This Week in Virginia - Sept. 28

Early fall welcomes everything from a skateboard art show at First Friday's to a Presidential visit.

9/28/10 11:54 AM

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AP/Gerald Herbert (inset); The Potomack Company (left); Brian Lopez (right)

Skates Up: Richmond artist and craftsman Brian Lopez officially launches his new line of skateboards – created from reclaimed Virginia State University basketball court floorboards – at “First Friday’s.” Take in and appreciate the artistry of Lopez’s sleek skateboard handicrafts, as well as the designs painted on the boards by local and regional artists. At Lopez's "Splinters” art show, as it is called, participating artists will also collectively create a live art piece on one large canvas, which will be raffled off to benefit Art 180, a Richmond non-profit organization.

That Dress: It was a gorgeous gown. . . You may remember the red-and-gold sari that “Real Housewives of D.C.” star Michaele Salahi wore when she allegedly crashed a White House State Dinner back in November 2009. Now that same frock will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Clinton-Bush Haiti Relief Fund and other charitable organizations. The Potomack Company is managing the live auction on October 2 at its gallery in Old Town Alexandria, with the Salahi’s in attendance.

Obama in RVA: President Obama visits the capital city on September 29 to host a discussion with area families and concerned citizens on the topic of the economy and “to listen to their concerns and to discuss specific ways to jumpstart job creation and strengthen the middle class,” according to a White House release. Before he lands in Richmond, Obama will have already visited Des Moines, Iowa earlier in the morning, where he is also scheduled to talk with locals about economic issues.

Pumpkin Patch: If it’s pumpkins you want, it’s pumpkins you shall have. Just take an early fall drive through the backroads of Hanover County to Ashland Berry Farm – which typically has some of the best Halloween-themed merch and decor around. Before you shop their Nightmare gift shop though, hop on the free hayride to the pumpkin patch and buy all you can carry for $20 (clarified as “all the pumpkins one person can carry in their arms and take 3 steps” according to their website).

Play Time: It won’t be too hot, and it won’t be too cold, making it the perfect time of year for the Virginia Children’s Festival where the young’uns can run around and release their creative energy without getting sapped by the 90+ degree heat. The October 2 fest in downtown Norfolk features more than 100 creative and interactive activities, workshops, displays, and games, as well as the 3rd Annual Strollers on Parade starting at noon. Guess who else will be there? Clifford the Big Red Dog, Curious George, Rip Tide from the Norfolk Tides, Hat Trick from the Norfolk Admirals, as well as Snoopy, costumed characters from “Alice in Wonderland,” and others. Who says this event is for kids only?