Change in Start Time for Alexandria's Birthday Celebration

City's Birthday Celebration to Begin at 7:30 p.m

The heat wave affecting the Mid-Atlantic is forecast to continue into the weekend, with a Heat Warning and temperatures of more than 102 degrees, and Code Red air quality expected for Saturday, July 7.  In order to protect the public health and safety of residents, visitors, and businesses, the City’s Birthday Celebration program will run as scheduled beginning at 7:30 p.m. instead of 4 p.m. Oronoco Bay Park will be open to the public all day, but the Birthday Celebration will not kick off until 7:30 p.m., and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra concert will begin at 8:30 p.m., with fireworks to follow at 9:30 p.m.  Event Details >> 

The City advises that persons who are elderly, people with chronic health or fragile conditions, and infants and young children not attend, due to the potential for heat-related illness. If you are in doubt as to whether you and your family can handle the heat, stay home. Even young and healthy people can get sick from prolonged exposure if they do not adequately protect themselves. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death.

Residents who are planning to attend the Birthday Celebration should take the following steps to protect themselves from the excessive heat:

• Drink 2 to 4 glasses of cool fluids each hour.
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing and stay in the shade outdoors whenever possible.
• Protect yourself from the sun’s rays by wearing sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and bring an umbrella for shade
• Monitor people around you for signs of heat related illness.
• Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugar, which can cause you to lose more body fluid. Avoid very cold drinks, because they may cause stomach cramps.

For more information on staying cool—and safe—in extreme heat, visit the City’s web page on How to Beat The Summer Heat.