3rd ANNUAL BIG CHALK DRAW SEPTEMBER 2 8-10 am

Art at the Center Encourages Expression

Practice getting up early for school and come out to join neighbors and friends for chalk drawing in the Art at the Center parking lot. 

This is a FREE community art event - please bring a friend and any new school supplies you are able to donate to students in need in our area

The parking lot will be closed for the chalk drawing - please park next door in the gravel lot belonging to Bethlehem Baptist Church. 

Art at the Center
2804 Sherwood Hall Lane
Alexandria, VA 22306
www.artatthecenter.org

Friday Night Music

 Aloha!

Born and raised in Hawai'i and transplanted to the Washington, D.C. area, the Aloha Boys met in 1996 while playing music for their children at Halau O 'Aulani, a school of Hawai'ian culture in Maryland. The Aloha Boys love to "kanikapila" or play an acoustic down-home, backyard-style Hawai'ian music - a style that includes everything from the very traditional to contemporary songs and styles. Hear them at the Mason District Amphitheater.

Also featured Friday night are No Second Troy, teetering on the edge of indie rock with introspective anthems at Royal Lake Park; The English Channel bringing British hits of the '60s and '70s to Grist Mill Park; and the oom-pah-pah of the City of Fairfax Band Alte Kameraden German Band at Lake Accotink Park. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Free. More information on the Summer Entertainment Series is available online at the Fairfax County web site. 

City of Alexandria Announces the Opening of the Play Area at 1&7 East Del Ray Avenue

The City of Alexandria welcomes the community to the new park located at 1&7 East Del Ray Avenue. Construction of the park is now complete and the play area at the new pocket park is open to the public. Final plantings will occur in early fall to ensure successful growth. The City encourages the community to use the play area, and asks that users to avoid the newly seeded lawn area to allow it to become established.

In 2000, the City acquired these two properties located in the Del Ray area of Alexandria for use as a pocket park.　 Pocket parks are designed to meet the needs of those who live or work within a tenth of a mile of their location. They are less than 20,000 square feet, and may include such elements as public gardens, seating areas, passive open space, landscaped areas, important natural features, or trees.

August 21 – Family Tour Day

Visitors on Family Tour Day will experience the historic Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, through our Junior Docent tours! Junior Docents, volunteers from grades 3 through 7, will be stationed at each stop on the tour, including the taproom, bedchambers, ballroom, assembly room and dining room. Between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., tour at your own pace and let your children learn about history from other kids! Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children, ages 5 to 12). For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call703.746.4242.

August 20 – War of 1812: Music and Life in Seaport Alexandria

		Come to Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 North Fairfax Street, to connect with Alexandria's maritime past! From noon to 2 p.m., the Ship's Company Chanteymen will perform songs of the War of 1812 on the Magnolia Terrace, and the concert will be followed at 2:30 p.m. by a conversation with John Carlyle's great-granddaughter, Margaret Herbert Fairfax (1784-1850), the wife of the 9th Lord Fairfax. Visitors can explore the Schooner Lion, a scale replica of a War of 1812 privateer ship, which will be parked in front of the museum. Tours of the house will take place between noon and 4 p.m., and admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages, 5-12. For more information, visitwww.carlylehouse.org or call 703.549.2997

Blood Drive and Free Nationals Tickets

Inova Blood Services Announces Unique Promotion 

Come join us at Nationals Park for the last blood drive of the summer!

Saturday, Aug. 27

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Nationals Park (1500 S. Capitol St.,SE Washington, D.C. 20003)

For your donation, you will receive 2 tickets to a future Nationals home game, an exclusive Nationals t-shirt, a tour of National's Park and the chance to win one of several grand prizes!

Click here to schedule your appointment online or call 1-866-BLOODSAVES (866-256-6372). 

