City of Alexandria Birthday Celebration - Time Change

In order to protect the public health and safety of residents, visitors and businesses, the City’s Birthday Celebration program will run as scheduled beginning at 7:30 p.m. instead of 4 p.m. Oronoco Bay Park will be open to the public all day, but the Birthday Celebration will not kick off until 7:30 p.m., and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra concert will begin at 8:30 p.m., with fireworks to follow at 9:30 p.m.

The heat wave affecting the Mid-Atlantic is forecast to continue this weekend, with a Heat Warning and temperatures of more than 102 degrees with Code Red Air Quality expected on Saturday, July 7. 

The City advises that persons who are elderly, people with chronic health or fragile medical conditions, and infants and young children not attend, due to the potential for heat-related illness. If you are in doubt as to whether you and your family can handle the heat, stay home. Even young and healthy people can get sick from prolonged exposure if they do not adequately protect themselves. Air-conditioning is the number-one protective factor against heat-related illness and death.

Residents who are planning to attend the Birthday Celebration should take the following steps to protect themselves from the excessive heat:

• Drink 2 to 4 glasses of cool fluids each hour.
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing and stay in the shade outdoors whenever possible.
• Protect yourself from the sun’s rays by wearing sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and bring an umbrella for shade.
• Monitor people around you for signs of heat-related illness. · Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar, which can cause you to lose more body fluid. 
• Avoid very cold drinks, because they may cause stomach cramps. 

 At the event, Verizon will provide free Internet and worldwide telephone services in an air-conditioned mobile unit so people can make phone calls and access the Internet while seeking relief from the heat.

Reminder: No Fireworks Allowed In Alexandria, Virginia

The Alexandria Fire Department reminds those who visit, live, and  work in the City of Alexandria that it is unlawful for any person to store, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, use or explode any fireworks (including sparklers) within the City limits.  The Fire Marshal will, at the owner's expense, seize and take all fireworks found in the City.  The above offenses are Class One misdemeanors in the City of Alexandria and are punishable by a $2,500 fine and/or up to 12 months in prison.  Fireworks violations may be reported to the Alexandria Fire Department at 703.746.5227 or the Alexandria Police Department at 703.746.4444.

Decades of tragic experience have proved that fireworks are too dangerous to be used at home by amateurs.  Improper handling of fireworks and sparklers all too often results in injuries.  Some interesting statistics:

• In 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms saw an estimated 8,800 people for fireworks-related injuries.  (Source: CPSC’s NEISS)
• Half (52%) of the 2010 fireworks injuries were burns, while one-fifth (21%) were contusions and lacerations.
• Two of five (39%) people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.
• Males accounted for 65% of the injuries.
• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-14 with more than twice the risk for the general population.
• Sparklers, fountains and novelties alone accounted for 43% of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2010.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend one of the many public displays.  Alexandrians can enjoy the excitement and beauty of fireworks at City-sponsored events.  These programs are presented by professionals working in compliance with City codes and ordinances.  For information on these events, call the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities special events line at 703.746.5592 or 703.746.5418.

Don't Miss: Alexandria, Virginia's Annual USA & City Birthday Celebration on Sat. July 7 (Video)

The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 263rd and the USA’s 236th birthday on Saturday, July 7, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., located at the Potomac River between Fairfax, Pendleton, and Madison Streets. Admission is free.

The celebration includes fun for the entire family, including musical entertainment, children’s activities, community exhibits, and birthday cake. The highlight of the evening is a concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra with Maestro Kim Allen Kluge presenting an explosive night of fun and fanfare featuring "Stardust on the Potomac."

Fireworks close out the celebration featuring Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" with cannon support by the United States Marine Corps, Basic Training School, Quantico, VA at 9:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, fireworks only will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 8 at 9:30 p.m. Oronoco Bay Park has lawn seating, and participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Food, such as ice cream, hot dogs, hamburgers, shaved ice and kettle corn will be available for purchase, but everyone is welcome to pack a picnic supper. No grilling allowed.

The King Street Trolley will operate until midnight for individuals wishing to return to the King Street Metro following the celebration. For DASH schedule information, call 703.746.DASH or visit www.dashbus.com. For Metrobus schedule information, call 202.637.7000 or visit www.wmata.com.

Parking is available at Simpson Properties Garage, 700 North Fairfax Street; Tishman Speyer, 44 Canal Center Plaza (at a special $5 fee); and Trammell Crow Company, 601 North Fairfax Street.

For additional information, visit alexandriava.gov/recreation or call the Special Events Hotline at 703.746.5592.