To support George Mason University’s annual Brave and Bold Homecoming celebration, Fairfax City is again partnering with GMU to showcase its Patriot Pride with the program “Patriots in the City.” It unlocks discounts and specials for Mason’s community – including students, faculty, staff and alumni – when a GMU ID or alumni card is shown.

More than 45 businesses within the restaurant, retail, personal care/grooming, and professional-service sectors are participating. The discounts and specials began this Monday, Feb. 1, and will run through Saturday, Feb. 13.

“As the hometown of George Mason University, this is Fairfax City’s third consecutive year helping to sponsor Homecoming,” said Fairfax Mayor David Meyer. “While the number and type of events we typically hold are different this year, we continue to support the university’s community and want them to know they’re welcomed in Fairfax City.”

Dawn Hicks, director of community relations with GMU Athletics, is delighted that this tradition will continue. “We’re thrilled the City of Fairfax is again joining Mason’s Brave & Bold Homecoming celebration,” she said. “Seeing the City dressed up with green and gold decorations – and the Homecoming banner displayed in Old Town Square – is an exciting new tradition.”

“Patriots in the City offers an extravaganza of exclusive promotions, offers and deals for the Mason community to enjoy,” she continued. “There’s a safe, sanitized, and socially distanced special for everyone, and that’s a treat we can all use right now.”

To see which businesses are offering promotions, go to fairfaxcityconnected.com/masonhomecoming. Participating businesses will also display special, welcome signs.

‘Fall in Love in Fairfax City’

Fairfax City’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) has launched a campaign to support local businesses: “Fall in Love in Fairfax City.” It features an ultimate guide to Valentine’s Day in the City, plus a social photo contest with multiple gift-card giveaways.

“Supporting local businesses and restaurants this year is more important than ever,” said Assistant Economic Development Director Danette Nguyen. “And by shopping small, you’re sure to give a gift that’s memorable.”

The EDA’s Gift Guide features promotions and discounts at small, local, and minority-owned businesses throughout the community and are good, Feb. 12 through Feb. 14. More than 20 Fairfax City businesses are participating.

The EDA is also giving away 10 gift cards of $100 each to participating “Fall in Love in Fairfax City” businesses as prizes in the photo contest. Share a photo of you and a loved one, using the hashtag #FallinLoveinFairfaxCity and by tagging the EDA, @FairfaxCityEDA, for a chance to win. Pictures should include memorable Fairfax City sites.

Photos must be posted on Facebook or Instagram between Feb. 8 at noon through Feb. 14 at 10 p.m. For full prize details and contest rules, go to fairfaxcityconnected.com/fallinlove.