Fun George Washington Weekend Activities

The City of Alexandria is celebrating George Washington's birthday in style. Here's a few highlights of things to do this weekend. Most of this information was provided by the city.

Saturday thru Monday, February 19-21 - George Washington Birthday Parade & Weekend Festivities
You won’t want to miss the largest parade in the country celebrating the nation’s first president, which takes place on Washington’s Birthday holiday, Monday, February 21, 1 to 3 p.m. in Old Town Alexandria. Patch will be marching in the parade, so make sure you wave and step up to get some Patch swag. The parade in one highlight of many events, including an historic reenactment at Fort Ward Park, “Meet the President: Woodrow Wilson” at the Lyceum a 10-K race, a 1-mile race just before the parade, plus free open houses at historic attractions. Visit www.Washingtonbirthday.Net/events for a complete schedule.

Saturday, February 19 – Genealogy Workshop
Discover your own family history with expert techniques for tracing African-American ancestors at a workshop titled “In Search of Parker and Gray: Two African American Education Icons.” Genealogist Char McCargo Bah will explore John F. Parker and Sarah A. Gray, early African American educators in Alexandria for whom Parker-Gray School was named during segregation. Learn how Char had to focus on collateral lines, distinguish among people with the same name and overcome other challenges – and how her tips can help with your family research. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. Admission is $5 and advance reservations are recommended. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703-746-4356.

Sunday, February 20 – Ice Melt Contest
How long can ice stored in an 18th-century well in the middle of Old Town Alexandria last? Guess correctly and you could win some "ice" of your own, like a diamond bracelet or Waterford crystal. To raise money to preserve its historic ice well, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., is kicking off its Ice Melt Contest on Sunday afternoon. The underground ice well will be stocked with several tons of ice and participants are invited to guess how long it will take to completely melt. The event begins at 2 p.m., as a block of ice is hauled from the Alexandria waterfront at the end of Cameron Street to the ice well at the corner of North Royal and Cameron streets. Once the ice block reaches the ice well around 2:30 p.m., visitors will be able to view the stocked ice well, purchase contest tickets, learn about the importance of ice in the 18th century and talk with George Washington outside the very tavern where he dined and danced. For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703-746-4242.

Monday, February 21 – Friendship Veterans Breakfast
The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association invites the public to join in their annual breakfast on the day of the George Washington Birthday Parade! Witness the first appearance of the day by George Washington and enjoy a hearty breakfast before the parade from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Old Town, 625 First St. For more information or for tickets, call 703-751-6416.

Monday, February 21 – Parade Day Activity
Between noon and 5 p.m., stop by the Historic Alexandria History Center & Museum Store, 101 N. Union St., and dress up in 18th-century style! Make a tricorn hat to take with you, get your picture taken with the George and Martha Washington cut-out, and try on 18th-century clothing. For more information, call 703.746.4760.

Monday, February 21 – Parade Day Open Houses at Museums
Celebrate Presidents Day and the George Washington Parade with free tours at your favorite museums. Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., and Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax St., are open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friendship Firehouse Museum, 107 S. Alfred St., is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visitwww.historicalexandria.org or call 703.746.1749.

Monday, February 21 – Meet the President!
In honor of Presidents' Day, meet President Woodrow Wilson at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., at 11 a.m. when he is brought to life by actor Brian Hilton. President Wilson, as portrayed by Hilton, will discuss events from the time of his presidency, 1913 to 1921, and then welcome questions from the audience. This free event is ideal for all ages. For more information, visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703-746-4994.