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Hey neighbors!
What a weekend. Two of our own just got drafted to the NFL, Fredericksburg's business community dressed up and showed out at the 35th Annual Chamber Gala, and one of our favorite local traditions is making its return. Oh, and there is a 5K, a ribbon cutting, and a boudoir studio worth knowing about.
Grab your coffee. This one is worth reading. 💛
Dori
Local Pulse: FXBG Edition
The Fredericksburg area is celebrating two of its own. Elijah Sarratt, a Colonial Forge High School alumnus, was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round with the 115th overall pick. And Aiden Fisher, a Riverbend High School graduate, was drafted by the Houston Texans in the seventh round with the 243rd pick.
Both players were key contributors to the Indiana Hoosiers, the 2025 NCAA Division I national champions.
🏈 Elijah Sarratt, WR: Baltimore Ravens, 115th overall pick. Known for his contested catch ability and nicknamed "Waffle House" because he is always open. Earned second-team All-Big Ten honors last season after recording 65 receptions, 830 yards, and 13 touchdowns.
🏈 Aiden Fisher, LB: Houston Texans, 243rd overall pick. A Butkus Award finalist and the first Indiana player ever to earn back-to-back first-team All-America honors. Known for his football IQ and leadership as the team's defensive play-caller.
From the hallways of Colonial Forge and Riverbend to the NFL. From our backyard to the biggest stage in football, and we could not be more proud. Read more here.
🏆 FXBG Neighbor's Choice Awards Shoutout
Congratulations to Pink Petals Nail Apothecary!
Finalist - Best Nail Salon🏅 Where nail care meets mindful self-care. 🌸
Unspoken Mothers Is Bringing Fredericksburg Together to Walk for Maternal Mental Health
Did you know that 1 in 5 women experience a maternal mental health condition like postpartum depression or anxiety, yet many never receive the support they need? Unspoken Mothers is changing that one step at a time. Their Annual Maternal Mental Health Awareness 5K Walk and Run takes place Saturday, May 9th at Old Mill Park in Fredericksburg. This is not a race. It is a celebration of community, compassion, and support for mothers and families who have too often suffered in silence. Expect a DJ, food trucks, local vendors, kid-friendly activities, beer, wine, and mimosas at the afterparty, and a community that shows up for each other in the most meaningful way.
📍 Old Mill Park, Shelter 1, 2201 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA
🗓️ Saturday, May 9th
⏰ Check-in at 9:00 AM, Start Time 10:00 AM
👉 Register now and walk with us: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/unspokenmothers/event/5k
A big thank you to our sponsors for keeping this newsletter free for the community🙏 Want your business in front of 24,000+ Fredericksburg-area neighbors? Become a sponsor. [email protected]
Black Lace Boudoir: The Fredericksburg Studio That Has Been Helping Women See Themselves Differently for Over a Decade
Ramilyn Thompson, known as Rami, built the number one rated boudoir studio in Virginia with one mission: to help women remember who they are. Located at 312 William Street in downtown Fredericksburg, Black Lace Boudoir offers a full experience built around comfort, safety, and intention. All-female staff. A 500 piece client closet in sizes XS to 6XL. And a photographer who meets every woman exactly where she is.
Ramilyn Thompson
Rami's philosophy is personal. Her own boudoir session during one of the hardest seasons of her life changed everything. "If I could be silently carrying all that, how many other women are, too?" That question became her calling.
For women, her message is clear. You have lived. You deserve to be seen.
👉 Book your session at blacklaceboudoir.com
“My sole purpose is simple. To help women feel good about themselves at any age.”
Community Digest
Open Horizon Journeys Is Opening Its Doors and Asking the Community to Help Fill a Suitcase
Christina Driskill is launching her new business, Open Horizon Journeys, with a ribbon cutting on April 30th at 4:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce. But she is not just celebrating. She is giving back. As part of the launch, Christina is hosting a Stuff the Suitcase donation drive benefiting I Support the Girls, a Fredericksburg organization that provides bras, underwear, and menstrual products to women and girls facing homelessness, financial hardship, or crisis. These are basic essentials that affect confidence, dignity, and the ability to show up to work or school every single day. If you cannot make it to the event, you can still help.
