Good morning, Alexandria! As we embark on Saturday, June 28, the city gears up for a vibrant weekend featuring a mix of community events and spirited competitions. With temperatures expected to soar near 92 and a potential heat index reaching 101, residents are advised to stay cool and hydrated.
A careful eye on the sky will reveal potential drizzle before 8 a.m., transitioning to cloudy skies before gradually clearing throughout the day. This evening, the possibility of showers and thunderstorms lingers until 10 p.m., with partly cloudy conditions expected afterward. The low for tonight will settle around 74 degrees, presenting a balmy atmosphere.
In local news, the countdown intensifies as the deadline for ALXnow’s “Best Bagel Shop in Alexandria” poll approaches. Voting will conclude on Tuesday, July 1, at 11:59 p.m., and The Chewish Deli has established itself as a frontrunner, capturing 46.85% of the vote from 2,262 participants. This popular eatery has managed to maintain its lead even after discarding multiple votes cast from the same IP addresses, amid a total voting pool nearing 4,900.
Trailing behind is Bagel Uprising, holding 40.47% of the votes with 1,954 responses. The gap between the top two contenders is significant, with Call Your Mother far back at 8.70% of the total votes. The rest of the contenders collectively hold less than 4% of the votes. The unique aspect of this annual Readers’ Choice Awards poll lies in its requirement for all participants to reside within Alexandria city limits, ensuring a local champion emerges in the competitive breakfast scene.
As Alexandria embraces its love for bagels, community members are encouraged to express their preferences before the poll closes. ALXnow maintains strict adherence to voting fairness by allowing only one vote per IP address and eliminating any attempts to manipulate results through duplicate voting.
In addition to the bagel shop contest, the weekend promises a lineup full of exciting events. Saturday kicks off with the annual Alexandria Pride Fair at City Hall, where community members can gather in solidarity and celebration. Port City Brewing Company is also kicking off Oktoberfest early, and the Mystical Pride Prom is set to take over the Torpedo Factory. With a full schedule of live music, workshops, and family-centered activities, there’s something for everyone this weekend in Alexandria.
In other local headlines, some noteworthy updates surfaced this week, including a push from Senators Warner and Kaine and Representative Beyer who are demanding answers about the National Science Foundation’s forced exit from its Alexandria headquarters. Imagine Artwear will be closing its doors in Old Town after more than 30 years of service, while the KiSMET mural prepares to be painted over, marking a transition in the neighborhood’s artistic landscape.
Transportation also enters a new phase, as Alexandria riders will face revised bus routes and signage due to a system-wide Metro overhaul. Amid these changes, a viral social media post from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria featuring adoptable dogs has caught many eyes, bringing attention to the need for loving homes for pets.
As Alexandria gears up for the 8th Annual Pride Fair, scheduled for Saturday, attendees can expect drag story hours, health services, and an impressive selection of over 90 exhibitors.
Looking at Friday’s most-read articles, notable mentions include a retrospective on The Rink That Rocked, a venue famous for hosting legendary acts like Janis Joplin and Alice Cooper, along with a report on the exhibition baseball team ‘Savannah Bananas’ taking over a Dunkin’ location in Alexandria. A significant report also outlined the National Science Foundation’s transition to HUD, which will impact over 1,800 employees in the area.
For those planning to make the most out of this weekend, a variety of events fill the calendar. Starting this morning at 8 a.m., the West End Village will host a FREE Community Shred Day, while the Alexandria Health Fair commences at William Ramsey Rec. Center. Other highlights include the Del Ray Farmers’ Market at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square and a Computer Donation Drive at Fairlington Presbyterian Church.
Community activities include a Ham Radio Field Day at Chinquapin Park, followed by a town hall hosted by NAACP Virginia District 8 at 2 p.m. The ambitious Alexandria Pride takes center stage at City Hall and Market Square at 3 p.m., serving as a vibrant expression of unity and acceptance in the community.
As the sun sets, local venues come alive with diverse entertainment. The Bill Pappas Project will serenade diners at 219 Restaurant, while Too Much Feedback takes the stage at Alexandria Bier Garden later in the evening. Other notable performances include the Larry Thomas Duo at Blackwall Hitch and the Sharon Clark Trio at Laporta’s Restaurant, catering to a wide range of musical tastes.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria presents a matinee showing of “The Play That Goes Wrong” at 2 p.m., followed by another performance at 8 p.m., promising an evening filled with laughter and enjoyment.
For those interested in planning ahead, Sunday holds its own set of events to explore. In preparation for the festivities, Mark your calendars for the Specialty Tour: Hamilton’s BFF & Frenemies at 10 a.m. and finish with a relaxing evening at Apothecary Night Shift at 5 p.m.
In conclusion, Alexandria is alive with excitement and energy this weekend. From the vibrant cultural experiences at the Pride Fair to critical local news, the community is encouraged to participate and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer. Don’t forget to cast your vote for your favorite bagel shop before the poll closes soon. Enjoy your weekend, Alexandria!
image source from：alxnow
