Lots of family fun and activities are being planned to kick off the holiday season here in South Fairfax at the 18th annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza. This annual event which attracts more than 3,000 people, is the largest holiday event in the area. The South Fairfax Chamber and several Chamber member businesses are pleased to sponsor this great community event.

The day starts with Santa arriving on a Lorton Volunteer Fire Department fire truck at the South County High School football stadium at 8:20am. The 7th annual Candy Cane Kids' Fun Run benefitting the SoCo Swim & Dive teams kicks off at 8:30a. Following the run at 9a, Santa will lead everyone inside during Santa's Jingle Bell Parade. Other kids' activities include a FREE Scavenger Hunt, face painting, Trademasters' Kids' Fishpond, games, and Child ID and Fingerprinting courtesy of the Fairfax Co Sheriff. Kids can shop for everyone on their gift list at the Jingle Bell Kids' Shoppe Experience. For only $8 an item, kids can pick out gifts for family and friends with the assistance of SCHS student helpers.

Photos with Santa are from 10:00a-12 noon with Santa Steve Adams (the real Santa!).

This is also a great chance to get an early start on your holiday shopping while also supporting local small businesses. 190 vendors will showcase their handcrafted items for sale. The South County Band have some must-see items up for bid at the annual silent auction. Santa's 6th Annual Book Emporium features unique gift baskets for the book lover on your gift list.

Call for Blood Donors

Blood supplies across the region are critically low so the South Fairfax Chamber is partnering with #SFCCMember Inova for a much-needed blood drive. Please consider signing up to donate blood on Saturday, Dec 2 from 9a-2p at South County High School. The Inova Blood Services blood mobile will be on-hand in the school parking lot. All donors receive FREE admission to the 18th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza and a FREE shopping bag courtesy of the South Fairfax Chamber. After donating, come inside to shop with 190 handcraft vendors and don't forget to stop by the Chamber's booth! Sign up here at https://bit.ly/SFC122023.

General admission to the Extravaganza is only $3. Kids under 12, Military & Veteran families, FCPS Staff & Teachers and Dec 3 blood donors are FREE! Proceeds benefit the South County PTSO, SCHS Swim & Dive, and the SCHS Band Boosters. Joining the Chamber in sponsorship are SFCC members: Trademasters Services; Casey Whitmarsh, State Farm Agent; Potomac Music, and Brynmor Early Education & Preschool. Please help the Chamber to support this great community event and keep it going for many years to come! For more info: www.southcountyptso.org or 7th Annual Candy Cane Kids' Fun tickets.