Alexandria Celebrates Hometown Hero George Washington

It's all George Washington all the time in February with the City of Alexandria and others offering a wide array of activities.

The largest parade in the country celebrating the 280th anniversary of the birth of the nation’s first president takes place on Washington’s Birthday holiday, Monday, Feb. 20 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Old Town Alexandria.

Related festivities throughout February:

February 19 & 26
Walking with Washington Tours
Every Sunday in February
1 p.m. (tour lasts about 90 minutes)
Location:  Meet at the fountain at Market Square (near the intersection of King & Royal Streets)
Tickets: $10 (pay at the site when you take the tour, no advance reservations)

It's back, after a hiatus last year! Did you know that there are over 140 places in Alexandria today that are associated with George Washington? This popular tour is designed to show you some of them and improve your knowledge of Washington and his hometown, Alexandria. To check event status due to weather conditions, visit www.washingtonbirthday.net/status or call 703-829-6640

Saturday, February 18
Washington’s Birthnight Banquet & Ball
5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., 703-746-4242
Tickets: $100 and up for banquet and ball, $50 for ball only; reservations required, 703-746-4242

Participate in a reenactment of the 1798 and 1799 balls George Washington attended to celebrate his birthday. Colonial attire encouraged but not required. Dancing lessons are available prior to the Ball. For the first time there will be live Tweeting at the Birthnight Banquet & Ball through @JohnGadsby using the hashtag #GWBall.


Sunday, February 19
Revolutionary War Reenactment at Fort Ward Park
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Skirmish at 2 p.m.)
Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Rd.
Free

Historic camp and tactical demonstrations throughout the day including a Revolutionary War skirmish between the Redcoats and the Colonial Army.


Sunday, February 19
Madeira Wine Tasting with George Washington
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., 703-746-4242.
Tickets: $45 per person

The weekend of George Washington's birthday, enjoy his favorite drink as you toast birthday wishes to him! At Gadsby's Tavern Museum's Madeira Wine Tasting, taste four Madeira wines produced by Blandy's, a family-owned business since 1811 and learn about Madeira production as you taste it with food pairings.


Parade Day, Monday, February 20
Breakfast & Meeting of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Holiday Inn & Suites, 625 First St.
Tickets: $30; purchase at www.friendshipfire.net or by calling 703-751-6416

The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association sponsors this meeting at the Holiday Inn & Suites where breakfast is served. Those in attendance are treated to the first appearance of the day by George Washington and an address by Gen. Barry McCaffrey.


Parade Day, Monday, February 20
Armed Forces Community Covenant Ceremony
11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Market Square (King & Royal streets, Old Town Alexandria)
Free

Join us as we honor our Nation's Veterans, Active Military, and their families with entertainment, games and activities for children, military vehicles, demonstrations, informational booths and displays.  Dignitaries attending include Colonel John J. Strycula, Garrison Commander, Fort Belvoir; Colonel Daniel J. Choike, Base Commander, Marine Corps Base Quantico; Alexandria’s Town Crier; George and Martha Washington; the mayor of Alexandria; and the Parade Grand Marshal, Patsy Ticer. There will be an opportunity to sign a covenant document to show your support for our troops.


Parade Day, Monday, February 20
George Washington Birthday PARADE MILE
12:30 p.m. rain or shine
Old Town Alexandria
$20 per runner

Be a part of the second running of the Parade Mile. Run occurs just before the parade on the parade route. Special winter fleece beanies will be given to preregistered race participants. Start Time: 12:30 p.m.; Start & Finish Location: The parade reviewing stands at King and Royal streets. Please note that you must be able to finish the mile in 15 minutes or less. Absolutely no strollers or pets.


Parade Day, Monday, February 20
George Washington Birthday Parade
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Old Town Alexandria
Free

The nation’s largest George Washington birthday parade marches a one-mile route through the streets of Old Town Alexandria. With nearly 3,500 participants including historical groups, youth from scouting groups and animals, this is still a local, community parade in honor of one of the City’s favorite sons. The parade starts at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Gibbon and S. Fairfax streets. The reviewing stand is located near City Hall’s Market Square, at the intersection of King and Royal streets, and ends at Wilkes and S. Royal streets. See www.washingtonbirthday.net for maps and additional information.


Parade Day, Monday, February 20
Free admission to historic sites for George Washington's Birthday
In honor of George Washington’s birthday, Alexandria’s historic sites plus his Mount Vernon Estate offer free admission on his birthday holiday. Historic sites include:

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., 703-780-2000

The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum
201 S. Washington St., 703-746-4994

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal St., 703-746-4242

Friendship Firehouse Museum
107 S. Alfred St., 703-746-3891

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 S. Fairfax St., 703-746-3852

Carlyle House
121 N. Fairfax St., 703-549-2997

Christ Church
118 N. Washington St., 703-549-1450



February 25 & 26
Tea with Martha Washington
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., 703-746-4242
Tickets: $25 per person; $20 per person in groups of six or more.

Ever wonder how the first First Lady entertained her guests? What is the proper way to hold a teacup with no handles? Here is your chance to experience history with Martha Washington as she discusses 18th century tea customs as well as clothing and dancing of the period. Eighteenth-century tea includes the museum's special blend of tea, pound cake, dried fruit, and assortment of cookies. Party attire requested.


Direct Links to George Washington Birthday Celebration details:
http://visitalexandriava.com/about-alexandria/alexandria-george-washington-birthday/

http://www.washingtonbirthday.net/events