Thousands will join in the revelry for the 281st anniversary of George Washington’s birth in his hometown of Alexandria, Virginia. The city celebrates the General’s birthday throughout the month of February with more than a dozen festive events, including the George Washington birthday parade, free admission to historic sites, popular walking tours, 18th-century dance classes, running races, and Madeira wine tastings.
On Monday, February 18, the George Washington Birthday Parade, the largest and oldest in the country celebrating this Founding Father, will wind its way through a one-mile route along the historic streets of Old Town from 1 to 3 p.m. Annually the parade includes thousands of participants including historical, community and youth groups, bands, horses and canines. More events throughout the birthday weekend make it the cornerstone of a month of celebratory events.
With Mount Vernon Estate, Museum & Gardens just 8 miles south of historic Old Town, more than 140 places in Alexandria today are associated with the nation’s first president, who conducted business, gathered with friends, worshiped, and even owned a townhouse in the city. Here is a list of events for this weekend and the next:
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Washington’s Birthnight Banquet & Ball
5:30 to 11 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., 703-746-4242
Tickets: $100 and up for banquet and ball, $50 for ball only; reservations required, 703-746-4242
alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern
You are invited to the re-creation of this famous celebration of Washington’s Birthday set in the year 1799. The evening includes an 18th-century banquet, English country dancing, dessert collation, character re-enactors, and General and Mrs. George Washington. Period costume optional; “after-five” attire encouraged. Dancing lessons are available prior to the Ball. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for banquet and ball start at $100. To attend the Ball only, please arrive at 9 p.m. and tickets are $50. Reservations are required.
Sundays, February 17 & 24, 2013
Walking with Washington Tours
Every Sunday in February
2 p.m. (tour lasts about 90 minutes)
Location: Meet at the Alexandria Visitors Center at Ramsay House, 221 King Street
Tickets: FREE, no reservation required
washingtonbirthday.net/events
Did you know that there are more than 140 places in Alexandria today associated with George Washington? This popular tour is designed to show you some of them and improve your knowledge of Washington and his hometown, Alexandria. To check event status due to weather conditions, visit www.washingtonbirthday.net/status or call 703-829-6640
Sunday, February 17, 2013
George Washington Birthday Classic 10-K Race and 2-K Fun Run
Race Starts at 8 a.m. (rain or shine)
Cost per runner: $35; after February 9: $40
www.washingtonbirthday.net/race
The race is now on Sunday morning! Race headquarters is the US Patent and Trademark Office, access from Eisenhower Avenue between Elizabeth Lane and John Carlyle Street. Start and finish will be in front of the Madison Building on Eisenhower Avenue. Certified racecourse through Eisenhower Valley. Cash prizes, T-shirts and refreshments will be provided for runners, with the proceeds benefiting George Washington Birthday Celebration. Maps, parking, and Metro access information may be found at www.washingtonbirthday.net/race
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Revolutionary War Reenactment at Fort Ward Park
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Skirmish at 2 p.m.)
Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Rd.
Free
washingtonbirthday.net/events
Historic camp and tactical demonstrations throughout the day including a Revolutionary War skirmish between the Redcoats and the Colonial Army.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Madeira Wine Tasting with George Washington
3 to 5 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., 703-746-4242.
Tickets: $45 per person
alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern
Enjoy the General’s favorite drink as you toast birthday wishes to him! Taste a variety of Madeira wines from Rare Wine, Inc. that were created specifically to showcase regional preferences along the nation’s coastline - from Boston to Savannah! Reservations required.
Parade Day, Monday, February 18, 2013
George Washington Birthday Parade
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Old Town Alexandria
Free
washingtonbirthday.net/events
The nation’s largest George Washington birthday parade marches a one-mile route through the streets of Old Town Alexandria. With nearly 3,500 participants including historical groups, youth from scouting groups, horses and canines, this is still a local, community parade in honor of one of the City’s favorite sons. The parade starts at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Gibbon and S. Fairfax streets. The reviewing stand is located near City Hall’s Market Square, at the intersection of King and Royal streets, and ends at Wilkes and S. Royal streets. See www.washingtonbirthday.net for maps and additional information.
Free admission to historic sites on Monday, February 18, 2013:
washingtonbirthday.net/events
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., 703-780-2000
Old Presbyterian Meeting House
323 S. Fairfax Street 703-549-6670
The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum
201 S. Washington St., 703-746-4994
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal St., 703-746-4242
Friendship Firehouse Museum
107 S. Alfred St., 703-746-3891
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 S. Fairfax St., 703-746-3852
Carlyle House
121 N. Fairfax St., 703-549-2997
Christ Church
118 N. Washington St., 703-549-1450
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Madeira: America's First Wine
7-8:30 p.m.
Grape + Bean, 118 N Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Admission: $75, registration at www.grapeandbean.com
703-664-0214
Francis Scott Key penned the Star Spangled Banner with a cup of Madeira. The Declaration of Independence was toasted with Madeira, as was George Washington's Inauguration! Join GRAPE + BEAN for an evening with Jason Whiteside, Certified Sommelier on a tasting journey of America's First Wine. We will be tasting 8 different wines including the D'Olivera 1977 Terrantez and D'Olivera 1968 Bual.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Tea with Martha Washington
3 to 4:30pm
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., 703-746-4242
Tickets: $25 per person; $20 per person in groups of six or more.
alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern
Parking and Weather Status
On the day of the George Washington Birthday Parade, February 18, 2013, parking is FREE at the parking lots adjacent to the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station; from here, a free DASH shuttle bus will take visitors downtown and back between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Free King Street Trolley will also be in operation all day until 11 p.m. from the King St-Old Town Metro station.
The George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee maintains a 24-hour phone line that will report any change of status or the cancellation of any event (in case of inclement weather, for instance). Call the Events Hotline 703-829-6640 at any time. Event status will also be reported at www.washingtonbirthday.net/status.
Ever wonder how the first First Lady entertained her guests? What is the proper way to hold a teacup with no handles? Here is your chance to experience history with Martha Washington as she discusses 18th century tea customs as well as clothing and dancing of the period. Eighteenth-century tea includes the museum's special blend of tea, pound cake, dried fruit, and assortment of cookies. Party attire requested.
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