Hey gang, Matt here with the first in what we hope to be a recurring series in the newsletter. Think of it as a peek behind the scenes of some of the local events happening across Fairfax County.

This week, we preview the popular “Taste of Vienna,” which is scheduled for this Saturday, April 26, and is hosted by the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. This 12th annual event is a big fundraiser for the department, and it brings the Vienna community — and plenty of their neighbors — together to enjoy some of the tastiest treats around.

We recently had a chance to chit-chat with Anthony Stancampiano, Taste of Vienna Co-Chair and a Life Member of VVFD, to get a better idea of what we can expect this weekend.

Let’s go Out & About in Vienna!

Cheers,
Matt

A message from us

A preview of “Taste of Vienna”

• Out & About Fairfax: “What can people expect at Taste of Vienna?”

• Taste of Vienna: “The Taste of Vienna is a celebration of all the culinary delights of the Town of Vienna. There will be over 35 food vendors to choose from offering all the very best of Vienna cuisine. Adults can enjoy beer, wine, and cider from local vendors including Caboose Brewing Company, Craft and Cellar Distributing, Settle Down Easy, Vienna Vintner, and Norm's Beer and Wine. Additionally, this event will have live band performances on our stage and is fun for the whole family as there will be a bounce house and face painting for the kids.”
  

• Out & About Fairfax: “Are there new features/restaurants this year? Who are some of the participating restaurants?”

• Taste of Vienna: “We will have over 35 restaurants and food trucks participating in the event. Vienna food staples, like Pure Pasty, Famous Dave's, Pizza Vienna, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Rita's of Vienna, and Cafe Amouri will be serving up classics as well as new restaurants like Moby Dick House of Kabob and Carnegie Diner & Cafe.”

• Out & About Fairfax: “What inspired the giant cake eating contest with Carnegie Diner, and how did it come together this year?”

• Taste of Vienna: “The OMG 24 layer chocolate cake eating competition was brought to us by Carnegie Diner & Cafe who are also running the contest. Eight lucky contenders will compete for the $1,000 Carnegie Diner & Cafe gift card & $500 check prize. The registration is open to those 21 years of age and older and can be found here.”

• Out & About Fairfax: “Please include any relevant information patrons should know, such as ticket prices, parking details, and more.”

• Taste of Vienna: “Admission is free and beer/wine and food can be purchased at the event. To purchase beer and wine, a drink ticket is required. Presale tickets are currently on sale for a discounted price at tasteofvienna.com. Food can be purchased directly from vendors with no ticket required. Parking is mostly nearby street parking or at Vienna Elementary School.”

• Out & About Fairfax: “How will proceeds from this event benefit the VVFD? How many calls/responses does VVFD respond to each year?”

• Taste of Vienna: “The Taste of Vienna is a big fundraiser for the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department (VVFD). Each year we use the proceeds to help fund the purchase of our emergency vehicles, training equipment, and administrative supplies needed to operate our fire station. The VVFD is part of a combination system (career and volunteer). Our organization owns the building and all the equipment, and the County provides paid staff for one engine and one medic unit, 24/7. Our volunteer EMTs and Firefighters can ride as additional personnel on those units or we can fully staff an additional engine and/or ambulance ourselves! Raising funds through events like Taste of Vienna and our weekly Bingo games on Sundays and buying the apparatus ourselves, helps alleviate the burden on the County which saves taxpayers in the long-run. Our most recent engine purchase in 2023 cost $880,000. Vienna responds to approximately 3,200 (calls) a year.”

• Out & About Fairfax: “Anything else we should know?”

• Taste of Vienna: “Event is rain or shine. Please come out for a fun community event that will support our local fire department. For more information, visit tasteofvienna.com.”

A few more details about the event:

• When: Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 11:00a.m.-8:00p.m.

• Where: 400 Center St. S., Vienna

• Learn more: tasteofvienna.com

Go Out & About Together

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Thanks for reading!

Matt Knoedler
Publisher, Out & About Fairfax