A Mission Serving Our Entire Community
Fairfax County, Virginia, is a large and ever-changing community. Steeped in history, the county has seen tremendous growth and has a bright future. But in a place this big (get a sense of its size below) and this dynamic (also below), how does Fairfax County develop and maintain a strong community identity?
Celebrate Fairfax exists to fill this need. Our vision: connecting and celebrating our community. Furthermore, our mission is to develop and support community experiences that bring people together and create a sense of belonging. We envision a vibrant community for all, a place where people feel a lasting sense of community and connection. This is no small mission but we have over four decades invested in this work. Our history is a special story of evolving with the needs of the County.
How do we do it? Every day looks a little bit different for the Celebrate Fairfax team. But first and foremost we fulfill our mission to build community by working in partnership. Everything we do is in collaboration with the stakeholders in our community ranging from county agencies, organizations, other nonprofits, elected officials, and community members. We all have the same goal to make Fairfax County a special place for all.
Our work is multi-layered, starting with three focus areas: placemaking, events and special initiatives. Working in partnership in these areas, we celebrate people, art, recreation and culture. Finally, we connect and engage across the community. Learn about all this work below and then see our impact.
FAIRFAX COUNTY by the NUMBERS
406+ square miles
1.2+ million people
31,000 + employers
2,000 + nonprofits
2,000+ arts organizations
190,000 students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
FAIRFAX COUNTY at a GLANCE
Home to 11 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including Booz Allen Hamilton, Capital One Financial, General Dynamics, Hilton Worldwide, Northrop Grumman, SAIC, and others.
Largest public research university in Virginia: George Mason University
If Fairfax County were a city, it would rank as the 10th largest in the United States – making it larger than major U.S. cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, Baltimore, Atlanta, and Miami.
FULFILLING THE MISSION
Building a vibrant community since 1981!
There are three main ways we fulfill our mission to build a vibrant community- placemaking, events, and special initiatives. While they overlap in many ways, it helps to outline our mission into these overarching areas. Learn more about each one below.
Fulfilling Our Mission: CF Connect & CF Engage
In addition to the three main areas above, we further support community members through CF Connect and CF Engage:
Get Connected
We connect you with information, resources, opportunities and more as a key component of building a vibrant community! First, learn how to connect with us through our communication platforms, and our CF Connect Guides to connect you to our community.
Get Engaged
There are so many ways to participate and get involved in our community through Celebrate Fairfax! opportunities for all to engage is another important aspect of our community building mission. Learn about ongoing opportunities to engage and special CF Engage initiatives.
Fulfilling Our Mission: People, Art, Recreation, and Culture!
Finally, throughout all our work, we celebrate people, art, recreation and culture in Fairfax County, and work in partnership with diverse groups, organizations, and individuals:
People
We celebrate the every day lives and accomplishments of the people in Fairfax County, and provide opportunities for community members to connect and engage in our community.
Art
Fairfax County is known as a vibrant art community. We work in partnership with arts organizations to elevate the arts and provide opportunities for all to access and experience art.
Recreation
Activities done for enjoyment are important to celebrate in community. We provide free access to recreational opportunities as well as opportunities to meet recreational providers and learn more about their services.
Culture
We provide opportunities for all to celebrate the customs, achievements, and institutions in Fairfax County.
FULFILLING THE MISSION
CF delivers impact!
Learn more about how our work 365 days across the county results in a stronger Fairfax County community by seeing our impact areas, viewing our impact showcase and reading our blog.