Alexandria City Council honors holiday traditions with proclamations
Turkey Trot marks 50th anniversary; Scottish Christmas Walk Parade celebrates 54 years
The Alexandria City Council celebrated two beloved holiday traditions Tuesday night, presenting proclamations recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Del Ray Turkey Trot and the 54th anniversary of the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade.
Councilwoman Sarah Bagley read the Turkey Trot proclamation, officially declaring Thursday, November 27 as “Del Ray Turkey Trot Day.” The five-mile road race, organized by the Del Ray Business Association and DC Road Runners, will take place Thanksgiving morning in the Del Ray neighborhood.
This year’s event will honor three grand marshals: retired Alexandria Circuit Court Judge James Clark, a lifelong Alexandrian who holds the distinction of running all 50 races — including the year the event was canceled due to a heavy snowstorm — and longtime DC Road Runners race directors Paul Thompson and Brian Danza.
The race draws more than 6,000 participants annually from across the metropolitan area and beyond, with runners accompanied by dogs and strollers. Proceeds and food donations benefit ALIVE! Inc.
Councilman John Chapman presented a second proclamation marking the 54th anniversary of the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, scheduled for Dec. 6. The event began in 1966 as “A Colonial Christmas” before being renamed in 1970 to honor the city’s Scottish heritage.
The parade is produced through a partnership between the Campagna Center, Visit Alexandria and the city. The proclamation noted Alexandria has been recognized as one of the nation’s top Christmas towns by publications including Condé Nast Traveler and Southern Living.
