The skies over the Potomac River lit up with fireworks and cannon fire July 7 as the City of Alexandria celebrated its 269th birthday at Oronoco Bay Park.

The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra highlighted the evening with a performance of Tchaikovsky's “1812 Overture,” with cannon support provided by the Presidential Salute Battery of the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

The celebration included live music by the U.S. Navy Band Commodores, food vendors and birthday cake distributed by Mayor Allison Silberberg and members of City Council. Alexandria Poet Laureate Wendi R. Kaplan delivered a reading.

The main attraction was the ASO, led by guest conductor Jon Kalbfleisch, and its performance of the “1812 Overture” complete with cannon fire over the Potomac River.

The Old Guard was represented by 14 platoon members in ceremonial uniforms, who mingled with the crowds during the day and enjoyed a lunch sponsored by the Old Dominion Boat Club.