George Washington Birthday Parade Canceled, Other Events Planned

ALEXANDRIA, VA — While the COVID-19 pandemic will change the celebration, Alexandria will continue to recognize the birthday of George Washington, one of the city's most famous residents.

The 2021 George Washington Birthday Parade is canceled for health and safety reasons, but other virtual and socially-distant events will be held. Returning favorites include the 13th annual Cherry Challenge, George Washington Birthnight Banquet and Ball in a virtual format, and George Washington's Alexandria tours.

New this year are virtual discussions with a Washington re-enactor. Washington will discuss different periods in his life each week during the "The Great Theater of Action: The Life of George Washington in Four Acts." In addition, American Legion Post 24 will host "Run, Walk, n' Roll," a 24-mile race that can be completed in Washington’s hometown or your neighborhood on your own time.

The festivities will culminate with an evening of virtual entertainment hosted by George Washington’s Mount Vernon on Feb. 22.

George Washington Birthday events and tours are held by the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee of Alexandria in cooperation with local historic sites and organizations. Washington, whose estate is located south of Alexandria in Mount Vernon, also had a home in Old Town as he conducted business, gathered with friends and worshiped in the city.

Below are highlights of the George Washington Birthday celebration in Alexandria. For more information, visit washingtonbirthday.com.

Cherry Challenge: throughout February

Location: Restaurants around Alexandria

Participating restaurants create cherry-centric dishes in honor of the cherry tree legend involving George Washington. Each restaurant will develop its own cherry cocktail, appetizer, entrée, or dessert, and patrons can vote for their favorite dishes. Check back for participating restaurants.Winners will be announced online.

American Legion Post 24’s "Run, Walk, n' Roll": throughout February; registration by Jan. 31

Location: Virtual/remote

This George Washington Birthday Commemorative event aims to build community and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional resiliency of veterans and non-veterans alike. During February, participants can run, walk or roll on their own for at least 24 miles in increments and on routes they choose. Registration is $24 and open until Jan. 31.

"Hunt for Washington": throughout February

Location: Old Town Alexandria

In the "Hunt for Washington," participants uncover clues about Alexandria and George Washington. The hunt should take 60 to 90 minutes to complete and take you to places in Old Town Alexandria associated with Washington. To start, print a clue sheet at home and bring it with you to Old Town and then use your sleuthing skills to find answers to the clues. Submit your findings to GWBirthdayEvents@gmail.com by Feb. 28 to win prizes and mementos.

"The Great Theater of Action: The Life of George Washington in Four Acts": Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, 7 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Join a George Washington re-enactor every Friday in February for discussions on various periods of his life. The first week covers his youth, the second week is about the American Revolution, the third involves his post-war retirement at Mount Vernon and his time presiding over the Constitutional Convention and the last covers his presidency and final retirement years. Each event costs $20, or admission for all events can be purchased for $60.

Christ Church Churchyard Tours: Saturday, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Christ Church, 118 North Washington Street, Alexandria

George Washington attended Christ Church, which has one of the oldest graveyards in Alexandria, dating back to 1766. Christ Church docents will tell the churchyard’s unique history, Washington’s connection with Christ Church and other presidents who worshipped there. The free 15-minute tours will be given every Saturday in February from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

"George Washington’s Alexandria" Tours: Sunday, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location: Starts in front of Vola's Dockside Grill, 101 North Union Street, Alexandria

This free 90-minute guided walking tour covers sites associated with Washington and his closest colleagues. These include John Fitzgerald’s warehouse, Captain’s Row, Gentry Row, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary shop, Ramsay House, Market Square, the Carlyle House, Wise’s Tavern, Duvall Tavern, Gadsby’s Tavern and George Washington’s town house. The tour begins behind the Torpedo Factory’s south entrance and in front of Vola’s Dockside Grill at 101 N. Union Street. Physical distancing, masks and reservations are required. Reserve through Eventbrite.

Virtual Birthnight Banquet & Ball: Feb. 13, 7 p.m.

Location: Virtual

This popular celebration recreating Washington's birthnight at Gadsby's Tavern Museum will be held virtually. The virtual format will open it to anyone who wishes to participate, while past years have typically sold out. The Virtual Banquet and Ball and General Washington Live from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. costs $15 per person and includes a video presentation full of dancing, conversations, and toasts and a chance to ask Washington questions! After the Q&A, guests enjoy English Country Dancing called by our expert Dance Master that you can do with one to four people at home. Period costumes from the 1790s are encouraged. Guests can also order an 18th century dinner and traditional Birthnight Ball cake from Bittersweet for $50 per person. To reserve your space for the event, visit alexandriava.gov/shop.

Wreath Laying Ceremony to honor the Soldiers of the American Revolution: Feb. 15, 11 a.m.

Location: Old Presbyterian Meeting House: 321 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria

Join the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution as they honor the soldiers of the Revolution. Social distancing and masks are required.

Virtual George Washington National Birthday Celebration: Feb. 22, 7 p.m.

Location: virtual

Join Mount Vernon for a 289th birthday party with performances and stories from actors, musicians, and historians. The celebration includes author and 2020 winnter of the George Washington Prize, Rick Atkinson; Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell; mezzo-soprano opera singer Denyce Graves; and 26-time Grammy and Latin-Grammy Award-winner Juanes. There will also be a birthday toast to General Washington. A $5 donation is recommended. Proceeds will support the restoration and preservation of Mount Vernon.

This article originally appeared on the Old Town Alexandria Patch