Post Content

No Fireworks: Alexandria’s Birthday Celebration to be Virtual Next Month

Alexandria is turning 271 years old next month, but due to coronavirus concerns the city’s annual massive birthday event will be virtual.

The event, which also celebrates the countrywide July 4 festivities, draws thousands of residents and visitors along Oronoco Bay Park to receive birthday cupcakes; listen to the city’s poet laureate; and ooh and ahh at a fireworks show over the Potomac River as the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) plays the 1812 Overture — with actual howitzer blast punctuations by the Presidential Salute Battery of the 3d United States Infantry Regiment.

According to the city calendar, “Because all special events have been cancelled or postponed through August, the City of Alexandria’s annual Birthday Party and fireworks will not be held in person this year. The City will announce virtual alternatives for this celebration of Alexandria’s 271st and the USA’s 244th birthday.”

ASO Music Director James Ross said that last year’s event was a blast and that he has tried presenting an alternative concert to the city.

“All I know is that they cancelled the concert, so we aren’t participating,” Ross said. “We’re trying to propose what modular version of a concert that we can, even if it’s just 10 musicians… I had such fun leading the concert last year, and I hope that events with gatherings of thousands of people and fireworks will come back as we learn to live with the coronavirus.”

Old Town resident Hal Hardaway enjoys the annual event, but supports the cancellation.

“I think it’s probably a good idea,” Hardaway said. “I don’t go overboard about the coronavirus, but I do use caution. It is important (to cancel it), even though I’ve been going to that celebration for 21 years. I love the symphony and seeing the people, but it’s usually just packed, so it would be too close.”

Incidentally, Hardaway is a co-founder of the annual Old Town Festival of Speed & Style, which was rescheduled from June 7 to September 6.

Staff photo by James Cullum

Recent Stories

The biggest news throughout the region was the smoke from the Canadian wildfires that descended on Wednesday and stayed through yesterday. Air quality reached dire levels and the City of…

The Director of the Federal Housing Finance Administration visited Southern Towers in the West End this week, signalling to housing advocates that years of protests against rent hikes and evictions…

(Updated 1:15 p.m.) The Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge was closed to traffic due to police activity, though as of 1:15 p.m. is has reopened. A foot pursuit across the Mount Vernon…

Just Listed in Alexandria

A 4 BD/3 BA updated home with hardwood floors, covered porch and remodeled lower level is featured in Just Listed.

Are you seeking a confidential space where you can explore your emotions, overcome challenges, and find inner peace? Look no further than our dedicated psychotherapy service! We understand that life can be overwhelming at times, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

At Peaceful Mind Solutions, our passion lies in helping individuals like you navigate life’s complexities and find the strength to thrive. Our skilled and compassionate therapist is committed to creating a warm, non-judgmental environment where you can express your thoughts and feelings openly. With our personalized approach, we tailor each session to address your unique needs and empower you to overcome obstacles.

Through evidence-based techniques and a deep understanding of the human mind, our therapist will guide you on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking personal growth, we’re here to provide guidance and practical tools for lasting change.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Time flies when you’re having fun! The T.C. Williams High School Class of 1973 will hold its 50th reunion July 21-23, 2023 in Alexandria. All graduates and their adult nears and dears are welcome. Events include a Friday evening icebreaker, Saturday dinner dance, and a Sunday brunch. For more information: tcwilliams73.com, 770.789.3534.

Submit your own Community Post here.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list