[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements: August 23-29

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 22, 2008    

Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria
August 23-29, 2008 

Saturday, August 23 – War of 1812 Re-enactment 
Alexandria surrenders! Visit Carlyle House (121 N. Fairfax St.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and see Mayor Charles Simms and the residents of Alexandria give over their defenseless town to His Royal Majesty’s Forces in 1814. Tour the historic house, talk to soldiers and citizens to learn why Alexandria is surrendering, and attend War of 1812 lectures for free! For more information, please call 703.549.2997 or visit www.nvrpa.org/parks/carlylehouse/index.php.

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.

Sunday, August 24 – West End Farmers’ Market at Ben Brenman Park 
Due to the Annual Cambodian Community Day, the farmers’ market will not be held on August 24. The market returns Sunday, August 31 at 9 a.m. at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Dr. For additional information, call the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.838.4343.

Sunday, August 24 – 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! For more information, please visit oha.alexandriava.gov/oha-main/oha-historicAlexandriaLive.html.

Tuesday, August 26 – English as a Second Language Workshop
Adults at the beginning level of learning English are invited to attend a free English language workshop. The workshop will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the conference room of Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St. No registration is required. For more information, please call 703.519.3498.

Wednesday, August 27 – Practice Your English Workshop
Adults who are learning English as a second language are invited to a workshop to practice their English with other students. The workshop is free and will be held from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St. No registration is required. For more information, please call 703.519.3489.

Wednesday, August 27 – Upper King Street Fresh Farmers Market
The Upper King Street Fresh Farmers’ Market offers area residents and commuters the opportunity to shop for fresh, locally grown produce, home made goods and bakery items. The market, located at King Street Gardens Park (1806 King St.) just a few steps from the King Street Metro, is open from 3 to 7 p.m., on Wednesdays, August through October. For additional information, call Debra Monahan with the Upper King Street Neighborhood Association at 703.683.1696.

Wednesday, August 27 – Virginia Paving Air Permit Public Hearing
A public hearing will be held to receive comments on an air permit application from Virginia Paving Company for an amendment to their minor new source review permit allowing the facility to modify and operate one of the two hot mix asphalt plants (Plant 1). The hearing will take place at Samuel Tucker Elementary School (435 Ferdinand Day Dr.) beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Richard Josephson at 703.838.4666 ext. 302.

Friday, August 29 – 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!

Tuesday, September 2 – City of Alexandria Hosts Fifth Annual Doggie Day Swim
The City of Alexandria’s Fifth Annual Doggie Day Swim is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Old Town Pool, 1609 Cameron St. Admission is $5 per dog. Following the end of the summer pool season, the annual event provides dogs with the opportunity to swim and play games in one of the City’s pools. Treats and toys will be provided; fifty percent of the event proceeds will benefit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. For additional information, call the Chinquapin Park Recreation Center at 703.519.2160.

Wednesday, September 10 – Public Hearing for the Proposed Renovation of the Patrick Henry Recreation Center
The Park and Recreation Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 10, to discuss plans and ideas for the proposed renovation of the Patrick Henry Recreation Center. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4643 Taney Ave. A regular meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission will follow the public hearing. For additional information, call William Chesley, Deputy Director, at 703.838.4842.