Pexels photo by Susanne Jutzeler Sujifoto
2024 Cherry Challenge
Alexandria’s “Cherry Challenge” culinary contest will kick off on Feb. 1 with restaurants across the city competing to win by crafting their choice of a cherry-oriented appetizer, entrée, beverage, or dessert.
This year marks the first time that the Cherry Challenge enjoys an event sponsor in George Washington’s Mount Vernon. This month of festivities culminates with the nation’s oldest and largest George Washington Birthday Parade on Monday, Feb. 19 in Old Town Alexandria.
“This unique event helps generate buzz for Alexandria restaurants, encourages chefs to get creative, and boosts customer traffic,” said Kristen Eastlick, GW Birthday Celebration committee member and chair of the event. “The #GWCherryChallenge lets us offer a tasteful event that keeps George Washington's memory alive in his hometown. We’re thrilled that historic Mount Vernon has graciously sponsored this whimsical event.”
Diners—whether dine-in or take-out—will receive QR codes to vote electronically for their favorite cherry entries based on three criteria: Taste, presentation and creativity. Diners will rate each item from one to three cherries for a maximum score of "9" on each ballot. Point totals for each dish are divided by the number of ballots to get the average score. The highest average in each category wins.
This year’s #GWCherryChallenge participant list includes Bastille Restaurant, BRABO Brasserie, Crazy Mason Jar, Dishes of India, Don Taco, Evening Star Café, Jula's on the Potomac, Kiwi Pie Shop, Lost Boy Cider, Mae’s Market and Café, Murphy's Irish Pub, River Bend Bistro, Taqueria Poblano, The Italian Place, The Light Horse, The Tasting Room, Trattoria da Fanco, Whiskey and Oyster, and others are still joining.
The full list of participating restaurants can be found on the GWBCC website at washingtonbirthday.com/cherry-challenge-participants.
Guests are encouraged to share photos and descriptions of the cherry items they tasted on Instagram or X (formerly Twitter) by using the hashtag “#GWCherryChallenge” or by posting them to the George Washington Birthday Celebration’s Facebook page.
The George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC) is a city-appointed volunteer committee charged with coordinating events to celebrate the birthday of the first President and Alexandria native. Celebration events include the Feb. 19 parade, George Washington walking tours, the Hunt for Washington, a Birthnight event at Gadsby’s Tavern, the annual Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association breakfast, and more.
For more information and a schedule for this year’s events, please visit washingtonbirthday.com.
Parade sponsorships are tax-deductible and essential to each year’s successful celebration. To find out more about sponsorship opportunities, go to washingtonbirthday.com/2024-sponsorships, contact Sue Johnson at suej020924@gmail.com or the GWBCC at gwbirthdayevents@gmail.com.
