FAQs
What can we do at Centreville Day? There are so many activities! Follow Mrs. Spindle for a tour of all the fun.
Is there an admission fee, will I have pay for kids' rides and activities? No! Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, Centreville Day has no fees for admission, parking, or for children's rides. We do have an awesome Food Court and Marketplace, so be sure to bring some cash for food and unique craft items!
What's new this year? We moved the Wegmans' Children's Rides area to the side lawn at Mount Gilead. The Food Court is now alongside the Marketplace and the restrooms are behind the Safety Expo. Why? Because the area where the Food Court set up was staying too soft and muddy and the trucks were getting stuck.
When is Centreville Day? Typically, it takes place on the third Saturday of October. In 2023 that will be Saturday, October 14. Opening ceremonies start the festivities at 10 am and we roll up the sidewalks at 5 pm.
Do you cancel Centreville Day in case of inclement weather? How will I know if the event has been canceled? We don't cancel for passing rain showers, but if the weather is dangerous or really miserable, yes, we will cancel the event. Sometimes we'll open for part of the day and close early. Cancellations and early closures will be announced here on this website and on Facebook.
Is there a rain date? No, sorry. Why? There are lots of churches in the Historic District that would be blocked if we used Sunday, the next day, as a rain date. In the spirit of 'the show must go on!' we try to hold Centreville Day even in less than ideal weather. We also have to protect public safety, the comfort of our vendors, and the condition of the parkland, too, so sometimes Centreville Day ends early or is canceled. Do I get a refund, if I'm a vendor? No, sorry again. We still have to pay expenses even if we cancel Centreville Day, but we are a 501 c3 charity, so your fee becomes a donation if we have to cancel the event. We also make an assessment of costs and may make partial refunds or offer discounts for the following year.
Where does Centreville Day take place? In Historic Centreville Park in the Centreville Historic District, located northeast of the intersection of Routes 28 and 29. A street address you can use to locate the event is 5714 Mt. Gilead Road, Centreville 20120. NOTE: streets are closed to vehicles!
Where is parking? Park your vehicle for free at Carrabbas' located west of the Centreville Day location off Route 29. If the area for Centreville Day parking is full, there is an overflow lot at 5870 Trinity Parkway, Centreville 20120. Look for the Centreville Day parking signs and our free shuttle buses.
What is the parade route? Our parade begins at the very end of Wharton Lane and marches down that road past the Centreville Day stage on Mount Gilead Road and ends on Braddock Road. Why don't we march on Route 29 or another road where more people might see the parade? In the 1960s the parade did march down Route 29. But it was the 1960s . . . folks still rode their horses into town (seriously). VDOT won't allow the disruption to traffic it would cause today.
When does the parade start? The parade begins at 11 am and passes the Centreville Day stage, and the judges, at about 11:30.
Are there prizes for the parade? Yes! Judges award prizes for the Most Enthusiastic and the Most Patriotic marchers. There's a certificate and a $50 award for each category. Anyone can join the parade, but you have to register to be considered for a prize.
When does the Rotary Cavalcade of Pets begin? If you are bringing a pet, please find us at the stage at 1:30. The cavalcade (the walk on stage) begins at 2 pm. ALL pets are welcome - cats, parrots, snakes - please be sure your pet will find the experience to be fun too. Centreville Day may make some shy, quiet-loving pets nervous.
Are there prizes for the Cavalcade of Pets? Yes! The Centreville-Chantilly Rotary Club, the pageant sponsor, collects gifts from many local pet-related businesses who generously support this fun and growing part of Centreville Day!
What is the Safety Expo? Located by the Sears House and on William Patterson Way, the Expo showcases first responder agencies, County agencies focused on mental health and domestic violence, and businesses interested in helping to keep you and your home safe. We are also developing activities and information about recycling.
What do I get with my booth, if I'm a vendor? You get a 10 x 10 space, not a booth, to furnish in the way that best suits your enterprise and the opportunity to interact with a great crowd. Please be sure to read our Terms and Agreements -- you'll find lots of useful information there.
Who decides who gets to receive a Citizen of the Year Award? The Centreville Day Planning Committee makes that decision. We love to have nominations from the public. Do you know anyone whose service to the local community should be celebrated? Contact us and nominate them!
Who runs Centreville Day? The Friends of Historic Centreville (FHC) in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority. Proceeds benefit FHC, a non-profit, volunteer organization that supports Historic Centreville Park and local historic preservation and education. Learn more about FHC here.
Who pays for Centreville Day? Our generous sponsors and vendors! Fees and donations from businesses, entrepreneurial crafters, earnest nonprofits, and local churches make Centreville Day possible and keep it a free event for local families. Please visit the Centreville Day Market Place and meet some of these wonderful people. You can take the kids trick or treating there too!
