[Archived] Celebration Planned for Alexandria and USA Birthdays

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2004
PIO 175-04bg

Celebration Planned for
Alexandria and USA Birthdays

The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 255th birthday and the USA’s 228th birthday on Saturday, July 10, from 4-10 pm. The celebration will be held at Oronoco Bay Park, 7 North Lee St., located at the Potomac River between Fairfax Street, Pendleton Street and Madison Street.

The event will feature Maestro Kim Allen Kluge and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra presenting swing music of the ‘30s and ‘40s by Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, and Benny Goodman. The music culminates with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and the discharging of cannons. The grand finale fireworks display will be at 10 pm.

The celebration begins at 4 pm with pre-show entertainment featuring traditional ethnic dancing, food and music from Chirilagua, African, Cambodian, Armenian, and Irish cultures. The Park and Recreation Commission’s Award presentation is scheduled for 7:30 pm followed by the cutting of birthday cakes by the Mayor and members of the City Council.

Oronoco Bay Park has grass seating and spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Community service organizations will provide public information exhibits. Food and beverages are available for purchase, but everyone is welcome to pack a picnic supper. No grills are allowed during the event. Parking is available at Simpson Properties Garage, 700 North Fairfax St., Carr America, 44 Canal Center Plaza and Trammell Crow Company, 601 North Fairfax St. Residents should use Metro and Dash bus services to the Old Town area to ease traffic.

For safety, all bags and personal effects will be inspected. The rain date is Sunday, July 11, with fireworks only. Admission is free. For information, call 703.838.4844.

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