👉 Shop the Amazon Wish List here and send a little dignity directly to a woman in our community who needs it: https://amzn.to/3kVIU9P
Fredericksburg Honored Its Best at the 35th Annual Chamber Awards Gala
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce brought over 300 of the region's top business leaders together Friday night for their 35th Annual Awards Gala at the Fredericksburg Country Club. Themed A Night at the Museum, the evening featured art installations, a Prohibition Speakeasy experience, bourbon tastings, champagne, and curated food stations throughout the venue.
But the heart of the night was honoring the people and businesses making Fredericksburg better every single day.
Congratulations to every winner and nominee. Here is to 35 more years of celebrating excellence in this community!
🏆 Entrepreneur of the Year: Maggie McIntyre, Rejuvalase Medspa
🏆 Community Impact Award: Chancellor's Village
🏆 Small Business of the Year: Fredericksburg Technology
🏆 Large Business of the Year: Shore United Bank
🏆 Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award: Dr. Paino, University of Mary Washington
A Fredericksburg Tradition Since 1997 Is Back. Picnic in the Park Returns This May.
One of Fredericksburg's most beloved community traditions is back and better than ever. Picnic in the Park returns every Tuesday in May and June at Memorial Park in historic downtown Fredericksburg from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Pack a blanket, bring the kids, grab lunch from a park vendor, and spend your Tuesday afternoon soaking up live local music and fresh air with your neighbors. This free concert series has been bringing together families, friends, seniors, business owners, and community groups for nearly 30 years and it is easy to see why. There is nothing quite like it.
📍 Memorial Park, 1401 Memorial Park, Fredericksburg, VA
🗓️ Every Tuesday, May and June 2026
⏰ 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
🎟️ Free and open to the public
👉 Learn more and plan your visit: https://www.fredericksburgva.gov/380/Picnic-in-the-Park
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.
Wednesday, April 29
Fredericksburg Nationals vs. Hickory Crawdads | 11:05AM (through May 3)
Location: Virginia Credit Union Stadium, 42 Jackie Robinson Way, Fredericksburg, VA
Spanish Wine Dinner | 6:30PM
Location: Cork & Table, Cork and Table, 909, Caroline Street, Downtown, Fredericksburg, VA
Thursday, April 30
Always Flavored Pairing Dinner | 6:30PM
Location: Always Flavored, 619 Caroline Street, Downtown, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: A special evening of bold flavors, creative plates, and a little something different than our everyday lineup.
Cuban-American Rock Fusion Music | 8:00PM
Location: Curitiba Art Café, 919 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, VA
Description: A high-energy live show featuring danceable political anthems, contemplative confessions, and carefree celebrations.
Hobo Trunk Show | 3:00PM
Location: Novel FXBG, 212 William street Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Come and see their summer line and help us decide which bags we should have at Novel!
Friday, May 1
FXBG First Friday | 5:00PM
Location: Downtown Fredericksburg, 601 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Enjoy extended shopping hours, gallery openings, live music, and unique pop-up experiences.
History Trivia | 6:00PM
Location: James Monroe Museum, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Test your knowledge at History Trivia Night with Celebrity Quizmaster Scott Harris, Executive Director of UMW Museums.
Spice up your Bowls Workshop | 6:00PM
Location: Corgi Clay Art Center, 15 Tech Pkwy, Stafford, VA
Description: Fast-paced throwing workshop, you’ll learn creative ways to spice up your bowls on the pottery wheel.
Stand Up Comedy Night | 7:30PM
Location: Strangeways Brewing Fredericksburg, 350 Lansdowne Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: A diverse range of humor to the stage, guaranteeing a night filled with uproarious laughter and unforgettable moments.
