[Archived] City of Alexandria to Hold Annual USA and City Birthday Celebration on Saturday, July 12

The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 265th and the USA’s 238th birthday on Saturday, July 12, from 7 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 musical entertainment, presentation of the Park & Recreation Commission CIVIC Awards, refreshments, and birthday cake. The celebration opens with a performance by Fuse Box at 7 p.m. and the featured performance of the evening is a concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra at 8:30 p.m., culminating with a Grand Fireworks Finale featuring Tchaikovsky's “1812 Overture” with cannon support by the United States Marine Corps Basic Training School beginning at 9:30 p.m.

In the event of inclement weather, fireworks only will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 13 at 9:30 p.m.

Oronoco Bay Park has lawn seating, and participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Refreshments will be available for purchase, but everyone is welcome to pack a picnic dinner. 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 the free King Street Trolley to the unit block of King St., which is just 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 www.dashbus.com. For Metrobus schedule information, call 202.637.7000 or visit www.wmata.com.

Bicyclists may visit alexandriava.gov/LocalMotion for the City’s Bikeways Map, which features the City’s best on-street and off-road bikeways, as well as locations of grouped bicycle parking.

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

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