Photo courtesy of Visit Alexandria
George Washington Birthday Parade
Annual parade in Old Town Alexandria celebrates George Washington.
George Washington Birthday Celebration Chair Joseph Shumard has started asking for donations for the celebration's annual February events, citing a decrease in support from government contracting companies and furloughed workers.
“The George Washington Birthday Celebration contributes to the reputation of Alexandria as an important historic city. It provides focus for our 18th-century museums and distinguishes us from other colonial-era communities across the country. Our close association with George Washington and the founding fathers gives us a unique story to share that provides many educational and commercial benefits to our community,” Shumard wrote in a letter to Alexandria residents.
“In order to assure continuation of the celebration, we need to strengthen our community support,” Shumard wrote. “I am contacting you to encourage your financial support and your involvement in our efforts to promote George Washington and Alexandria.”
The City of Alexandria provides police, fire and emergency medical support for the parade itself, but support for other elements of the parade and the many related events comes from donations.
Those who are interested in lending financial or other support can go to washingtonbirthday.com/birthday-parade-sponsorships for more information.
In addition to organizations like the George Washington Birthday Celebration (and other non-profits) feeling the pinch, local businesses have seen a decline.
Some furloughed government workers and government contractors not getting paid have stopped paying for services they can now do themselves. Dog walkers and dog daycare companies, for example, have reported a decline in business as pet owners stay home and can walk their own dogs during what used to be working hours. Some restaurants have seen slower business.
At least one business planning to open in Alexandria this spring has had to put everything on hold: Lost Boy Cider has plans to open in the Eisenhower East neighborhood later this year. The owner posted on Facebook Thursday, “Our applications with the TTB are currently suspended, which means all I have worked for the last two years is at risk. No permits, no cider, no revenue. The failure here is maddening. Our elected officials need to do more.” The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau is closed due to the lapse in appropriations.
