Here’s the plan for Alexandria’s birthday celebration this weekend

Were you wondering where the city’s fireworks were this weekend?

Fret not: the city reserves its fireworks and pageantry for Saturday, July 10, the celebration of the City of Alexandria’s birthday — a tradition that outdates 4th of July.

The city is celebrating its 272nd birthday with a fireworks display along the Potomac River, viewable in-person or online, starting at 8:45 p.m. The ceremony will include an opening by the Town Crier, a message from Mayor Justin Wilson, poetry by Poet Laureate KaNikki Jakarta, and a performance by the Alexandria National Symphony Orchestra.

The scene will be a little different this year compared to years past. The fireworks are being repositioned to be visible from multiple spots along the Potomac River waterfront, stretching from Canal Center Plaza to Jones Point Park. The event will also not include food trucks or food vendors this year, and no cannon support during the fireworks display.

Attendees are asked to leave pets at home and refrain from smoking during the event.

The city listed recommended viewing spots as:

• Canal Center Plaza (Center Canal Plaza)
• Rivergate Park (2 Montgomery Street)
• Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street)
• Founders Park (351 North Union Street)
• Waterfront Park (1A Prince Street)
• Windmill Hill Park (501 South Union Street)
• Fords Landing boardwalk (99 Franklin Street)
• Jones Point Park (Jones Point Drive)
• George Washington Masonic Temple (101 Callahan Drive)