First Saturday in August

Join us on the 100 block of South Alfred Street. Learn about fire safety today and yesterday and see City firefighting equipment up close. There will be music, displays by community organizations, craft vendors, and food and beverages available. This family event is presented by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association and 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. The Festival will be the last opportunity to see Friendship’s 1851 hand-operated suction engine – elaborately decorated with the company’s clasped-hands insignia – before it is sent for conservation treatment. The restoration is possible thanks to the generous support of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association, Alexandria Association, Historic Alexandria Foundation, and many individual donors.  

In addition to the day's outdoor events, festival participants will enjoy visiting the Friendship Firehouse Museum, originally built as a firehouse in 1855.

The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association (FVFEA) is now a philanthropic organization focusing on fire-fighting history and fire safety.  It remains active in community events, including the annual Festival, and supports historic preservation of the building and its collection.

Food and beverages are available. Children will receive free fire helmets and can visit the City's fire trucks. For more information, call 703.746.3891.

The Festival on August 6, 2022 was the last opportunity to see Friendship’s 1851 hand-operated suction engine – elaborately decorated with the company’s clasped-hands insignia – before it is sent for conservation treatment. The restoration is possible thanks to the generous support of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association, Alexandria Association, Historic Alexandria Foundation, and many individual donors.

Friendship’s newly restored 1858 hose-reel carriage was also on exhibit. This ornate apparatus was made by local craftsman Robert F. Prettyman. It is painted midnight blue with white decorative piping, has gilded decorative shields flanking each side of the reel, red wheels decorated with blue and gold striping, and a brass lantern and bells.

See photos of the 2022 festival below.