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Fairfax County has declared itself the “Music Capital of Virginia,” with supervisors unanimously approving the title after a playful debate over which part of the county deserved top billing.

The July 15 discussion began when Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman introduced a resolution naming his district the musical capital of Fairfax County. He highlighted performances in Herndon, McLean and Great Falls, as well as concerts at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.

Bierman noted that The Barns at Wolf Trap is in the Hunter Mill District, represented by Supervisor Walter Alcorn. However, the Filene Center—home to most of the national park’s summer concerts—is in Dranesville.

The proposal soon inspired friendly competition and a string of music-themed jokes among supervisors. Bierman said the resolution was meant to bring some fun to the board before its summer recess, not create discord among his colleagues.

Board Chairman Jeff McKay suggested expanding the designation to cover all of Fairfax County. Bierman accepted the amendment, and supervisors approved it unanimously.

McKay said the resolution was not intended as a challenge to Virginia’s other 132 counties and cities. Instead, he described it as a way to remind residents about the range of entertainment available throughout Fairfax, including the Fairfax County Park Authority’s free summer concerts.

“I don’t think your average Fairfax resident understands how many opportunities there are,” McKay said.

Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik emphasized that performances are held throughout the county. Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck added several musical one-liners, including, “We are in tune with our audience” and “Let’s not keep score.”

McKay joked that he would have supported the original Dranesville-only resolution because he represents residents countywide, though he predicted it would have lost by a 2-8 vote.

The Park Authority’s seasonal lineup includes Braddock Nights, Evenings on the Ellipse, Franconia District Nights, Hunter Mill Melodies, Mount Vernon Nights, Music at Arrowbrook Centre Park, Providence Presents, Spotlight by Starlight and Springfield Nights.

Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith observed that her district lacks a concert series. McKay responded that Sully hosts the Starlight Cinema Drive-In Movies—and movies usually include music.

Fairfax offers musical performances throughout the year, while the Park Authority’s summer program continues through Aug. 30. Organizers of the summer entertainment series are expected to be honored at a Board of Supervisors meeting in the fall.