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ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The city has postponed tonight's planned kickoff of its 19th annual Community Cookout series to Thursday, May 7, citing weather. The event, originally set for this evening at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, will now take place on its scheduled rain date from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the same location, 2701 Commonwealth Ave.
The kickoff launches a series of nine free neighborhood events running through June, each offering free meals, games, all-ages activities and giveaways alongside opportunities to learn about city resources. Last year's kickoff drew hundreds of attendees, including the mayor, city manager and council members, and the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is expecting strong turnout again this year.
"It is a great way to celebrate community together," the city said in announcing the schedule.
Following Thursday's rescheduled kickoff, subsequent cookouts will be held:
- Wednesday, May 13: Mason at Van Dorn, 140 S. Van Dorn St.
- Wednesday, May 20: Ruby Tucker Family Center courtyard, 322 Tancil Court
- Thursday, May 28: Brent Place, 375 S. Reynolds St. (no rain date)
- Wednesday, June 3: Princess Square parking lot, 300 block of N. West Street
- Wednesday, June 10: Fairlington Presbyterian Church, 3846 King St.
- Wednesday, June 17: Andrew Adkins Community, 1200 block of Wythe Street
- Wednesday, June 24: Southern Towers, 4900 Seminary Rd.
- Tuesday, June 30: Casa Chirilagua, 4100 Mt. Vernon Ave.
All events run from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with most scheduled for Wednesdays and rain dates the following Thursday when weather is a concern.
What began as a small departmental project by two staff members aimed at boosting program participation in underserved communities has grown into a major city initiative. More than 50 city agencies and nonprofit organizations now participate in the cookouts, which have served over 20,000 residents and earned support from the City Manager's Office.
The cookouts represent an effort to bring city services directly to neighborhoods while building community connections in an informal setting. Organizations interested in participating can contact michael.johnson@alexandriava.gov or call 703-898-5115.
More information about the cookouts is available at alexandriava.gov/rpca.
