[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements: August 14 – 20, 2010

Saturday, August 14 – Irish Festival
The City of Alexandria will host the annual Irish Festival from noon to 7 p.m. at Waterfront Park, 1A Prince St. The festival features traditional Irish music and dancers, arts, crafts, jewelry, paintings and souvenirs. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.ballyshaners.org.

Saturday, August 14 – Alexandria Sidewalk Sale
Alexandria will host its first-ever sidewalk sale on Saturday, August 14. Come out and shop till you drop while looking for great deals! For more information, visit www.alexandriasidewalksale.com.

Saturday, August 14 – First Annual Youth Arts Festival
The First Annual Youth Arts Festival is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jefferson-Houston School Field, 1501 Cameron Street. Designed for youth and families, this fun filled, cultural enriching, and completely engaging festival features live performances, puppet theatre, fine arts displays, interactive workshops, poetry readings and opportunities for youth to sell their art. For more information, call 703.746.5588.

Saturday, August 14 & Sunday, August 15 – Model Train Days
All aboard! Model train enthusiasts ages 8 and up can explore this fun hobby at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington St. Members of the Potomac Division of the National Model Railroad Association are displaying and running their working HO gauge trains and a state-of-the-art digital command system. Timed admission is on the hour, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday. Space is limited so advance reservation and ticket purchase of $5 per person is required. Register online at www.alexandriahistory.org and click on “Shop” or call The Lyceum to register by phone at 703.746.4994. Youths under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Families with children under age 8 are encouraged to attend The Lyceum’s next Little Conductors Day in February 2011.

Wednesday, August 18 -- Shop to Fight Childhood Obesity 
Shop the Alexandria Whole Foods Market (1700 Duke St.) on Wednesday, August 18, and support Alexandria Neighborhood Health Services, Inc. and the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria’s ACHIEVE Planning Team! The Planning Team is working on several initiatives, including a community gardening project and working with preschools and family day care providers to encourage healthier child care environments. Five percent of the proceeds for the day will go towards supporting the ACHIEVE Planning Team's fight against early childhood obesity. For more information, visit www.healthieralexandria.org/36130 

Thursday, August 19 – Earl Lloyd Book Signing
Alexandria native and NBA pioneer Earl Lloyd will discuss and sign copies of his book “Moonfixer” at a special reception at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Lloyd, a graduate of Parker-Gray High School, became the first African American to play in the NBA in 1950. In 2003, he was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame, after enjoying a successful career as a player and a coach. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.746.4356.

Thursday, August 19 – Great Books Discussion Group
The Great Books Discussion Group will meet at 7 p.m. at Beatley Library (5005 Duke St.) to discuss Jane Austen’s book, Emma. For more information, call Bill Scouton at 703.931.3559.

Thursday, August 19 - Alexandria Library’s SummerQuest Program Concludes
Alexandria Library's SummerQuest reading program wraps up at Burke Branch Library on Thursday, August 19 at 3:30 p.m. when Mr. Don’s Interactive Music Show will  entertain children from ages 1 to 5. For more information, visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us.

Coming Soon

Sunday, August 22 - West End Farmers’ Market Closed at Ben Brenman Park
The West End Farmers’ Market will be closed in preparation for the Annual Cambodian Community Day Festival. The West End Farmers’ Market will reopen Sunday, August 29 and continue Sundays through November 21. For more information, call 703.746.4343.

Ongoing!

City Expands Operating Hours of Neighborhood 'Mini' Pools
The City's Neighborhood "Mini" Pools, John Ewald Pool (4500 Duke St.) and The Memorial Pool at the Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.), are now open on weekends through Monday, September 6, 2010. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/pools.

City of Alexandria Farmers’ Markets
The City of Alexandria is host to a variety of farmers’ markets, including the Old Town Farmers’ market and Del Ray Farmers’ Market on Saturday; the West End Farmers’ Market and Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market’ on Sunday; and the Upper King Street Fresh Farmers’ Market on Wednesday. Markets feature colorful displays of fresh, locally grown, in-season vegetables and fruits, gourmet coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice, meat, bakery items and artisans. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/farmersmarket.

Volunteers Needed for Expect Respect Program
The City of Alexandria's Expect Respect program is seeking a group of volunteers to present an educational program that promotes healthy relationships to Alexandria youth. The volunteers present to 7th graders and high school students throughout the school year. The expected volunteer commitment is four to six hours per month and volunteers must have the flexibility to present during the school day. Volunteers are required to complete a one day training on Saturday, August 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call Kim Hurley at 703.746.5030 or e-mail kim.hurley@alexandriava.gov.