Building a strong community takes more than homes, streets, and businesses. It requires shared traditions, neighbors who care, and places where people gather. Without these, even the most beautiful towns can feel disconnected. Many growing areas in Northern Virginia risk losing that neighborhood spirit as development expands and new families move in.
Great Falls has managed to hold on to its village charm. A big reason for that is the Celebrate Great Falls Foundation. This nonprofit organization brings people together through events, service projects, and fundraising that directly support the community. Their work keeps traditions alive and helps residents, both new and longtime, feel connected.
The Celebrate Great Falls Foundation shows that traditions and local involvement matter. They prove that neighborhoods can grow while still protecting the small-town spirit that makes Great Falls unique. For families, this creates not just a place to live but a place to belong.
Your takeaway is this: Great Falls thrives because its people actively preserve its spirit. The Celebrate Great Falls Foundation shows what happens when a community chooses connection over isolation, traditions over convenience, and collective pride over individual distance. It’s a reminder that lasting value comes from neighbors who celebrate, contribute, and support each other.
A Brief History of Great Falls
The roots of Great Falls stretch back to the 1800s, when small villages dotted the land. Dranesville was chartered in 1840 with a church, taverns, doctors, blacksmiths, and stores. Colvin Run developed around its mill and opened a post office in 1878. Springvale and Forestville added schools, shops, and post offices of their own. These villages each played a role in shaping the community’s early identity.
By 1942, the Forestville Fire Department was formed, later renamed the Great Falls Fire Department in 1955. The second Great Falls Post Office opened in 1959, merging Dranesville, Colvin Run, Springvale, and Forestville under one name. What began as four separate villages became the Great Falls community recognized today.
The Great Falls Historical Society, founded in 1977 by Milburn Sanders, worked for decades to preserve this history. Its collections of photos, oral histories, and documents are now housed in the Virginia Room of the City of Fairfax Regional Library. The Society also created the Jean Tibbetts History Award, honoring individuals who made significant contributions to preserving local history.
The Jean Tibbetts History Award Honorees
Winners of the award include names deeply tied to Great Falls, such as Karen Washburn, Connie and Mayo Stuntz, and Doris Carpenter. In 2021, the honor went to Mike Kearney, a fitting recognition for his decades of dedication to the town.
The Story Behind Celebrate Great Falls
Mike Kearney left a lasting imprint on Great Falls. Best known as the longtime owner of The Old Brogue, he was often called the “unofficial mayor” of the village. In 1998, he founded The Brogue Charities to help local residents in need and to support community projects. In 2010, with the help of local leaders, the group evolved into the Celebrate Great Falls Foundation. Its mission was clear: preserve traditions, welcome new neighbors, and keep the small-town character alive.
Events That Define the Village
Today, Celebrate Great Falls sponsors many beloved traditions. The 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks, Concerts on the Green, the Halloween Spooktacular, and the Celebration of Lights bring neighbors together year after year. These events are more than entertainment—they are milestones that knit the fabric of the community.
Giving Back Locally
Beyond celebrations, the Foundation raises funds for the three local elementary schools through its annual Online Auction. It also partners with community organizations on service projects. By engaging residents of all ages, Celebrate Great Falls ensures that its impact extends well beyond seasonal events.
Honoring Mike Kearney
The town’s gratitude to Mike Kearney runs deep. On April 29, 2025, Great Falls dedicated “Mike Kearney Way” on the Village Centre Green. The street stands as a tribute to his vision, service, and commitment to building a community where people know and care for one another. From The Old Brogue to the Celebrate Great Falls Foundation, his influence continues to shape the character of the village.
The Future of the Foundation
Looking ahead, the Celebrate Great Falls Foundation is committed to ensuring that the next generation inherits the same strong sense of community. Plans include expanding partnerships with local schools and organizations, creating more opportunities for residents to volunteer, and introducing new programs that reflect the needs of a changing population. While the signature events will continue, the focus will also be on fostering inclusivity and keeping traditions meaningful for families who are new to Great Falls as well as those with deep roots here. The goal is simple: preserve the small-town spirit while strengthening connections for decades to come.
Why This Matters
Communities don’t thrive on their own. They thrive when people come together, when traditions are preserved, and when neighbors care about one another. Celebrate Great Falls Foundation is proof of what happens when those values guide a town’s growth. And at the center of that legacy is Mike Kearney, whose leadership and heart helped define Great Falls as more than a place—it became a community.
If you’re exploring places like Great Falls to build a home or put down roots, its story shows the value of a community that invests in both people and tradition. A strong foundation of local events, schools, and shared history makes Great Falls not only a beautiful place to live but also a meaningful one. It’s a reminder that where you choose to live shapes how you connect, grow, and belong.
If you want to learn how your home can align with your lifestyle and the values of a strong community, schedule a consultation call with AV Architects + Builders. You can also visit our Learning Center for resources and guidance to design a home that reflects both who you are and where you belong.
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