Fireworks light up the sky over the Potomac River as part of the City of Alexandria’s 276th birthday celebration July 12 at Oronoco Bay Park.
The City of Alexandria marked its milestone 276th birthday July 12 with a celebration that culminated in a fireworks display over the Potomac River following a day of festivities at Oronoco Bay Park.
Alexandria’s Town Crier, Ben Fiore-Walker, welcomed attendees to the festivities, which included a reading by Alexandria Poet Laureate Maria Cristina Donoso and distribution of birthday cupcakes by Mayor Alyia Gaskins, city officials and members of City Council.
“The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities was proud to host an unforgettable celebration for Alexandria’s birthday this past Saturday, drawing more than 15,000 people to Oronoco Bay Park and the waterfront,” said RPCA Director Hashim Taylor. “The energy was electric as residents and visitors came together to celebrate the heart of our community. A huge thank you to the businesses, vendors, and partners who helped bring this day to life for the people of Alexandria.”
Under the direction of guest conductor John Devlin, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra took to the stage to perform a selection of patriotic music culminating with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Cannons by the U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery completed the performance as a fireworks finale lit up the sky.
“This is an annual tradition for us,” said Jennifer Walker, who attended with friends Katelyn Ken and Molly Theobald. “The three of us try to come every year. We’re so happy to be here.”
Orange County, California, resident William Douglass was in town visiting family, saying, “They said I had to be here because it’s the best ever event.”
Alexandria dates its founding to July 13, 1749, with the start of an auction selling the first lots to the public. Earlier that year, a young George Washington acted as a surveyor in laying out the town into 84 lots along 10 streets around a central market square. Washington would go on to recruit his first soldiers in Market Square for his first initial campaign of the French and Indian War and in 1763 he was chosen as a town trustee.
“We’re already gearing up for next year’s historic milestone — the 250th anniversary of the United States and our city’s 277th birthday,” Hashim said. “Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 11, 2026 — the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities is planning something truly extraordinary!”
Deputy City Manager Yon Lambert, left, and Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Director Hashim Taylor hand out cupcakes at the 276th birthday celebration July 12 at Oronoco Bay Park.