Del Ray's First Thursday To Benefit Hurricane Harvey Survivors

ALEXANDRIA, VA—You hardly need a reason to attend Del Ray's last "First Thursday" block party of the year, but it will also mean you're helping an urgent cause.

Typically the block party benefits local organizations, but in light of Hurricane Harvey devastating the Texas coast, it will benefit the Houston Food Bank on Sept. 7.

The fundraiser will be in the form of a bake sale, which is good news for those with a sweet tooth. Community Kids Club will host the bake sale at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square (at the intersection Mt. Vernon & Oxford Avenues). Attendees can also drop off baked goods as donations.

This month's block party theme is "Music, Art, And Dance on the Avenue." From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., it will feature live music, dance performances, artist demonstrations, children's activities, while recognizing anniversary celebrations at Cheesetique and Bellies and Babies.

Cheesetique is holding special events throughout the week as well.

Here's the full schedule of events:

• The Pat Miller Neighborhood Square (Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues)
  Come watch some of these performances:
  6 p.m.: Tippi Toes Dance
  6:30 p.m.: Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Sympatico's Singing Eagles
  7 p.m.: Alexandria Singers
  Plus, support the Community Kids Club bake sale for Hurricane Harvey. The featured non-profit, The Fund for Alexandria's Child, will be there to share information on helping children in need during the holidays.

• Del Ray Artisans (2704 Mount Vernon Avenue)
  Check out the "Childhood Passions" art exhibit until 9 p.m.

• Cheesetique (2411 Mount Vernon Avenue)
  Celebrate the restaurant's 13th anniversary with live jazz and cheese board painting.

• United Bank (2401 Mount Vernon Avenue)
  Duncan Library is offering library card sign-ups and music, art and dance-themed stories.

• St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue)
  Artist Joyce Wagner is leading a fun jewelry beading activity.

• Bean Creative Field (2200 block of Mount Vernon Avenue)
  Come out for fun with instruments offered by Music Together Alexandria and to try Kindness rocks! painting with Friends of Guest House.

• Breezeway Between Greener Cleaner & Neighborhood Pharmacy (2200 Block of Mount Vernon Avenue)
  Draw chalk art with Patrick Kirwin.

• Counseling of Alexandria (2104 Mount Vernon Avenue)
  Add your own touch to a giant community coloring page.

• Del Ray Picture Framing (2009 Mount Vernon Avenue)
  Check out an artist demonstration by Don Ripper.

• Bellies & Babies Consignment Boutique (1913 Mount Vernon Avenue)
  Mars Rodeo will be performing and children's activities are offered at the store's seventh anniversary celebration.

• Where's the Sheriff? (Somewhere On The Avenue....)
  If kids can find the sheriff at a mystery location, they can win a special prize.

The First Thursday street festivals are held every first Thursday of the month from April to September along Mount Vernon Avenue. Sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association, every month has a different theme and different cause to support.

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Image of Cheesetique via M. Enriquez/Visit Alexandria