[Archived] City of Alexandria Holds Birthday Celebration for Alexandria and United States

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	June 21, 2005 PIO# 204-05/rdo	Barbara J. Gordon, Public Information Officer, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

City of Alexandria Holds Birthday Celebration
For Alexandria and United States

The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 256th birthday and the USA's 229th birthday on Saturday, July 9, from 6 -10:30 pm, at Oronoco Bay Park, 7 N. Lee Street, located at the Potomac River between Fairfax, Pendleton, and Madison streets.

The event will feature Maestro Kim Allen Kluge and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra presenting swing music of the 1930s & 1940s by Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, and Benny Goodman. The evening’s activities will culminate with the discharging of cannons to Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. The grand finale fireworks display will take place at 10 pm.

The celebration begins with pre-show entertainment at 6 pm featuring the big band sound of the Capital Focus Jazz Band. Children’s activities will include a moon bounce, fire truck slide, dunk tank, and bouncy boxing. The Park and Recreation Commission's Award presentation is scheduled for 7:30 pm followed by the cutting of birthday cakes by City Council members.

The park has grass seating and spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Community service organizations are featured with public information exhibits. Although food and beverages are available for purchase, everyone is welcome to bring a picnic supper. No grills are allowed at the event.

Parking is available at the Simpson Properties Garage, 700 N. Fairfax St.; Carr America, 44 Canal Center Plaza; and the Trammell Crow Company, 601 N. Fairfax St. The use of Metro and Dash bus services to the Old Town area is encouraged. There will be inspection of all bags and personal effects.

The rain date for the celebration is Sunday, July 10, with fireworks only. Admission is free. For additional information, call the City’s Special Events Office at 703.838.4844 or the Events Hotline at 703.883.4686.

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