See the guide: fxbgneighborsconnect.com/p/holiday-markets-fredericksburg-va-2026
What’s Happening In & Around the ‘Burg
Here are some of the top events happening soon. Always check with the venue for the latest details. Got an event coming up? Add it to our calendar.
Thursday 11/12
Caroline Q. Murphy Pop-Up Art Night - Browse paintings, handcrafted glass bead necklaces, and more by a local artist at Collage Spa.
Chenille Chunky Blanket Workshop - Create a cozy chunky chenille throw with provided yarn and instruction at Wine & Design.
Fifth Annual Fredericksburg Food Bank Wine Dinner and Auction with Cork and Table - Enjoy a four-course meal with paired wines while supporting the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank at Cork and Table.
Friday 11/13
Fabulous Friday: NovemBear - Enjoy games, activities, and more for grades K–6 at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Fredericksburg Branch.
Yoga Pawty - Unwind with puppy cuddles and a yoga session benefiting the dogs at Old Dominion Humane Society.
Skate Night: Harvest Night - Put on your favorite flannel and skate into the harvest season at Dixon Park.
90's Alternative Music Bingo - Play free, all-ages music bingo featuring ’90s alternative hits at Laudenbach Brewing.
Saturday 11/14
4th Annual Run for Valor - Run, ruck, or join the family fun while supporting veterans, service members, first responders, and families at Valor Ranch.
FXBG Pottery Throwdown - Shop work from regional potters, watch demonstrations, and enjoy music and market treats at Hurkamp Park.
Honey Teas and Sweet Treats Festival - Sample unlimited teas, create custom blends, shop local businesses, and enjoy live music at the Fredericksburg Convention Center.
DIY Holiday Simmer Pot Making Activity - Make a festive holiday simmer pot at Tater's Corner.
VetFest ‘26 - Celebrate and support veterans with brews, barbecue, music, vendors, games, and family activities at Strangeways Brewing Fredericksburg.
Fredericksburg Tree Lighting - Celebrate the season with live music, food trucks, vendors, kids’ activities, Santa, and the tree lighting at Riverfront Park.
Sunday 11/15
Crafty Readers- Photo Embroidery - Chat about your latest read while creating embroidered framed photos at Tales and Tails Book Cafe.
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King Trivia - Test your Middle-earth knowledge with a team of up to six at Laudenbach Brewing.
Annual Mac & Cheese Cook-Off - Sample cheesy creations and celebrate comfort food at Maltese Brewing Company.
Friendsgiving Themed Cookie Decorating Workshop - Decorate a festive cookie set with expert instruction, drinks, and supplies at Wine & Design.
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