242days until
"GW Classic" 10-K Race

2013 Celebration Events

ANNUAL AWARDS & RECOGNITION RECEPTION

Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 6 p.m. in the Exhibition Hall (lower level) at Lee Center (1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria 22314). The public is invited to celebrate our award winners, see special performances, meet the folks who organize our many events, and enjoy good fellowship and light refreshments at this 2-hour event.

the most up-to-date information about any Celebration Event is published on this website.

The committee maintains a 24-hour phone line that will report any change of status or the cancellation of any event (in case of inclement weather, for instance). Call the EVENTS HOTLINE (703) 829-6640 at any time.

On Parade Day, parking is FREE at the parking lots adjacent to the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station; from here, a Free DASH shuttle bus will take you downtown and back from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.   The free Old town trolley service will also be in operation all day until 11 p.m. from King Street Metro Station going east and west along King Street.  For DASH service to other events, call (703) 370-3274 or go to http://www.dashbus.com/

Alexandria Celebrates Washington's Birthday throughout February

"Walking with Washington"
Did you know that there are over 140 places in Alexandria today that are associated with George Washington?  This tour is designed to show you some of them and improve your knowledge of Washington and Alexandria, his home town.
Dates:  Every Sunday in February (3rd, 10th, 17th, & 24th)
Time:  2 p.m. (tour lasts about one hour)
Location:  Meet at the Ramsay House Visitors Center (near the intersection of King & Fairfax Streets)
Ticket Price:   Free! Advance reservations not required.
Status:  for status see the Status section of this website or call (703) 829-6640.

18th Century Dance Classes
In preparation for the Birthnight Ball, learn 18th-century English country dancing from expert dance instructors.
Dates: January 31, February 7 & 14, 2013
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St.
Ticket Price: $12 per class/$30 for the series.
Contact: for status or more information call
(703) 746-4242

The "Cherry Challenge"
A competition among the finer restaurants in Alexandria.  Each restaurant will develop its own cherry cocktail, entre, and/or dessert, in honor of His Excellency of course!
Dates:  February 3-9, 2013
For a list of participating restaurants see the Cherry Challenge page.

Swordsmen's Rendezvous
En garde! Experience this unique living history program as you learn a skill all 18th-century gentlemen must know – swordplay! The program includes re-enactment of 18th-century swordplay and a display of 18th-century weapons. This popular family event will include some audience participation as you practice your newfound talents.
Date: Saturday, February 9, 2013
Time: 1 hour tours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., 703-746-4242
Ticket Price: $6 per person, ages 5 and up

Birthnight Banquet & Ball
You are invited to the re-creation of this famous celebration of Washington’s Birthday set in the year 1799. The evening includes an 18th-century banquet, English country dancing, dessert collation, character re-enactors, and General and Mrs. George Washington. Period costume optional; “after-five” attire encouraged. To attend the Ball only, please arrive at 9 p.m.
Date:  Saturday, February 16, 2013
Time:  5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Location:  Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St.
Ticket Price:   $100 for banquet & ball, $50 for Ball only. Advance reservations required. Click here to purchase tickets.
Site Contact:  Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, telephone (703) 746-4242;
Status:  for status see the Status section of this website or call (703) 829-6640.

George Washington Classic 10-K Race
(and 2-K Fun Run)
Certified course through Eisenhower Valley. Prizes, Technical Tee Shirts & refreshments.  The first race of the season!  Benefits the historic parade.
New Date:  Sunday, February 17, 2013
Start Time:  8:00 a.m. Rain or shine.
Registration Fee For Runners:  $35 (Late registration after 2/9/12 is $40); “2-K Fun Run” is $10
Status:  for status see the Status section of this website or call (703) 829-6640.
For more information, go to the Races section of this site.

Revolutionary War Reenactment
at Fort Ward Park
Historic camp and tactical demonstrations throughout the day including a Revolutionary War skirmish between the Redcoats and the Colonial Army.
Date:  Sunday, February 17, 2013
Time:  10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (the skirmish is at 2 p.m.)
Location:  Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Road
Ticket Price: Free.  Registration is not required.
Site Contact:  Fort Ward Museum,
telephone (703) 838-4848
Status:  for status see the Status section of this website or call (703) 829-6640.


Madeira Wine Tasting with George Washington
Enjoy the General’s favorite drink as you toast birthday wishes to him! Taste a variety of madeira wines from Rare Wine, Inc. that were created specifically to showcase regional preferences along the nation’s coastline - from Boston to Savannah! Reservations required.
Date & Time: Sunday, February 17, 2013; 3 to 5 p.m.
Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., 703-746-4242.
Ticket Price: $45 per person

Tea with Martha Washington
Ever wonder how the first First Lady entertained her guests? What is the proper way to hold a teacup with no handles? Here is your chance to experience history with Martha Washington as she discusses 18th century tea customs as well as clothing and dancing of the period. Eighteenth-century tea includes the museum's special blend of tea, pound cake, dried fruit, and assortment of cookies. Party attire requested
Date & Time:  February 23, 2013; 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Location:  Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St.
Ticket Price: $25 per person; $20 per in groups of six+.
Status & Site Contact:  Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, telephone (703) 746-4242.
Ticket Information:  call (703) 746-4242

Parade Day!
Monday February 18, 2013

Countdown to Parade Day


Breakfast & Meeting of the Friendship
Veterans Fire Engine Association
Meet special guests, and enjoy a hearty breakfast
with members of this historic association.
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Ticket Price: $30 click here for more information and to purchase tickets on line
Speaker:  Col. Greg Gadson, Commander of Ft. Belvoir
Location: Holiday Inn & Suites, 625 First Street
Status:  for status see the Status section of this site
or call (703) 829-6640.

Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution
Colonial military and civilians honor the soldiers
of the Revolution
Time: 11:00 a.m. to Noon.
Ticket Price: Free
Location: Old Presbyterian Meeting House,
321 So. Fairfax Street
Status:  for status see the Status section of this website or call (703) 829-6640.

Armed Forces Community Covenant Ceremony
Join us as we honor our Nation's Veterans, Active Military, and their families with music, games and activities for children, military vehicles, demonstrations, informational booths and displays. 
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Ticket Price: Free
Location: Market Square (King & Royal Streets)
Status:  for status see the Status section of this website or call (703) 829-6640.

George Washington Birthday PARADE MILE
Race is CANCELLED.

George Washington Birthday Parade
“The largest parade celebrating Washington’s birthday in the USA!”
Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Grand Marshal:  Kerry J. Donley (former Mayor and retiring Vice Mayor of Alexandria)
Location: Old Town Alexandria
See this website for information
about participating units, parking, maps, route & status.
Status:  for status see the Status section of this site
or call (703) 829-6640.

Historic Alexandria sites “Open Houses”
Admission is free to these sites on Parade Day...In honor of the birthday of George Washington.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal St.; Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
phone (703) 838-4242

Friendship Firehouse Museum
107 S. Alfred St., Alexandria. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: Friendship Firehouse Museum
phone (703) 838-3891

Old Presbyterian Meeting House
323 South Fairfax Street; Time: 10a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: Old Presbyterian Meeting House
phone (703) 549-6670

The Lyceum
201 S. Washington St.; Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum
phone (703) 838-4994

Carlyle House
121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria. Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: Carlyle House Museum
phone (703) 549-2997

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 S. Fairfax St.;  Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, telephone (703) 746-3852


Christ Church
118 N. Washington St.:  Time: 9 a.m. to 4

Contact:  Christ Church, telephone (703) 549-1450






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