Oscar’s Turn - As I told you the other day, it’s Oscar and Company’s time to take center stage. Oscar and his thundering herd of dedicated worker bees will be the talk of the town March 8-11 when the 11th annual spring Antiques in Alexandria show — this year commemorating "Virginia - Celebrating 400 Years" — takes over the Flippin Field House at Alexandria's Episcopal High School.
Oscar and his folks again will be offering something of everything for antiques habitués. A delicious Preview Party kicks things off Thursday, March 8, at 7 p.m. Guests will spend $125, enjoy elegant cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a fresh seafood bar and buffet and live music. All this and and being first to visit the quality dealers and their wares. Show hours ($15 per person) are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on March 9; 11 to 6 on March 10; and 11 to 5 p.m. on March 11. Among the many special events: a Guided Show Tour at 10 a.m. on March 10; a wine tasting and book signing — "Empires in the Forest: Jamestown and the Beginning of America," set for 6 to 8 p.m. on March 9; an appraisal clinic from 9 a.m. to noon on March 10 and a lecture at noon on March 10. Alexa Hampton, senior design consultant for PBS' "This Old House," will do the honors.
The spring show benefits the Alexandria Association, the Lyceum Company and the TWIG. For additional information about this important part of Alexandria's charitable fabric, check out antiquesinalexandria.com or call 703-548-SHOW. See you there.
A DOGGONE GOOD TIME - Come join the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria for the 21st Annual St. Patrick's Day Fun Dog Show! The show will be held on Saturday, March 3 at Market Square in Old Town Alexandria. Dogs will compete in 10 "just-for-fun" categories, including Dog with the Best Irish Costume, Dog with the Biggest Feet, Dog with the best tail wag and Dog with the Most Mysterious Heritage. Veteran reporter John Harter will emcee the show. Judge Daniel O'Flaherty will award first place ribbons to the top pick of each category, and everyone entered will receive a winner ribbon! All "shelter graduate" dogs will be recognized at the start of the Show.
There will be adoptable dogs, raffles to benefit homeless animals, coffee and donuts for sale, and plenty of good, green, family fun. On-site registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and the Dog Show begins at 11:15 a.m.
This free event is held in conjunction with the Ballyshaner's St. Patrick's Day parade. At the conclusion of the Dog Show, everyone is invited to gather together at the stage to help the League lead the parade down King Street!
GADSBY'S TAVERN MUSEUM UPDATE - Mark March 24 for the 3rd annual Rum Punch Challenge. Just as guests to the tavern did 200 years ago, enjoy six different rum punch creations from local distillers, restaurants and caterers. You may vote for your favorite. Participants include Dogfish Head, Barcardi, Cruzan, 100 King and Bittersweet Catering. Also enjoy food (period and modern) as well as a silent auction. The affairs runs from 7 to 9 p.m. and admission is $50 per person. Reservations required, call 703-838-4242.
— Bob Feldkamp