[Archived] Alexandria Ready To Celebrate George Washington's 275th Birthday Events Planned For This Weekend (February 17-19, 2007)

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	February 15, 2007 PIO# 041-07/jbh	John Irvine at (703) 549-1644 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

ALEXANDRIA READY TO CELEBRATE GEORGE WASHINGTON'S 275TH BIRTHDAY
EVENTS PLANNED FOR THIS WEEKEND (FEBRUARY 17-19, 2007)

The City of Alexandria is abuzz with preparations to celebrate its most famous historic resident’s 275th Birthday over the three-day Washington’s Birthday holiday. Featured events include the annual Birthnight Ball, a fixture on the local social scene since 1797, the nation’s largest Washington’s Birthday Parade, and many other special events.

Old Town Alexandria is where George Washington attended church, conducted trade, and dined and entertained guests. To honor the Alexandrian who was described by Henry Lee as "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen," the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee and the City of Alexandria are hosting over a dozen events during the month of February. The weekend’s events include:

10-K Classic. The George Washington Birthday Classic 10-K Race and 2-K Fun Run benefiting the Alexandria Police Youth Camp will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 17. Spaces are still available. The 10-K USATF certified race course travels along Eisenhower Valley and through Alexandria's parklands (Cameron Run, Holmes Run and Ben Brenman Park). The race, which will be timed by Pacers Events, Inc., is part of the 2007 Race Packet Grand Prix Series and begins just steps from the Eisenhower Avenue Metro station (Yellow Line). (Runners can warm-up inside the lobby of the AMC Hofffam Theatres.)

We're Having a Ball! On Saturday evening, the Birthnight Banquet & Ball in George Washington's honor will be held at Gadsby's Tavern, a tradition dating back to 1797.

The Redcoats are coming! On Sun., Feb. 18, beginning at 10:00 a.m., Fort Ward Park will host a Revolutionary War battle reenactment between George Washington's Continental Army and British 'Redcoats'. Sure to be great fun for all ages.

Everyone Loves a Parade! On Mon., Feb. 19, the City will shut down many of the streets Washington walked to hold the largest George Washington birthday parade in the United States. The parade starts at 1:00 p.m. at the intersection of Wilkes and South St. Asaph Streets. The reviewing stand is located next to Gadsby's Tavern, at the intersection of Royal and Cameron Streets. The parade route ends at South Fairfax and Gibbon Streets. This year's Parade Grand Marshall is former Virginia Delegate Marian Van Landingham. Volunteer opportunities are still available.

For a complete events list, go to www.WashingtonBirthday.org or call (703) 991-4474. To arrange an interview or for more details, contact media coordinator John Irvine at (703) 887-7643.

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