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George Washington Birthday Parade marching through Old Town this weekend

A parade this weekend in Old Town will celebrate America’s first Commander-in-Chief: George Washington.

The parade is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15. The theme this year is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War.

There are multiple events around town themed around Washington, from the recent Cherry Challenge to a dinner honoring Washington at Gadsby’s Tavern.

The parade will start at Gibbon Street and run north on Fairfax Street, turn at Queen Street, then come back down Royal Street to end at Wilkes Street.

A release noted that the parade is the oldest and largest parade of its kind in the country and traditionally attracts tens of thousands of spectators to Old Town Alexandria. The Grand Marshal of the parade this year is Lieutenant General Heidi J. Hoyle, former deputy chief of staff of the United States Army

“Alexandria’s George Washington Birthday Parade is an amazing display of community spirit,” Mayor Alyia Gaskins said in the release. “From the Restaurant Cherry Challenge to the Hunt for Washington to the George Washington Parade itself, Alexandria offers lots of fun and educational events for families and individuals alike.”

Parade route for Washington Birthday Parade (image via Washington Birthday Celebration Committee)

About the Author

  • Vernon Miles is the ALXnow cofounder and editor. He's covered Alexandria since 2014 and has been with Local News Now since 2018. When he's not reporting, he can usually be found playing video games or Dungeons and Dragons with friends.