[Archived] Cooking Demo, Music, Cake and Fireworks Planned for Alexandria’s Celebration of 256th Birthday on July 9

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	June 24, 2005 PIO# 211-05/bg	Barbara J. Gordon, Public Information Officer, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

Cooking Demo, Music, Cake and Fireworks Planned for
Alexandria’s Celebration of 256th Birthday on July 9

The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 256th birthday on July 9 with day-long entertainment and other free activities. The celebration will begin at 7:30 am until 10:30 am at the Old Town Farmers’ Market, the oldest market in the nation established in 1749. In addition to the usual fare for sale - - vegetables, fruit, flowers and breads -- the market will feature cooking demonstrations, tastings, live music, costumed characters and flower arranging. The TC Williams High School Brass Quintet and Saxophone Quartet will entertain market goers throughout the morning. Booths at the market will be decorated in festive red, white and blue in celebration of Alexandria's birthday. The Market is located at 300 King St., in front of City Hall.

Other scheduled activities include:
- 8 am, St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave., coffee tasting.

- 8:30 am, Gadsby’s Tavern, 134 N. Royal St., Executive Chef Matthew Richardson will conduct a cooking demonstration of picnics then and now, including Gadsby’s famous game stew and tips for cooking with fresh produce from the Farmers’ Market. Brandied peaches, heirloom tomatoes with herbs and corn relish can be sampled. Recipes provided by elected officials will be distributed.

Throughout the morning, characters in costume will greet visitors and talk about what Alexandria’s birthday celebrations were like in the 1700s.

- 6 pm, the celebration continues at Oronoco Bay Park at Madison and Pendleton Street on the Potomac River with entertainment, birthday cake, a presentation by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and fireworks at dark. Morning Farmers’ Market visitors are encouraged to purchase food items from the market for a picnic supper to enjoy during the evening event. Admission to both events is free.

For information, call the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.838.4343.