On Saturday, August 2, 2025, Alexandria residents came together to celebrate the annual Friendship Firehouse Festival, commemorating 251 years of service by the Friendship Fire Company to the community.
This vibrant event took place on the 100 block of South Alfred Street, drawing hundreds of families eager to participate in the festivities.
Throughout the morning, festival-goers had the unique opportunity to explore the historic Friendship Firehouse Museum, originally erected in 1855.
For the first time since its opening in September 2024, attendees could admire the newly conserved 1851 Rodgers Suction Engine, a significant artifact that has undergone extensive restoration to reveal its original craftsmanship beneath layers of age-old paint.
In addition, the museum showcased the striking 1858 Prettyman hose-reel carriage, which dazzled visitors with its vibrant red and blue colors, elegantly accented with intricate gold leaf detailing.
Children were particularly drawn to hands-on water activities designed to mimic firefighting, while parents took the opportunity to browse through vendor booths featuring a diverse range of local crafts, books, and woodworking items.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, live music provided by the duo Lindsay and Dobbs filled the air with the sweet sounds of guitar and fiddle, delighting attendees throughout the day.
The festival also boasted a variety of food trucks, such as Roaming Coyote, Mr. Softee, Taste & See Coffee, and Lost Boy Cider, ensuring that visitors had plenty of delicious options to enjoy in the summer heat.
Presented by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association and the Office of Historic Alexandria, the festival highlighted the long-standing legacy of the Friendship Fire Company, which was founded in 1774 as Alexandria’s first volunteer fire organization.
Representatives from the Alexandria Fire Department, Police Department, and Sheriff’s Office participated in the celebration by setting up community booths that offered safety displays and interactive exhibits for the public.
The event reached a heartfelt climax at noon with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony, marking another year of dedicated service by the company to the city.
Additionally, the festival raised funds through a 50/50 raffle while continuing its tradition of distributing free toy fire helmets to young visitors—an initiative aimed at combining historical education with family-friendly entertainment.
In a more somber reflection on current events, Alexandria residents were reminded of the city’s past struggles with its drinking water supply.
On this day in 1950, local residents began voicing concerns over a bad taste in the drinking water, attributed to chemicals disposed of in a storm sewer by personnel at Cameron Station, the U.S. Army’s Quartermaster Depot.
Due to the contamination, the Alexandria Water Company had to drain the affected water from its reservoir, impacting the city’s water supply for an entire week.
As Alexandria moves forward into the future, the Friendship Firehouse Festival underscores the community’s commitment to remembering its history while celebrating its vibrant present.
With the sun shining bright and clear skies overhead, today’s weather forecast calls for a high near 84°F, with calm winds shifting northeast in the afternoon, perfect for a day of fun.
Looking ahead, there are also various activities planned for the rest of the day in Alexandria.
These include the West End Farmers Market opening at 8:30 a.m. and the Four Mile Run Farmers’ Market starting at 9 a.m., both offering fresh local produce and goods.
Families can participate in a Kids Arts & Crafts session at Hops N Shine at 1 p.m., followed by the Summer Sundays Chamber Music event at the Lyceum, beginning at 3 p.m.
For live music enthusiasts, there are performances scheduled across various venues, including the Birchmere, which will host Vincent Ingala & Lindsey Webster at 7:30 p.m.
As Alexandria continues to honor its rich history while embracing the joys of community and family engagement, the Friendship Firehouse Festival remains a testament to the spirit and resilience of its residents.
image source from：alxnow
