'Festivus 2008!' with Beltway Atheists

Join Beltway Atheists for our Second Annual Winter Solstice/Festivus Celebration!

This year's party will take place in Mason Neck, VA - just north of Woodbridge.

Meetup provides an accurate map and directions through the link above. Stone Manor on the Potomac is a gated community exactly five miles down Gunston Rd. The last landmark before your left into our community is Mason Neck State Park. There is a strict 25 MPH speed limit in the community. When you arrive please pay attention to the individuals directing parking as it is *essential* to park in an ordered process in order to accomodate everyone. Parking will be available at the marina bordering our property. After this is filled, vehicles will be directed areas adjacent to the road which are suitable for parking. It is *not* appropriate to park in our yard as the weight of your vehicle will damage the sprinkler heads. An ATV will be making rounds from 7 PM to 8 PM to transport guests up to the house. If you arrive after 8 PM, you will need to walk. The closest Metro Station is Franconia/Springfield on the Blue Line and is 13 miles away. Manassas Cab Company ((703) 494-1444) and Yellow Cab ((703) 491-2222‎) are available in the area.

Doors open at 7 PM.

A catered hors d'oeuvres reception will start out the evening:

• Assorted Miniature and Focaccia and Panini Sandwiches
  
• Marinated Beef Sates with Peanut Dipping Sauce
  
• Jeweled Wheel of Brie
  
• Vegetable Dip
  
• Fresh Seasonal Fruit
  
• Bruschetta Station
  

Beer, Red Wine, White Wine, and Champagne as well of an assortment of soda and juices will be available at the bar and is included with your registration. You do not need to bring anything (unless you have a clothing donation!) however if you have special dietary or beverage requirements please bring your own. Smoking is not permitted in the house. You are welcome to enjoy the beach area however please be dispose of your trash and cigarettes responsibly.

Featured Events Include:

• The live music of Willem Dicke.
  
• A video yearbook of our various events this year.
  
• Door Prizes donated by some awesome secular authors! Pastor Deacon Fred has offered copies of "Welcome to JesusLand!," Hemant Menta has donated a copy of "I Sold My Soul on eBay" on behalf of the Secular Student Alliance, and Jeff Mark has donated four copies of "Christian No More" as well as some atheists magnets.
  
• Traditional Festivus activities will begin at 8:15 PM and will be presided over by Rick Wingrove, Shelley Mountjoy and *Pastor Deacon Fred* of Landover Baptist!
  
• The electronic remixes of Travis Morgan will be played after Willem Dicke's performance. Travis is an atheist who was recently featured on Friendly Atheist for remixing a Christain song to say "God is *not* real."
  

The party will be getting a little crazy after midnight... ;)

Door Prizes: The first drawing will include the names of the first 25 paid registrants. There will also be prizes for the winner and runner up of the Festivus Feats of Strength, the member who has attended the most Beltway Atheists events, and a random drawing from all the names of those present.

At the door, you'll receive your name tag and be given the opportunity to put your name in the door prize drawing. If you appear under the age of 35 ID will be checked upon entry as well as at the discretion of the bartender. Please drink responsibly and plan for a designated driver if necessary as the party is over at 3 AM.

Please considering bringing a piece of clothing to donate! We will be collecting clothing items for DC Coalition for the Homeless at the party. The Coalition for the Homeless provides transitional and permanent housing, shelter, employment placement assistance, substance abuse counseling and supportive social services to individuals and families who are homeless or vulnerable. They accept clothing for children and adults and these donations are distributed directly to those in need at DC shelters.

What is Festivus? You can view pictures from the party last year here and here.