The City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities launched its 18th Annual Community Cookout series with a successful first event at Mount Vernon Recreation Center on Tuesday (April 29).
Hundreds of community members gather to connect with their neighbors and access city resources, all while enjoying free food and activities.
The kickoff cookout, held at 2600 Mt. Vernon Avenue, drew a large crowd during the 90-minute event. Attendees took advantage of games, activities, and giveaways while building community connections with the Alexandria Police Department, different city departments, and local nonprofits.
Notable city officials in attendance included Mayor Alyia Gaskins, City Manager James Parajon, City Council Member Canek Aguirre, and Sheriff Sean Casey, highlighting the importance of these events in fostering relationships between residents and city leadership.
The community cookout initiative, which began as a small departmental project, has evolved into a significant community outreach effort for the City. Today, more than 50 city agencies and nonprofit organizations participate in the cookouts.
The series continues with nine more events scheduled throughout Alexandria from May through July. All cookouts run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at various locations across the city:
The next cookout takes place Wednesday, May 7, at Ewald Park, located at 4500 Duke St.
The following week, on Wednesday, May 14, the cookout moves to The Acclaim at 346 South Whiting St.
Ruby Tucker Center hosts the May 21 cookout in the 300 Block of Tancil Ct.
The final May cookout takes place on Thursday, May 29, at Mason at Van Dorn, 140 South Van Dorn Street.
June begins with a cookout on Wednesday, June 4, at Southern Towers, located at 4900 Seminary Road.
Princess Square welcomes the community on Wednesday, June 11, at 400 North West St.
The Patrick Henry Recreation Center hosts an event on Wednesday, June 18, at 4643 Taney Ave.
The June cookouts conclude on Wednesday, June 25, at Andrew Adkins in the 1200 Block of Wythe St.
The final cookout of the series takes place Wednesday, July 1, at Casa Chirilagua, 4100 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Each cookout offers the same format: free food, games, activities, and access to city resources. This provides an accessible entry point for community members to engage with local government and nonprofit organizations, while strengthening their bonds with the community.