Civil War Encampment August 13 to 14

Civil War Weekend Brings Back The Past

"The times look very bad," wrote James Barlow in 1861. The Haight and Barlow families lived at Sully during the Civil War years and they had heard the thunder of cannons from the Battle of Manassas in July. Both Confederate and Federal troops traveled across Sully's grounds from 1861 to 1865. They requisitioned a wagon and team, took livestock, and Maria Barlow sold them hay. Wounded soldiers were left at Sully after the Battle of Ox Hill. Hear the roar of artillery, the beat of horse's hooves and the muffled sounds of infantry on the march as Sully Historic Site hosts its annual Civil War Weekend Encampment onSaturday, August 13, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and on Sunday, August 14 from10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Tactical exercises each day illustrate military maneuvers of the period. Reenactors demonstrate the varied work of the army including drill, camp life, medical care, and artillery and rifle firing. Visitors can fall in as recruits and learn to march while carrying a wooden musket.

Civilian reenactors recreate the daily experiences of Northern Virginia residents during the early years of the Civil War. Play historic games and enjoy music on the lawn performed by local duo, Evergreen Shade. Visit the sutlers and purchase the same goods soldiers would have found at these traveling merchants' tents.

Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and children. Included in this program is a guided tour of the first and second floors of the 1794 home of Richard Bland Lee, Northern Virginia's first congressman and uncle of Robert E. Lee. On view in the house will be rarely seen 19th century artifacts, including a top hat that, according to oral tradition, was worn by Jacob Haight to Abraham Lincoln's inauguration. The last house tour begins at 4 pm.

Sully Historic Site is located in Chantilly off Route 28, one quarter mile north of Route 50, five miles north of Route 66 or five miles south of the Dulles Toll Road. For more information, call 703-437-1794 or visit us on the web.

Free Outdoor Entertainment this Week

Check out Fairfax County's Fun, Outdoor Entertainmeny and Concert Offerings

Featured FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 The United States Navy Band "Commodores" (Jazz) The United States Navy's premier jazz ensemble, the Commodores, offers the finest in America's classical music - JAZZ. Under the direction of Senior Chief Musician Randy Mattson, the group features 18 of the Navy's top jazz and Big Band musicians. Lake Accotink Park: 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield, VA  22152 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.   SATURDAY, AUGUST 13   Starlight Cinema "How to Train Your Dragon" (Drive-in Movie) Set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, and based on the book by Cressida Cowell, this action comedy tells the story of Hiccup, a Viking teenager who doesn't exactly fit in with his tribe's longstanding traditions of heroic dragon slayers. Hiccup's life is turned upside down when he encounters a dragon that challenges him and fellow Vikings to see the world from an entirely different point of view. Trinity Center: 5860 Trinity Parkway, Centreville, VA 6:00 p.m.with movie starting at dusk.    SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 Cartoon Johnny (A Cappella) Cartoon Johnny is an energetic vocal band that pushes the limits of traditional a cappella. Drawing on influences from classic soul to modern alternative, they've crafted an exciting sound that is often mistaken for an instrumental band, but it's all vocal. Mason District Park Amphitheater: 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.      OTHER SHOWS   THURSDAY, AUGUST 11 8/11/2011 King Teddy (Swing) Frying Pan Farm Park: 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon, VA 20171 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.       8/11/2011 Glass Onion (Classic Rock) Nottoway Park: 9537 Courthouse Road, Vienna, VA  22181 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.     FRIDAY, AUGUST 12     8/12/2011 The United States Navy Band "Commodores" (Jazz) Lake Accotink Park: 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield, VA  22152 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.       8/12/2011 The Reunion Music Society Jazz Orchestra (Jazz) Grist Mill Park: 4710 Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy, Alexandria, VA  22309 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.       8/12/2011 Orquesta Tropikiimba (Afro-Cuban Orchestra) Mason District Park Amphitheater: 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.       8/12/2011 The Capital Focus Jazz Band (Jazz) Royal Lake Park: 5344 Gainsborough Drive, Fairfax, VA  22032 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.        SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 8/13/2011 The Great Zucchini (Comedy/Magic) Burke Lake Park Amphitheater: 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.       8/13/2011 The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra's OTO Percussion Duo (Music) E.C. Lawrence Park Amphitheater: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly, VA  20151 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.       8/13/2011 The Goodlife Theater (Puppets) Lake Fairfax Park Amphitheater: 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, VA  20190 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.       8/13/2011 The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra's OTO Brass Quintet (Music) Mason District Park Amphitheater: 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.       8/13/2011 Starlight Cinema "How to Train Your Dragon" (Drive-in Movie) Trinity Center Parkway: 5860 Trinity Parkway, Centreville, VA 6:00 p.m.        SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 8/14/2011 Cartoon Johnny (A Cappella) Mason District Park Amphitheater: 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.      8/14/2011 8/14/2011 Korean Cultural Heritage Night (Korean dance, music and movie) Ossian Hall Park: 7900 Heritage Drive, Annandale, VA  22003 7:00 p.m. with movie starting at dark

