[Archived] City of Alexandria to Hold Annual USA & City Birthday Celebration on Saturday, July 9

For Immediate Release: June 30, 2011

News Highlights

• Birthday celebration features performance by Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and fireworks display over the Potomac River on July 9

More Information

• Visit alexandriava.gov/recreation 

The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 262nd and the USA’s 235th birthday on Saturday, July 9, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., located at the Potomac River between Fairfax, Pendleton, and Madison Streets. Admission is free.

The celebration includes fun for the entire family, including children’s activities, community exhibits, and birthday cake. The highlight of the evening is a concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra with Maestro Kim Allen Kluge presenting an explosive night of fun and fanfare featuring “Dreams of Summer.”

Fireworks close out the celebration featuring Tchaikovsky's “1812 Overture” with cannon support by the United States Marine Corps, Basic Training School, Quantico, VA at 9:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, fireworks only will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 10 at 9:30 p.m.

Oronoco Bay Park has lawn seating, and participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food, such as ice cream, hot dogs, hamburgers, shaved ice and kettle corn will be available for purchase, but everyone is welcome to pack a picnic supper. No grilling allowed.

Visitors to the historic district are encouraged bike, walk or take the Metrorail Yellow or Blue lines to the King Street Station and take King Street Trolley to the unit block of King St., a short walk to Oronoco Bay Park. The King Street Trolley will operate until midnight for individuals wishing to return to the King Street Metro following the celebration.

For DASH schedule information, call 703.746.DASH or visit dashbus.com. For Metrobus schedule information, call 202.637.7000 or visit wmata.com.

Parking is available at Simpson Properties Garage, 700 North Fairfax Street; Tishman Speyer, 44 Canal Center Plaza (at a special $5 fee); and Trammell Crow Company, 601 North Fairfax Street.

For additional information, visit alexandriava.gov/recreation or call the Special Events Hotline at 703.746.5592.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call Cheryl Lawrence at 703.746.5419 (TTY 703.838.4902) or e-mail cheryl.lawrence@alexandriava.gov.