Weekend Planner

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Choose from a variety of local activities as we close out 2012 and welcome the New Year.

Where: Various Locations in Old Town Alexandria
When: Monday beginning at noon.
Why Go: This family-friendly event will feature live music and entertainment, arts and crafts, face painting, moon bounce, food and more. Stay for midnight fireworks on the river to celebrate the New Year.
Price: Adults $20; Ages 12 and under FREE; Active duty military FREE with ID (see www.firstnightalexandria.org for details).

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Where: Mount Vernon RECenter, Alexandria
When: Saturday at 9:30 a.m.
Why Go: Burn off some of those holiday calories at this 5K event that takes you through the wooded trails near Mount Vernon RECenter.
Price: $15 entry fee.

Where: Ernst Community Cultural Center, Annandale
When: Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Why Go: This classic holiday ballet, featuring young Clara and her nutcracker prince, will be performed by the Virginia Ballet Company and School.
Price: Tickets range from $20 to $30.

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Where: Lake Accotink Park, Springfield
When: Sunday at 1 p.m.
Why Go: This quiet observation of the burning of the wooden trestle over Accotink Creek in 1862 will be commemorated by a recitation of events and simulated torching of the trestle.
Price: FREE.

Library Events:

Treasure Hunt at the Library! at Sherwood Regional Library, Alexandria. Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For ages 6 to 12. FREE.
Noon Year’s Eve Party at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria. Monday at 11:30 a.m. FREE.