An earlier version of this story indicated a snowball fight would occur on the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, but the organization is not permitting the public to access its grounds during the storm.
Shawn Eyer, a spokesperson for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, told ALXnow the event is not authorized and that the grounds will be closed to the public Sunday.
“For any private or group use of our grounds, including outdoor events or gatherings, our standard policy requires a formal rental agreement with a minimum fee of $1,000, along with provision of a certificate of insurance naming our organization as additionally insured,” said Eyer. “There is no such agreement in place for this event, and we do not authorize it.”
A group of Alexandria residents had hoped to wage an informal snowy battle outside a well-known city landmark.
Resident Steve Adams told ALXnow he was informally planning a friendly snowball fight at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday, outside the George Washington Masonic National Memorial at 101 Callahan Drive. Adams says the event has been cancelled, and he is considering other locations for future snowball fights.
The memorial has long been a popular spot for sledding and snowball fights, and Adams said it’s a fitting way to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Adams now encourages residents to attend the snowball fight tentatively being planned across the Potomac in D.C.
“The hill transforms into a living battlefield of joy, with patriotism packed into every icy throw,” Adams said. “Come ready to aim, dodge, and celebrate—because this is one revolution everyone’s invited to win.”
Odds are increasing that this weekend’s storm could be one of the largest in the region in years, according to a Capital Weather Gang report earlier today (Wednesday).
Forecasters are calling for increasing odds of a significant snowstorm to hit Alexandria and the rest of the D.C. region. Projections from the National Weather Service show a high chance of at least 6 inches of snow.
Snow could appear Saturday morning in west-central Virginia before advancing east and northeast throughout the day. Snowfall could continue Saturday night into Sunday morning, before becoming a wintry mix with sleet and freezing rain in some areas Sunday night.
“Confidence of a significant winter storm across the region remains high Saturday into Sunday, but confidence in exact amounts of snow versus ice is lower especially south and east,” NWS reported.
The city is advising residents to plan ahead for the forecast, with recommendations like gathering emergency supplies and checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
