Good morning, Leesburg.

Bles Park reopened last week with an upgraded playground, six picnic pavilions, new trails, a dog park, sports safety netting, and a canoe and kayak launch onto Broad Run—this 132-acre park north of Rt.

7 by the Potomac River used $7.4 million in improvements for accessibility and will add a skate park in its second phase.

Leesburg will soon be home to a new Chicken Salad Chick at the former John Marshall Bank building—842 South King Street—which will be the chain’s first drive-thru location in Northern Virginia.

The restaurant will open in early 2026 or possibly late 2025 as part of the chain’s rapid expansion.

Leesburg Police Chief Thea Pirnat (who presented on Monday) delivered the annual crime report noting that violent crimes dropped while burglaries rose 56% and alcohol-related offenses more than doubled, with trends covering 2024 compared to 2021 to 2023 (data also includes figures for early 2025).

A Loudoun jury found Roger Bentley guilty of involuntary manslaughter for his role in the 2024 home explosion that killed volunteer firefighter Trevor Brown—he was also convicted on three misdemeanor charges for mishandling hazardous materials and his sentencing hearing will be held on Nov. 6 at 1 p.m.

Officials are inviting nominations for the Community Blue Ribbon Award for historic preservation — the award honors projects that keep Loudoun's history alive.

Interested locals can submit names to highlight projects that deserve more attention — details will be shared soon.

The Leesburg Town Council voted unanimously on Monday to keep the section of Church Street open across the downtown courts complex after county supervisors requested its closure for security reasons, and council members said closing the street would limit traffic flow and handicap accessibility.

Algonkian District Supervisor Juli E.

Briskman and Economic Development Director Buddy Rizer told residents on Monday that federal grant cuts already rescinded $450,000 from key county programs. They warned that federal budget changes may force local agencies to cover service gaps and business support—adding extra pressure on local nonprofits and the economy.

Carmina Burana

2-6 p.m. — Filene Center — Performances scheduled — Experience the powerful and passionate music of Carmina Burana performed live.

The Enchanted Forest

8-9 p.m. — NextStop Theatre Company — $20 off VIP experience available — Experience a magical realm filled with aerial acrobatics and captivating illusions.

Mountain Highway: Loudoun County Fair

6-10 p.m. — Bluemont Fair — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening with bluegrass, country, and gospel music from Mountain Highway at the Loudoun County Fair in Leesburg.

High School Open Gym

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Fitwize 4 Kids Ashburn — Free entry — Inviting high school athletes to enhance their skills in a supportive setting.

Week 7 - Rising Grade 1 Program

9 AM - 3 PM — Green Hedges School — Cost details not provided — Engage young learners in a full-day rising grade program for an enriching week of activities.

Shot Thru The Heart - The Bon Jovi Experience

7:00-8:30 PM — Tally Ho Theater — Not specified — Experience the electrifying tribute to Bon Jovi's legendary music and showmanship.

Loudoun Mini Athletes' Tri

8-11 a.m. — Broadlands Community Center — Registration required — Youth athletes gear up to splash, flash, and dash in this energetic triathlon event.

LoCo Sprint Triathlon

11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Broadlands Community Center — Registration required — Swim, bike, and run your way through the inaugural LoCo Sprint Tri.

Kindergarten Boot Camp

9 AM – 3:30 PM — Destiny School of the Arts — Check website for cost — A dynamic program designed to prepare Pre-K campers for their exciting journey into kindergarten.

Writing in Nature

11 AM - 12:30 PM — Morven Park Grounds — Registration required — Engage in a reflective writing experience amidst the beauty of nature guided by a seasoned expert.