Civil War Sunday in Old Town - August 14

August 14 & 21 – Civil War Sundays

Explore the Civil War in Alexandria with Civil War Sundays at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum,105 North Union Street, #327. On Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., check out the free showcase of Civil War history, including an original May 26, 1861, edition of the New-York Tribune detailing Colonel Elmer Ellsworth's death in Alexandria, a Peeps diorama illustrating Ellsworth's death, a TimeTravelers Passport exhibit featuring the Civil War drummer boy, a diorama of a heating system constructed in Alexandria to warm Civil War hospital tents during the winter of 1861, a cocked and loaded Wickham musket discarded in a privy during the 1860s, and an exhibit on the Lee Street Site during the Civil War. For more information, visitwww.alexandriaarchaeology.org or call703.746.4399.

August 14 Waterfront Fun Day

As part of Waterfront Fun Day, held on the second Sunday of the month in the summer, City Archaeologist Pam Cressey will give a free walking tour exploring the rich history of Alexandria's waterfront. Meet at the gazebo at the City Marina, 0 Cameron Street, at 3 p.m. The tour is free and expected to last about one hour. For more information, call 703.746.4399 or visitwww.alexandriaarchaeology.org.

Tavern Day at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum on August 6

Want to learn to dance like George Washington? Intrigued by the wonders of "modern" science? Wonder if you could have been an 18^th-century spy? Then come to Gadsby's Tavern Museum's free open house – Tavern Day! Experience Alexandria's five-star hotel of the 18th century during the free open house on Saturday, August 6, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Gadsby's Tavern Day.

Tavern Day will feature continuous tours of the historic site by costumed guides, the opportunity to learn to dance like George and Martha Washington, and much more. This year's highlights 18^th-century science experiments and demonstrations of historical espionage techniques by Project Enlightenment, McLean High School's reenactment society. Also enjoy period music and light refreshments, find out about volunteer opportunities and more. Combine this with the Friendship Firehouse Festival, and have a great day in Old Town Alexandria! 

Gadsby's Tavern Museum is located at 134 North Royal Street in the heart of Old Town Alexandria and is owned and operated by the City of Alexandria.

 For more information, please call 703.746.4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.

Friendship Firehouse Festival Celebrates 237th Birthday of Historic Fire Company

Explore a range of fire fighting technology

The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association will hold its annual Friendship Firehouse Festival on Saturday, August 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This popular family event will take place in the 100 block of South Alfred Street between Prince and King streets, which will be closed off to traffic for the festival. Admission is free.

Held at the historic Friendship Firehouse, the festival celebrates the special role firefighters have played throughout history, especially those of Friendship. The event will feature a collection of antique fire equipment and, courtesy of the Alexandria Fire Department, a display of modern fire apparatus. The Alexandria Red Cross and the Community Emergency Response Team will also be on hand. Other attractions include craft booths, food vendors and free birthday cake. Children will receive free fire helmets and balloons.

In addition to the day's outdoor events, festival participants will be able to experience the history of the Fire Company through a tour of the Friendship Firehouse Museum. The building was originally built as a firehouse in 1855, remodeled in 1871 and restored again in 1992 before undergoing roof and cupola repairs in 2009.

