FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  June 25, 2008     

City of Alexandria to Hold Annual USA & City Birthday Celebration on July 12
Alexandria's 259th and USA's 232nd 
 
The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 259th and the USA’s 232nd birthday on Saturday, July 12, 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. In the event of inclement weather, fireworks only will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 13 at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. 
 
The main event features the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra with Maestro Kim Allen Kluge presenting an explosive night of fun and fanfare featuring “Big Band Sound.” A list of scheduled activities follows:

• 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 
  Community Exhibitors, children’s activities, and food and beverage sales
   
• 6:00 p.m.
  Performance by the Vaughn Ambrose Quartet featuring jazz
   
• 7:30 p.m.
  The Town Crier announces Mayor William D. Euille
  Presentation of Park and Recreation Commission’s CIVIC Awards
  Poetry Reading by Mary McElveen, Alexandria’s Poet Laureate
   
• 8:00 p.m.
  Distribution of Birthday Cake by the Mayor and members of City Council
   
• 8:30 p.m.
  "Big Band Sound," with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, Kim Allen Kluge, Music Director
   
• 9:30 p.m.
  Grand Finale fireworks display, featuring Tchaikovsky's “1812 Overture” with cannon support by the United States Marine Corps, Basic Training School, Quantico, VA

Oronoco Bay Park has lawn seating, and participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food and beverages are available for purchase, but everyone is welcome to pack a picnic supper.  No grilling is allowed during the event. 

Visitors to the historic district are encouraged to take the Metro Yellow or Blue lines to the King Street Station in Old Town and take the free King Street Trolley, DASH or Metro Buses to the park. The King Street Trolley will also operate on an extended schedule for individuals wishing to return to the King Street Metro following the celebration. The last trolley will depart lower King Street at 11:45 p.m. For DASH schedule information, call 703.370.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; Carr America, 44 Canal Center Plaza; and Trammell Crow Company, 601 North Fairfax Street.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call Cheryl Lawrence, Special Events Supervisor at 703.838.4844 (TTY 703.838.4902) or e-mail cheryl.lawrence@alexandriava.gov.
 
For additional information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686.