Speakers urge council to restore recurring funding for George Washington Birthday Parade

Speakers at Alexandria’s March 10 special budget public hearing urged City Council to restore and expand city funding for the George Washington Birthday Parade, saying the event is a long-standing civic tradition that draws thousands of visitors and supports local businesses.

Scott A. Bryant and Sue Johnson, leaders of the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee, and representatives of civic groups including the Masonic fraternity and the American Legion said private fundraising and volunteer labor are no longer sufficient to cover parade costs. “I am Scott Bryant, and I'm here to support the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee,” said Scott A. Bryant. Sue Johnson identified herself as “chair of the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee” and said the committee has relied on volunteers and significant personal donations, and that city support capped at $25,000 since 2008 no longer covers rising expenses.

Committee members and allied groups gave examples of recent shortfalls. Johnson said inflation has increased costs since 2008 and that in 2025 the committee faced an added $23,000 cost when the parade was moved off a holiday. Several speakers said the committee raised roughly $30,000–$35,000 last year from private sources and donations but that amount leaves gaps. “Whatever the celebration committee needs for their end of it, I would appreciate the city to consider funding it fully,” Bryant told the council.

Representatives of affiliated organizations described the parade’s regional draw and civic role. Tyler Vano, representing the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, and Carol Myers of American Legion Post 24 both urged ongoing city support, noting the parade’s history and the role it plays in honoring Washington and in local civic life. Myers said Post 24 has been involved in the parade since 1928 and that the post’s facilities serve as a public gathering place on parade day.

Organizers asked the council for a predictable, recurring commitment rather than one-off grants. They also offered to provide detailed budget documents: Sue Johnson said she could provide the committee’s 2024 budget and noted the committee was still awaiting some city billings for 2025. Councilmembers asked for the detailed memos and for a breakdown of parade costs; staff responded the city would prepare budget memos and that final city bills typically arrive in March.

The council and staff did not take a final vote on funding during the hearing; the public comment period concluded and the council moved on to other business.