The Engine Room on the first floor showcases historic firefighting equipment, including hand-drawn fire engines, leather water buckets, axes, and sections of early rubber hose.  The second floor houses exhibits on the Friendship Fire Company, also known as "George Washington's Fire Company," which was Alexandria's first fire company and a source of civic pride since its founding in 1774.

Now a philanthropic organization focusing on fire and life safety, the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association remains active in community events, including this year's Festival, which marks the 237th anniversary of the Company.

For more information, visit www.friendshipfirehouse.net.

Family Movie Nights begin August 6 in Centreville

Starlight Cinema 2011 Features Despicable Me!

Trinity Center in Centreville, Va., home to Sully District's Starlight Cinema series, will be the site of wholesome family fun on Saturday nights in August. Families will gather under the stars for children's activities, food, and to watch animated feature films on oversized screens. The series begins on August 6, 2011 with the showing of Despicable Me, starring the voices of Steve Carell, Jason Segel, and Kristin Wiig. The gates open at 6 p.m.; children's activities begin at 7:30 p.m.; and the movie starts at dark. Admission is free.

Rated PG, Despicable Me follows the exciting exploits of Gru, a super villain with a soft side (voiced by Carell). As Gru plans the biggest heist in history, he encounters the immense will of three orphaned girls who see him as a potential father.

Starlight Cinema Schedule
August 6 - Despicable Me
August 13 - How to Train Your Dragon
August 20 - Shrek Forever After
August 27 - Megamind

Trinity Center is located at 5860 Trinity Parkway in Centreville, Va. If the weather is inclement, call 703-324-7469 for cancellation information.

Starlight Cinema is made possible through the efforts of the Sully District Supervisor and the Friends of Starlight Cinema as well as generous sponsors from the community. The Park Authority works in partnership with these entities to provide this family entertainment program.

For more information about the Starlight Cinema series, visit online.

August 6 – Housewarming at Carlyle House – Carlyle House Historic Park

Meet the Carlyle Family

In August 1753, John Carlyle and his wife, Sarah Fairfax Carlyle, moved into their new home in Alexandria. That night, Sarah gave birth to a son, William. At this housewarming from noon to 4 p.m., visitors can share the Carlyle family's experience while welcoming them into their new home at 121 North Fairfax Street. Living history interpreters portray the Carlyle family. Meet Monty the horse and learn about the newest arrival, baby William. How was a new baby welcomed in the 18th century? What kinds of teething toys and rattles did they use?  Children can participate in a kid-friendly "cross-stitch" craft. Free family fun! For more information, visit www.carlylehouse.org or call703.549.2997.

Lee District Concert this Week

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3

 

MICHAEL CLEVELAND AND FLAMEKEEPER (BLUEGRASS)
Founded by seven-time IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year Michael Cleveland, Flamekeeper features Jessie Baker on banjo, mandolinist Jesse Brock, guitarist and vocalist Tom Adams, and bassist and vocalist Marshall Wilborn. Combining relentless drive with inventiveness, the band creates music that is both a tribute to classic bluegrass and a brilliant extension of it.
Lee District Park: 6601 Telegraph Rd, Franconia, VA 22310
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

August 4 – Summer Concert on the Lawn

Music  in the heart of Old Town

Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket and enjoy a summer concert on one of the largest lawns in the center of Old Town! Carlyle House, 121 North Fairfax Street, invites music lovers to come by and relax under the open sky while hearing the music of Charm City Baroque from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in a unique historic setting. Concessions such as water, chips and cookies will be available for purchase, and alcohol is not permitted on the property. This event is free, although donations of $5 per person are suggested. For more information, visit www.carlylehouse.org or call703.549.2997.

Sales Tax Holiday - Back to School

August 5-7, 2011: School Supplies and Clothing.

During this three-day period, purchases of certain school supplies, clothing and footwear will be exempt from the Virginia sales tax. Each eligible school supply item must be priced at $20 or less, and each eligible article of clothing and footwear must be priced at $100 or less. For details, visit the School Supplies and Clothing Holiday page.