For Immediate ReleaseFor More Information, Contact
November 15, 2007
PIO# 284-07		Jennifer Harris, Communications Officer, at 703.838.5078


Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria
November 17 - 23, 2007

Saturday, November 17 – Cooking Demonstration at Market Square
Chef Dennis Marron of the Morrison House Grille will give a cooking demonstration at the Alexandria Farmers’ Market, located at Market Square, 301 King St. He will demonstrate how to prepare a variety of culinary delights—and samples will be available for tasting following the demonstration. Please call Jack Browand at 703.838.4343 for more information.

Thursday, November 22 – Alexandria’s Turkey Trot
The 32nd annual Alexandria Turkey Trot will be held on Thanksgiving morning, starting at 10 a.m. at the Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology, 3600 Commonwealth Ave. The five-mile road race draws a large cross section of runners from around the region and across the country. Registration is $15 plus two cans of food, with all donations turned over to ALIVE, Inc., a local organization serving Alexandria families in need. Register online by Monday, November 19, and save $5! For more information, please visit www.turkeytrot.pwba.org.

Friday, November 23 - City of Alexandria’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
The public is invited to attend the 2007 City of Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 23 at 7 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King St. Admission is free, and the event will be held rain or shine. Entertainment features a message from Mayor William D. Euille, a visit from Santa, performance of Santa’s Frosty’s Follies by the Metropolitan Fine Arts Center, and a caroling and community sing along. For additional information call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686 or the Special Events Office at 703.838.4844.

What Makes the City “Your Alexandria?” The City’s tourism and hospitality industry is experiencing exciting changes these days and the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association (ACVA) wants to hear from residents about their perceptions of the City as a travel destination. ACVA invites Alexandria residents to take a brief online survey at www.myalexandriava.com no later than Sunday, November 25. Information from the survey will provide helpful feedback and become part of the ACVA’s ongoing research and planning for future marketing programs. For more information, please contact Laura Overstreet at 703.838.4200, ext.206 or e-mail loverstreet@alexandria.travel.

“The Gift is Being Here.” The Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association, in partnership with the City of Alexandria, has launched a multi-faceted program to welcome all during the holiday season. At the heart of the program is www.HolidaysinAlexandria.com, offering hotel packages, restaurant specials, seasonal events, and downloadable discount coupons. Visitors to the web site are invited to shop, dine, and celebrate the holidays in Alexandria.

Continuing Exhibit – “God Has Made a Way in Leesburg”

“God Has Made a Way in Leesburg,” a photography exhibition by Big Al Carter, is open at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. These large format images, on display for the first time, showcase Carter’s family members and their community in Loudoun County during the early 1970s. Admission is free! The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information please visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.

Coming Soon!

37th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk – Saturday, December 1
The City of Alexandria invites the public to attend the 37th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade at 11:00 a.m. in historic Old Town. The centerpiece of the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, the parade celebrates the City's Scottish heritage, featuring more than 100 Scottish clans, bagpipe and drum bands, living history reenactment groups, dog clubs, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Ninety cents of every dollar raised goes directly to Campagna Center children’s programs. For more information, please call the Campagna Center at 703.549.0111, or visit www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.

Women, Art and Shopping Holiday Spectacular! - Sunday, December 2
Join the Friends of the Alexandria Commission for Women and the Commission for Women for an afternoon of fun, art, music, and wine! The Women, Art and Shopping Holiday Spectacular will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Durant Center, 1605 Cameron St. Admission is free. Purchase art and crafts from emerging women artists (jewelry, handbags, children's items, photography, pottery, and more) just in time for the holidays. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and live music by Michael Yugo. Fifteen percent of all proceeds benefit the Commission for Women and Alexandria Office on Women projects.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or an alternative format, please e-mail mike.hatfield@alexandriava.gov or call 703.519.3357, TTY 711.

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