Photo by M. Enriquez for Visit Alexandria
Fireworks over Alexandria
The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) announced Friday it will play again this year at the annual Alexandria Birthday Celebration on Saturday, July 10. The symphony will provide the musical highlight as it does every year.
And yes, there will be fireworks! The Grand Finale display will begin at 9:30 p.m.
The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 272nd and the USA’s 245th birthday on Saturday, July 10, with a performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra ending with a Grand Finale fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. To limit crowds and prevent the spread of COVID-19, this year’s fireworks display has been repositioned to be visible from multiple vantage points along the Potomac River waterfront from Canal Center Plaza to Jones Point Park. To further reduce crowds, the event will not include the distribution of birthday cake or cannon support from the 3d United States Infantry Regiment. Please note the later than usual start time of 8:45 p.m.
Program Schedule:
- 8:45 p.m.–Opening and Welcome
Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.)
- 9 p.m.–Performance by Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.)
- 9:30 p.m.–Grand Finale fireworks display
Vantage points:
· Canal Center Plaza (Center Canal Plaza)
· Rivergate Park (2 Montgomery St.)
· Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.)
· Founders Park (351 North Union St.)
· Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.)
· Windmill Hill Park (501 South Union St.)
· Fords Landing boardwalk (99 Franklin St.)
· Jones Point Park (Jones Point Dr.)
· George Washington Masonic Temple (101 Callahan Dr.)
Visitors are asked to please leave pets at home and be mindful of your neighbors by refraining from smoking at this event. In case of inclement weather, fireworks only will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 11, at 9:30 p.m.
“Many people do not know that our professional orchestra is able to play at public events due to the generosity of local citizens and companies,” said ASO Board President Melynda Wilcox. “This year, two local companies have stepped up to make this performance possible, and we are hoping more will decide to participate as the plans take shape.”
The two companies providing lead support for this event are both owned by Alexandrians.
Ronal Butler, of Networking and Engineering Technology, is an "Alexandria Legend" and a minority entrepreneur who supports STEM Education through the Allie Butler Centennial Scholarship Fund. The Detroit native adopted Alexandria as his home in 1990 and has served on the ASO Board since 2001 and as President from 2011 to 2017. Other leadership contributions include serving, Rotary Club of Alexandria Central, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.
Keith Stalder, of KSA Integration, grew up in Alaska and made Alexandria his home after 38 years in the Marine Corps. Among other activities, his company operates the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Call Center and supports many other veterans’ organizations. As the owner of a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business, he is exploring how the arts, especially music, help build community and bring people together in positive ways. KSA Integration is a three-consecutive year’s recipient of Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces.
The Alexandria Symphony has made tremendous steps forward during the COVID-induced cancellations of its traditional concert series. It has produced virtual programs and pioneered musical event programming sponsored by many up-and-coming local companies who also value the positive effect of music in our community.
The symphony hopes to attract many more companies, large and small, to its creative programming. For more information, contact ASO’s executive director at 703-548-0885 or visit www.alexsym.org.
Visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation for more information, or call the Special Events Hotline at (703) 746-5592.
