South Riding Celebrates Another Year

South Riding celebrated its 16th birthday over the weekend with a festival that brought in about 14,000 people.

“The event has definitely grown,” said Ani Shrauger, events manager for South Riding. “It started as a small event with just a couple of moon bounces.”

And now, 16 years later, Shrauger spends six months planning for the now two-day event, starting to rent rides and find sponsors, musicians and food providers in January.

In addition to the rides and non-stop performances on the main stage, this year’s Celebrate South Riding had pony rides, face painting, a live butterfly exhibit, a petting zoo, and a Children’s Stage, where audience members dress up and help tell fairytales.

“We got lots of positive feedback,” said Shrauger. “We had lots of additional rides this year and people were very excited about that.”

Community members of South Riding were more than just attendants, however. The event was completely staffed by community volunteers. According to Shrauger, there were over 175 volunteers.

The crowd didn’t give a second glance to the sky that threatened rain Saturday evening as the festival began to come to a close. Of course, musical fireworks grand finale, may have had something to do with that.

It seems South Riding has outgrown candles on a birthday cake.