Help Plant Trees at Ida Lee Next Week

The park is looking for volunteers to help plant 75 trees in the riparian area.

Loudoun County, the Town of Leesburg and the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy are seeking volunteers of all ages to help plant 75 trees at Ida Lee Park March 23. The planting is set for 10 a.m. next Saturday. Volunteers should meet in the parking area below the A.V. Symington Aquatic Center and bring a shovel and gloves. The new trees will be planted along Big Spring Creek in the riparian area to filter storm-water runoff and improve the creek’s water quality. Such measures remove sediment and contaminants, lower stream temperatures and prevent stream bank erosion. This project is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants program, and administered through the National Fish and Wildlife…

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Hundreds Attend Ida Lee Health, Fitness Fair

An enthusiastic crowd and informative vendors made the fair a "big success."

Despite the blustery weather Saturday, hundreds of people checked out Loudoun's first Health and Fitness Fair at Ida Lee Park.  "The turnout is great. There's a good cross section of exhibitors here," event organizer Elaine Stephanos, said, offering the reason behind the fair. "We want to share the idea that this is a healthy lifestyle campaign that anyone can do at any age." In one surprise demonstration, hip-hop dance instructor Larry Dwensel led a group of dancers in an episode that turned into a flash mob, as Loudoun Free Clinic supporters danced to the song "Party Rock Anthem." The dancers were followed by a Kettlebell demonstration from Brian Wright and Brian Stevens of BW-PT in Ashburn. "This is great, there is a lot of energy here…

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Ida Lee to Host 10th Annual 'Freeze Your Gizzard' 5K

The event is one of the largest fundraisers of the year for Loudoun Interfaith Relief.

The town’s 10th Annual Freeze Your Gizzard 5K Cross Country Race will be held Saturday at Ida Lee Park. Both a 5K and 1-mile fun run are scheduled. In the past, the event has attracted more than 600 participants and this year shouldn’t be any different, according to Rachael Goodwin, special events supervisor. “This is our 10th anniversary so we are looking to have a really strong attendance,” Goodwin said. “I would expect between 800 and 900 runners.” This year’s race will start and finish at the gazebo in the front field of Ida Lee Park. The race will continue through a scenic cross-country course across 138 acres.  “It is a cross-country course, which means it is not flat,” Goodwin advised. “There are some steep hills, there’s a small …

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Romney To Campaign at Ida Lee Park

Register online for the Republican presidential hopeful's swing through closely watched Loudoun County.

Mitt Romney — the Republican candidate hoping to unseat President Barack Obama — will be in Loudoun County Oct. 17 for a free event at Ida Lee Park. While residents are encouraged to get their tickets online, be aware that all attendees must pass through “airport-like” security. No bags, sharp objects, umbrellas, liquids or signs can be taken into the venue. Cameras ARE permitted. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., and doors open at 4:30 p.m. Register online at Romney’s campaign website.

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'War of 1812' Concert a Hit

More than 700 people attended the outdoor performance, which showcased Leesburg's history during the war.

Ida Lee Park welcomed over 700 people on Sunday, Sept. 23 during "1812: An American Celebration, a musical event presented by the Loudoun Symphony, West Point Alumni Glee Club, and Journey Through Hallowed Ground. According to Ara Bagdasarian, president of the Loudoun Symphony Board of Directors, Leesburg has a unique place in the war’s history. It was the temporary capital during the burning of Washington in 1812, when the president and Dolly Madison had documents moved to Leesburg. The event was put together in order to showcase such a historical event, Bagdasarian said. Everything went as planned - musically and operationally. Even the weather cooperated, he said. "This may be a model for future events," Bagdasarian said on Monday. "…

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Casino Night Helps Build Homes in Loudoun

Local chapter of Habitat for Humanity has planned the fundraiser at Ida Lee Park.

Monte Carlo Night Benefits Loudoun Habitat

Casino event at Ida Lee helps the nonprofit build homes for partner families.

Feeling lucky? Why not donate that luck to a good cause? Loudoun Habitat for Humanity (LHFH) has planned a Monte Carlo-style casino night fundraiser from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 at Ida Lee Recreation Center in Leesburg. Organizers have planned a full range of casino games, including Roulette, Blackjack, craps and Texas Hold ‘em poker. Don’t worry if you lose, you’ll be risking casino cash, not the real stuff. Admission includes hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, music and dancing, one raffle ticket and $2,500 in casino cash. All raffle tickets will be entered in a drawing for door prizes at the end of the evening. “We continue our efforts to increase awareness of our nonprofit organization with the goal of raising funds to buy …

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Town Council Corner

Town Council Approves Fee Waiver for 1812 Concert

Following a recent denial toward a $5,000 donation, the Loudoun Symphony will host its centennial concert at Ida Lee thanks to a fee waiver from the town.

Following an earlier request this month for a monetary donation in the amount of $5,000, organizers with the Loudoun Symphony have reevaluated their plans for its War of 1812 Centennial event, which was previously planned to take place at Morven Park. The event will help commemorate the bicentennial and Leesburg’s part in the War of 1812. During a public hearing July 10, the Town Council voted against the donation, which would have helped meet the concert’s projected budget. Although a number of council members said they wouldn’t mind donating the money, they don’t normally provide support to non-profits. As a result, Ara Bagdasarian, president of the Loudoun Symphony Board of Directors, came back to the Town Council Tuesday night and …

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