FRIBA Donates Barricades to Town for Festival Use and Public Safety

The Front Royal Independent Business Alliance (FRIBA) has donated $2,250 to the Town of Front Royal to purchase six water-filled event barricades, reinforcing a shared commitment to public safety and community programming.

The donation was formally presented at the Town’s Public Works facility, where FRIBA President Craig Laird handed over the check to Steve Scheulen, the Town’s Manager of Infrastructure. The barricades will be used at local events, including the annual Festival of Leaves, to help block off streets and ensure pedestrian safety.

Six new water-filled safety barricades, donated by the Front Royal Independent Business Alliance (FRIBA), will be used by the Town of Front Royal during local events like the Festival of Leaves. Made from durable polyethylene, the barriers weigh up to 600 pounds when filled and offer reusable, weather-resistant protection for public gatherings. Photo and video by Mark Williams, Royal Examiner.

“These barricades will help protect festival-goers and give us more flexibility in how we manage street closures,” said Scheulen. “They’re easy to move when empty, lock together, and are extremely stable when filled with water.”

Each barricade is constructed from high-quality polyethylene plastic, making it lightweight when empty but roughly 600 pounds when filled. Designed to withstand weather and resist splitting or cracking, these barriers are also cost-effective and reusable—an investment that can serve the town for many years.

FRIBA’s donation addresses a growing need for modern and efficient safety measures at large-scale events like the Festival of Leaves, which draws thousands of visitors to downtown Front Royal each October. Laird emphasized that this is just one example of the Alliance’s broader mission.

“FRIBA exists to support local, independent businesses,” said Laird. “We also coordinate the Festival of Leaves, and this donation is about making sure it runs safely and smoothly—for vendors, visitors, and the town.”

The barricades will be stored and maintained by the Public Works department and are designed for both short-term and long-term use, including street fairs, parades, and other community gatherings.

As planning ramps up for this year’s Festival of Leaves—scheduled for October, with the popular Friday night kickoff concert returning—organizers are already seeking volunteers. “It’s not too early to sign up,” said Laird. “We’ll be posting opportunities on our website soon, and volunteers can reach out via email at info@festivalofleaves.org.”

“This is a true example of a public-private partnership at work,” added Scheulen. “We’re grateful to FRIBA for investing in the safety and success of our local events.”

For more information on FRIBA, the Festival of Leaves, or volunteer opportunities, visit festivalofleaves.org.