Patriotic-Themed First Thursday Features Hot Dog Eating Contest

ALEXANDRIA, VA — In between regional July 4 fireworks display's and Alexandria's birthday fireworks on July 8, Del Ray residents can celebrate the spirit of the season.

The First Thursday street festival returns Thursday, July 6 with a theme of Red, White, & Brews. The event will take place along Mount Vernon Avenue around Oxford Avenue from 6 p.m .to dusk.

Each First Thursday event features themed activities and benefits a featured local nonprofit. Attendees are encouraged to dress in red, white and blue and bring chairs for a "party on the green." There will be live music from 38-2-Base, a mini cornhole tournament for $25 per team, hot dogs and lemonade for sale, games, kiddie pools, giveaways and a hot dog eating competition at 7 p.m. between James Cullum of ALX Now and Bill Blackburn of HomeGrown Restaurant Group.

The featured nonprofit is Rebuilding Together, which helps renovate homes to be safe for veterans. Financial donations will be accepted at the evening, and the contest and food sales will benefit the nonprofit.

July's First Thursday event is held by the Del Ray Business Association and sponsored by the Jen Walker Team. First Thursday will also be held in August and September.