The ViVa! Vienna! Memorial Day weekend festival has earned Rotary District 7610's "Unite for Good Award" as Service Project of the Year, the Rotary Club of Vienna announced on Thursday, Sept. 17.

The recognition highlights more than four decades of charitable fundraising through the three-day festival held each Memorial Day weekend in the heart of Vienna. Every dollar of festival proceeds goes to charitable, community and humanitarian causes, according to the club. In 2027, the Rotary Club of Vienna plans to distribute more than $200,000 to organizations across Vienna, Northern Virginia and communities worldwide.

That money reaches more than 70 local organizations each year, according to vivavienna.org. Recipients include local nonprofits, scholarship programs, youth initiatives, food and housing assistance providers, health and wellness groups, veterans' services and international humanitarian projects.

The all-volunteer club credited the award to the broader community, saying the honor belongs to everyone who helps make the festival possible.

What the festival looks like

ViVa! Vienna! draws families and visitors to historic Vienna each Memorial Day weekend for live entertainment, amusement rides, food vendors, children's activities and a community marketplace. The Rotary Club of Vienna has run the festival for over 41 years in partnership with the Town of Vienna.

The weekend also serves as a Memorial Day observance, honoring service members who died in military service and recognizing Gold Star families.

New leadership, member honors

The Rotary Club of Vienna welcomed Dave Smith as president for the new Rotary year at a June 26 ceremony. Outgoing president Mark Rogoff reflected on the past year's service projects and fundraising efforts.

The club named Brian Billett Rotarian of the Year and Morgan Finton Outstanding New Rotarian of the Year.

The 2026 festival ran May 23–25. Dates for the 2027 edition have not been announced.