Celebrating Alexandria’s 259th Birthday on July 12 with Cake and Fireworks
July 10th, 2008 Categories: Alexandria
July 4th marked the 252nd birthday of the United States but July 12th will mark the 259th birthday of historic Alexandria, Virginia.
Oronoco Bay Park, close by the Potomac River, will be the scene of this year’s birthday bash starting at 4:00pm.
The park has lawn seating and participants are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets.
Picnic suppers are welcome although no grilling is allowed. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
This historic area was inhabited by Indians in the mid 17th century and later owned by Standard Oil Company. In the 1980’s the City acquired the 4.5 acres and developed it as a popular location for walking, biking, and running.
The schedule of events looks something like this:
- 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Community Exhibitors, children’s activities
- 6:00 p.m. Performance by Vaughn Ambrose Quartet (jazz)
- 7:30 p.m. Town Crier announces Mayor William D. Euille; presentation of Park and Recreation Commission’s CIVIC Awards; poetry reading
- by Mary McElveen, Alexandria’s Poet Laureate
- 8 :00 p.m. Distribution of birthday cake by the mayor and members of the City Council
- 8:30 p.m. “Big Band” music with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
- 9:30 p.m. Fireworks display featuring Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” with cannon support by the United States Marine Corps
All events are free.
Visitors are encouraged to take the free King Street Trolley that runs from the King Street Metro Station in Old Town. Metro Buses and DASH buses will also be available with regular charges applying. The last trolley will depart lower King Street at 11:45pm for visitors who want to linger.
In the event of bad weather (rain, not heat!) the fireworks only will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 13.
So, if your fireworks got rained out on the 4th or you just like a good birthday party, join us at Oronoco Park on Saturday – it will be a grand occasion!
Michael
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