If it's February, it's a month for celebrating the life of George Washington.
From the time of the Revolutionary War, Alexandria has celebrated Washington's birthday with major events ranging from a parade, reenacting historic events, musical performances, a birthnight ball and more recently, a symposium about his life.
For more than 200 years, both military and civilian volunteers from throughout the community have arranged for these celebrations. The George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee is one fo the oldest community organizations in Alexandria. In 1976, the present George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee was formed to plan and carry out the city's annual celebration. Its members are appointed by the Alexandria City Council and include representatives from the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Masonic Fraternity, the chamber of Commerce, the Alexandria Jaycees, the Federation of Civic Associations, the Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society, the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association, the T.C. Williams High School Band Boosters and the Citizens of Alexandria at large.
EVENTS
WALKING WITH WASHINGTON
Feb. 1,8,15,22,29
1:30-3:30 p.m.
$5
Tour begins at Market Square.
GEORGE WASHINGTON SYMPOSIUM
Feb. 7
8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Registration and information: www.washingtonbirthday.net
GEORGE WASHINGTON CLASSIC 10-K RACE
Feb. 14
8-11 a.m.
Eisenhower Valley, Holmes Run
Registration and information: www.washingtonbirthday.net
BIRTHNIGHT BANQUET & BALL
Feb. 14
6:30-Midnight
Gadsby's Tavern
Reservations required
Information: www.washingtonbirthday.net
REVOLUTIONARY WAR ENCAMPMENT & SKIRMISH
Feb. 15
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fort Ward Park
FRIENDSHIP VETERANS FIRE ENGINE ASSOCIATION BREAKFAST & MEETING
Feb. 16
9-10:30 a.m.
Hiliday Inn and Suites
$25
703-751-6416
GEORGE WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS
Feb. 16
11 a.m.-Noon
The Lyceum
Free admission
703-838-4994
WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY AT TOMB OF UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Feb. 16
11 a.m.
Old Presbyterian Meeting House
Free
GEORGE WASHINGTON BIRTHDAY PARADE
Feb. 16
1-3 p.m.
Streets of Old Town
Free
Information: www.washingtonbirthday.net
WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY BY MASONIC FRATERNTIY
Feb. 22
2-3 p.m.
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Free