Getting the month-long celebrations off to a rousing start occurs on Saturday, February 2nd, when the Carlyle House hosts the Washingtons for dinner from 12:00 noon until 4:00pm. Both George and Martha really did dine with the Scottish merchant in 1760, and live interpreters will be available to bring the colonial soiree back to life.
Dig out your walking shoes, and walk the free Washington walk every Sunday afternoon during the month of February. Leaving at 1:30 PM from the fountain at Market Square, the sojourn will last over 2 hours and highlight many of the places GW used to frequent. Since weather could be a deciding factor it is suggested you call (703) 991-4474 to verify the event will be occurring in case of snow or sleet.
Running a country might not be the same as running a 10K race but then again old George’s silver buckled shoes were never geared for jogging. On Saturday the 16th, the annual George Washington Birthday Classic 10K and Fun 2K follows the course along Eisenhower Avenue and other Alexandria streets.
For over 200 years famed Gadsby’s Tavern has been hosting the Birthnight Ball honoring its famous neighbor. On Saturday night many of the participants will come bewigged and donned in 18th century women’s finery of bodices, petticoats and sleeve ruffles while the gentlemen will be resplendent in cravats and knee britches.
Following the sumptuous dinner (fully subscribed at press time), dancing in the English Country style will commence in the upstairs ballroom.
For those not familiar with the steps you might consider taking advance dance lessons,with Dance Master Corky Palmer. Prices are reasonable at $12.00 per class or less when taking the entire series.
For those able to rise early following tripping the lights fantastic, Sunday the 17th’s activities begin with a 9:00AM church service at the 235-year-old Christ Church. Washington, a member of the Episcopalian church, is honored with the reading of a pray he wrote, a wreath laying and the special display of the family Bible.
Later in the morning, at Fort Ward, the proceedings set off with a bang!
Imagine over 250 troops, representing both American and British, from reenactment units along the Atlantic Coast converging for a one-day event. Musket fire, camp followers and Brunswick stew will make the time journey believable.
Monday, the 18th is a national holiday, and Alexandria promises tons of presidential pomp and pleasure with a parade, and other birthday goodies.
Ferdinand T. Day, a catalyst in desegregating Alexandria’s schools during the latter part of the 20th century will serve as the parade’s Grand Marshall.
Saving you some Georges (or $1.00 bills) is the free admission to the following attractions:
The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
For more GW birthday events, and local information you are advised to visit the Alexandria Convention and Visitor Association's website.
Linda J Bottjer - I have wanderlust! It began, at the age of five, when my mother gave me a National Geographic map, and said, "become a citizen of the ...
