George Washington Birthday Parade returns Saturday with modified route
Nearly 60 units to march through Old Town; city working to clear snow along parade route
The nation’s oldest and largest George Washington Birthday Parade returns to Old Town Alexandria on Saturday — Valentine’s Day — with nearly 60 units marching along a modified route that bypasses the under-construction City Hall.
The parade runs from 2 to 4 p.m. and kicks off Alexandria’s lineup of celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“The theme of this birthday parade is Virginia’s Son, America’s Founding Father, in honor of Washington’s leading role in founding our country during its 250th anniversary,” said Sue Johnson, chair of the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee, during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
City Council proclaimed February as George Washington Birthday Celebration Month, with Councilman John Taylor Chapman reading the proclamation.
Route changes
Construction fencing now surrounds City Hall and Market Square Plaza as part of a $123.6 million renovation project, forcing organizers to modify the traditional route.
Instead of passing Market Square, the parade will march north on St. Asaph Street starting near Wolfe Street, turn east onto Princess Street, then head south on Pitt Street, ending near Duke Street. A grandstand will be located on King Street between St. Asaph and Pitt streets.
No parking will be permitted along the parade route from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with road blocks and limited access in place throughout the area.
Snow concerns
Mayor Alyia Gaskins asked city staff Tuesday about preparations along the parade route, noting that sidewalks in Old Town remain snow-covered more than two weeks after the January ice storm.
Deputy City Manager Emily Baker said the city is monitoring conditions and will deploy resources as needed, but could not guarantee every sidewalk would be cleared by Saturday.
“We’re definitely going to see what we can do to help support the parade,” Baker said.
The city may direct spectators to specific cleared areas along the route if conditions do not improve. Warmer temperatures forecast later this week could help melt remaining ice.
What to expect
The parade features over a thousand participants from nearly 60 organizations. This year’s grand marshals are Ginnie Sebastian Storage, 47th president general of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and Michael J. Elston, president general of the National Society Sons of the American Revolution.
Elston is a member of the George Washington Chapter in Alexandria and a second cousin, eight generations removed, of General George Washington. He is a descendant of at least 11 Patriots of the American Revolution. By day, he serves as vice president for labor relations at the United States Postal Service.
Storage, a Fredericksburg native, has been involved with DAR for more than 40 years. As Virginia State Regent, she raised more than $350,000 to underwrite a room in the replica of George Washington’s Boyhood Home.
Highlights include:
US Army Old Guard Fife and Drums
Washington Commanders Marching Band
1st Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line
General Washington and Martha Washington in horse and carriage
Abraham Lincoln — it’s his birthday too
General Lafayette returning from previous parades
“Alexandria’s George Washington Birthday Parade features over a thousand participants from a wide variety of organizations who are known for their dedication and high spirits, rain or shine,” the parade committee says. “It commemorates Washington’s legacy in his adopted hometown, creating a vibrant atmosphere that strengthens the bonds that tie the community together year after year.”
Related events
Parade Day — Saturday, Feb. 14:
Wreath Laying Ceremony — Noon at Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St. DAR and SAR honor the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution. Free.
George Washington’s Birthnight Dinner — 6:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. Four-course period dinner with wine. General Washington, portrayed by Brian Hilton, will attend. Keynote by historian Ed Lengel. $150. Tickets at gadsbytavernmuseum.us.
Historic sites open on parade day include Friendship Firehouse Museum (11 a.m.-5 p.m.), Christ Church (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), and Old Presbyterian Meeting House (10 a.m.-4 p.m.).
Other February events:
Restaurant Cherry Challenge — Voting closed this week; 30 restaurants participated with cherry-themed dishes. Winners to be announced soon.
Hunt for Washington — Through Feb. 28. Download clue sheets for North or South Old Town and search for clues about Washington at your own pace. Prize drawing for completed sheets.
Hamilton’s BFFs & Frenemies Tour — Saturdays Feb. 7, 21, 28 at 11 a.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. $15.
Friendship Firehouse Annual Breakfast — Monday, Feb. 16, 9-11 a.m. at Westin Old Town Alexandria. Keynote by General George Washington. $50.
George Washington Symposium — Saturday, Feb. 21, 9 a.m.-noon at George Washington Masonic National Memorial. City Archaeologist Eleanor Breen presents “Life in Alexandria in the 1770s on the Eve of Revolution.” $50.
George Washington Birthday Gala — Saturday, Feb. 21, 6-10 p.m. at George Washington Masonic National Memorial. White tie formal. $275.
For more information, visit washingtonbirthday.com.