[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements: August 9 - 15, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 8, 2008    

Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria
 August 9–15, 2008 

Sunday, August 10 – West End Farmers’ Market at Ben Brenman Park
Shop at the West End Farmers’ Market beginning at 9 a.m. in Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Dr. Summer’s bounty just gets more and more delicious. The vendors at the West End Farmers Market are now displaying a sumptuous array of tomatoes. Mounds of large multi-colored heirloom tomatoes can be found next to baskets of cherry tomatoes, yellow and red plum tomatoes, and the all time summer favorite, large juicy red tomatoes, right off the vine. The West End Farmers’ Market is open Sundays, May through October, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. For additional information, call the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.838.4343.

Sunday, August 10 – HistoricAlexandriALIVE
Alexandria's historic past comes to life between noon and 5 p.m.! See live, engaging performances at the Waterfront behind the Torpedo Factory. Puppet shows were a common and exciting entertainment in the 18th century and now, today’s visitors will be entertained by KD Puppets performing classic tales--but with a modern twist! Eighteen-century English country dancers will demonstrate the popular dances of the day. For more information, please visit oha.alexandriava.gov/oha-main/oha-historicAlexandriaLive.html.

Wednesday, August 13 – “Let’s Talk Books” Discussion Group
The “Let’s Talk Books” Discussion Group will meet with local author Solveig Eggerz to discuss her novel, Seal Woman. The group will meet from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St. Registration is recommended for this event. To sign up or to request further information, call 703.838.4555 or e-mail skalil@alexandria.lib.va.us.

Wednesday, August 13 – Upper King Street Fresh Farmers’ Market
The City of Alexandria and the Upper King Street Neighborhood Association proudly announce the opening of the 2008 Upper King Street Fresh Farmers’ Market from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The market will be held at the King Street Gardens Park, 1806 King St., just a few steps from the King Street Metro. It will be open rain or shine. The market will offer area residents and commuters the opportunity to shop for fresh, locally grown produce, homemade goods and bakery items. For additional information, call Debra Monahan with the Upper King Street Neighborhood Association at 703.683.1696.

Thursday, August 14 - Music at Twilight Concert 
The Music at Twilight concert series features All Scottish Night, playing traditional Scottish music. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. at Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Rd. Concerts are cancelled in the event of inclement weather and are subject to change without notice. For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686 or visit alexandriava.gov/recreation.

Friday, August 15 – Lantern Tours
Tour Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal St.) by candlelight with a costumed guide and see how guests experienced the historic tavern and hotel before the advent of electricity. Tour times are 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and cost is $5 per person, ages 5 and up. The museum may be closed on some occasions; call 703.838.4242 in advance to verify tour dates.

Open through Monday, September 8 – Living Legends of Alexandria Exhibition
The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., is hosting Living Legends of Alexandria, which celebrates and documents individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the quality of life in Alexandria. Living Legends of Alexandria features photographs of 48 nominees by Nina Tisara with information about their contributions by Christa Watters. The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.838.4994.

Open through Wednesday, December 31 – Drawings by William Lydston, Jr. Exhibition
This exhibition of Civil War artwork at Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site (4301 W. Braddock Rd.) has been extended through the end of the year. Civil War drawings by soldier, artist and musician William Lydston, Jr., are featured in this exhibit with musical instruments and related objects as part of the statewide celebration of Virginia’s musical heritage. Admission to the museum is free. The exhibition is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.fortward.org or call 703.838.4848.

Coming Soon!

Saturday, August 16 – Transportation Workshop
In an effort to help residents cope with increasing energy costs and other economic pressures, the City will hold the first of two transportation workshops to educate participants on how to travel by bicycle, rideshare, and public transportation. The first workshop will be held on Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Samuel Tucker Elementary School, 435 Ferdinand Day Dr. For more information or to register, please visit www.alexandriava.gov/localmotion or call Donna Norfleet at 703.838.3800.

Saturday, August 16 – Archaeology Family Dig Days!
Help City archaeologists and trained volunteers screen excavated soil for artifacts from a real "dig" located on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial (101 Callahan Dr.) from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wear comfortable clothes, protect yourself from the sun, and bring a water bottle. Please, no sandals. All necessary equipment will be supplied. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Cost is $5 per person and reservations are required. E-mail archaeology@alexandriava.gov or call 703.838.4399 to save your spot!

Sunday, August 24 - Annual Cambodian Community Day
The City of Alexandria's Annual Cambodian Community Day Festival will be held from noon to 6 p.m. at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Dr. Admission is free and the event will be held rain or shine. The City's Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and the Cambodian Community Day Committee are cosponsoring the festival. For additional information, visit www.cambodiancommunityday.org.