City of Alexandria Celebrates Its 262nd Birthday

The City of Alexandria is hosting its annual USA and City Birthday Celebration on Saturday evening.

This year's event recognizes Alexandria's 262nd birthday and the nation's 235th.

The party, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison Street, includes children's activities, community exhibits and birthday cake. The highlight is a concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and fireworks.

The U.S. Marine Corps, Basic Training School in Quantico, Va., will offer cannon support to the symphony when it plays Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture during the 9:30 p.m. fireworks display.

Grilling is not permitted at the event, but attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic or purchase available food such as ice cream, hot dogs and hamburgers.

Participants are urged to bike or take the Metro or King Street trolley. The trolley will run between the King Street Metro and the base of King Street by the waterfront until midnight.

Parking is available at Simpson Properties Garage, 700 North Fairfax Street, Tishman Speyer at 44 Canal Center Plaza for $5 and at Trammell Crow Company, 601 North Fairfax Street.

If it rains, the fireworks will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 10 at 9:30 p.m.

For more information call the city's Special Events Hotline at 703-746-5592.