[Archived] City of Alexandria Celebrates Its 257th Birthday And the Nation’s 230th on Saturday, July 8

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	June 30, 2006 PIO# 157-06/rdo	Brian Hannigan, Director of Communications, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

City of Alexandria Celebrates Its 257th Birthday
And the Nation’s 230th on Saturday, July 8
Army Band, Alexandria Symphony, Birthday Cake
And Fireworks Highlight Historic City’s Annual Festivities
On Weekend Following the 4th of July

The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 257th birthday and the USA’s 230th on Saturday, July 8, from 4 to 10 pm at Oronoco Bay Park, which is located at the Potomac River between Pendleton and Madison Streets. Admission is free.

The event’s main highlights will include Maestro Kim Allen Kluge and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra performing “A Night on Broadway, the music of Rogers and Hammerstein,” and the evening’s fireworks display, culminating with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture playing to the discharge of cannons.

The celebration begins at 4 pm with children’s activities, community exhibitors, and food vendors. The children's activities will include a moon bounce and fire truck slide. The event continues with pre-show entertainment at 6 pm featuring the sounds of the 257th Army Band, “The Band of the Nation’s Capital.” The Park and Recreation Commission’s Outstanding Community Service Awards Presentation will take place at 7:30 pm, followed by the cutting of birthday cakes by Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille and members of the City Council. There will be a grand finale display of fireworks at 9:30 pm.

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 will be available for purchase, but everyone is welcome to pack a picnic supper. No grills are allowed during the event, and pets should be left at home.

Parking is available at Simpson Properties Garage, 700 N. Fairfax St.; Carr America, 44 Canal Center Plaza; and Trammell Crow Company, 601 N. Fairfax St. Metro and Dash bus services to the Old Town Alexandria is encouraged.

An inspection of all bags and personal effects will be made to maintain safety and comfort.

The rain date for the celebration is Sunday, July 9, with fireworks only.

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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