The Friendship Firehouse Festival to celebrate Friendship’s 249th year is Aug. 5. Learn about fire safety today, and yesterday, and see Alexandria Fire Department equipment up close. There will be booths by the Alexandria Police Department and Sheriff’s Office, music performances, displays by community organizations, vendor booths, and food and beverage sales. Join in water play and please-touch artifact activities. Children will receive free toy Friendship firefighting helmets. 

This family event is presented by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association and the Office of Historic Alexandria.

The Friendship Fire Company, established in 1774, was the first fire company in Alexandria. Today the Friendship Firehouse, built in 1855, is a museum open to the public. Friendship’s restored 1858 hose-reel carriage will be on exhibit. This ornate apparatus was made by local craftsman Robert F. Prettyman. 

Friendship Firehouse Festival 2023

Saturday, Aug. 5
100 block of South Alfred Street
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free

See https://www.alexandriava.gov/FriendshipFirehouse and

https://www.friendshipfireco.org/.