George Washington's Birthday: Parade, More Events In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Not only was George Washington a Founding Father of the United States, but he played a crucial role in shaping Old Town Alexandria. He frequented the historic town, which is less than ten miles north of his Mount Vernon estate. That's why Alexandria is known for holding the biggest celebration for the first president every February.

The city celebrates the General's birthday throughout the month of February with 16 festive events, including the George Washington Birthday Parade, a Cherry Challenge among Alexandria's best restaurants, free admission to historic sites, popular walking tours, and an 18th-century banquet and ball.

This year's events for George Washington's Birthday and President's Day will include new surprises at the George Washington Birthday Parade and the popular, sold-out 18th-century call that Washington himself attended.

Patch spoke with Joe Shumard, the driving force behind the George Washington Birthday Weekend about what to expect and can't-miss events. Here are some highlights.

George Washington Birthday Parade

Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, 1 p.m.-3 p.m., King Street

The nation's largest George Washington Birthday Parade has been held Old Town Alexandria. Shumard anticipates around 2,500 people will attend. The parade stand will be at Market Square. It will be preceded by an 11 a.m. parade band concert at Market Square and Friendship Firehouse breakfast at 9 a.m. (sold out).

The parade will be particularly meaningful for Alexandria residents because first responders that served on the day of the June 14, 2017 Congressional baseball shooting are invited to be in the parade. Organizers are trying to get as many to participate as possible. "It would be good for people to recognize that this was a really big thing," said Shumard. "There were a lot of really brave people that were on the site."

Also new this year will be an appearance of the Spirit of Liberty flag carried by dozens of volunteers and two bands coming from Woodbridge and Port Chester, New York.

Throughout the day, DASH will provide a free shuttle from the Eisenhower Metro Station (parking available) to Prince Street in Old Town Alexandria. It will run from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. In a case of inclement weather, the parade would be rescheduled for June 2.

Cherry Challenge

Jan. 28-Feb. 11, restaurants around Alexandria

Everyone knows about the legend of George Washington and the cherry tree. In honor of George Washington's birthday, participating Alexandria restaurants create unique, cherry-centric dishes every year. This year features dishes from dozens of restaurants around Alexandria, and south along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Head to these restaurants through Feb. 11 to try their cherry dishes and vote for your favorite:

• Café 44
• Columbia Firehouse
• Dishes of India
• Dolci Gelati
• Evening Star Café
• Grape + Bean (Both locations)
• Haute Dogs and Fries
• Jackson 20
• Junction Bakery
• Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap
• Magnolia's on King
• Murphy's Irish Pub
• River Bend Bistro
• Sonoma Cellar
• Taqueria Poblano
• Tempo Restaurant
• The Alexandrian
• The Majestic
• Union Street Pub
• Virtue Feed & Grain
• Vola's Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge

Patrons rate their favorite dishes, and winners are given special recognition at the George Washington Birthday Parade. A "Frequent Cherry Diner Award" will go to the customer who buys and rates the greatest number of Cherry Challenge entries.

George Washington’s Birthnight Banquet & Ball

Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, 5:30-11 p.m. ( ball starts at 9 p.m.), Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal St, Alexandria

If you want tickets for this popular event, you'll have to do so months in advance, Shumard says. The ball that Washington himself attended is sold out, but it's something to put on your bucket list for next year. Guests will be whisked to the 18th century for a banquet, English country dancing, dessert collation, character re-enactors and General and Mrs. Washington. Period costume is optional; “after-five” attire is encouraged.

Revolutionary War Reenactment

Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site

"Anyone that knows how modern wars are fought will be astounded."

That's why Shumard recommends attending this Revolutionary War reenactment. See historic camp and tactical demonstrations throughout the day, including a Revolutionary War skirmish at 2 p.m. between the Redcoats and the Colonial Army. Participants include renowned reenactment units from around the United States dressed in authentic period costumes and demonstrating authentic 18th-century weaponry.

Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution

Monday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m.-noon, Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria

Join the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution as they host colonial military and civilians to honor the soldiers of the Revolution at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House.

Free admission at Alexandria museums

Feb. 19, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., various museums throughout Old Town Alexandria

In honor of George Washington’s birthday, admission is free at these historic Alexandria sites: Friendship Firehouse Museum, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum.

George Washington Symposium

Saturday, Feb. 24, 1-4 p.m., George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr, Alexandria

The 2018 George Washington Symposium's theme is Envisioning a Great Nation: Where George Washington’s Journeys Took Him. Lectures begin at 1 p.m. in the North Lodge Room. The free George Washington Symposium is held annually on Washington's Birthday to provide the public with enlightening contemporary research on the life of George Washington. Mark Tabbert, the Memorial's director of collections, serves as the symposium's master of ceremonies. Admission is free, and free parking is available. Attendees are asked to preregister at bit.ly/101Callahan.

Annual Washington’s Birthday Gala

Saturday, Feb. 24, 5:30-9:30 p.m., George Washington Masonic National Memorial

The symposium is followed by a huge birthday gala. Reception at 5:30 p.m. Entertainment in the Memorial Theater at 6:45 p.m. Banquet in the Memorial's Grand Masonic Hall at 7:30 p.m. The presentation of the George Washington Memorial Award will take place during the banquet. Tickets are $150. Reservations are required and the dress code is formal. To purchase tickets, visit gwmemorial.org or call 703-683-2007.

Walk with Washington Tours

Sundays in February, 2 p.m. Alexandria Visitor Center, 221 King Street

Walk in George Washington's footsteps through his hometown, historic Alexandria. View some of the sites connected to the General, like where he filled his prescriptions or slept overnight. Tours are free.

Visit washingtonbirthday.com for all of the Washington-themed events happening around Alexandria in February.

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Image via Visit Alexandria