downtown event coordinator. One of the most popular events is “Last Fridays,” a monthly themed celebration featuring food, music, dancing, and activities for residents and their pets. “We wanted to create something unique to Manassas Park,” says Williams. “Last Fridays have become a huge hit, drawing over a thousand people monthly.” The city’s farmer’s market, which Williams describes as “a trip around the world in the morning,” has also become a beloved fixture in the community. The market features vendors from various cultural backgrounds, offering everything from Thai food to locally grown produce. “It’s a place where families can come together, shop, and enjoy each other’s company,” says Williams. In addition to these monthly events, the city hosts an array of annual celebrations, including Falloween, a combination of Fall and Halloween festivities, and the Winter Light Parade, a nighttime holiday event where floats are decked out in dazzling lights. “Our Winter Light Parade is unique,” says Williams.“People come from all over to see it, and it captures the spirit of the season.” Manassas Park’s commitment to bringing people together doesn’t stop there. The city has also introduced a night food market, inspired by European traditions, that caters to families on the go. “It’s perfect for people who are just getting off work or have been running around all day,” says Williams. “They can stop by, grab food, and enjoy live music while the kids play in the splash pad.” FINANCIAL STRENGTH AND FUTURE VISION As Manassas Park continues to grow, its leaders are focused on maintaining the city’s unique sense of community while preparing for future challenges. Mayor Rishell is optimistic about the city’s financial outlook: “We’re proud to have earned an AA rating from Standard & Poor’s and an AA3 rating from Moody’s. That’s a testament to the hard work we’ve put in to stabilize our finances and build a strong foundation for the future.” Nguyen adds,“We’ve made so much progress in the past few years, but there’s still more to come. We’re excited about what the future holds for Manassas 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 MANASSAS PARK, VA
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