The George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee, appointed by the Alexandria Mayor and City Council, proudly announces the 2025 #GWCherryChallenge. This is an easy, attention-grabbing, fun event that will benefit your restaurant! In the spirit of the famous cherry tree myth, Alexandria celebrates George Washington’s historic presence in his adopted hometown by inviting restaurants to participate in this culinary contest…with your customers as the judges!

There is no fee for participation.

This event is designed to generate buzz for Alexandria restaurants, boost customer traffic, encourage chefs to get creative and excited about their special offerings, and enable us to offer a tasteful event that keeps George Washington’s memory alive in his hometown!

All you need to do is create and serve one or more menu items that include CHERRIES. You may use fresh cherries, dried cherries, canned cherries…whatever form you desire. Categories are Beverage, Appetizer, Entree, and Dessert. You will feature your creation(s) from JANUARY 27-FEBRUARY 10.

The 2025 responses will be collected virtually, so we will supply you with a ballot that includes a QR code. You can:

  • Post one ballot on your table or however you provide your contactless menu or print out and distribute to in-person customers who order one of your entries.

  • Print out ballots and include in your delivery orders for customers who order one of your entries.

We are collecting responses via Survey Monkey, so at the end of the contest, we’ll tally the ballots electronically. Make sure at least 20 customers vote on an item to ensure a full score.

Please register here: https://bit.ly/2025GWCherryChallenge. Or email Kristen.Eastlick@gmail.com.

You’re also encouraged to provide us with a photo of your creation(s) by January 27 so we can feature images in social media promotions. (Providing us with links to your Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn accounts will help facilitate that promotion.) ALL participating restaurants will:

  • Be featured on the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee’s website which is visited by thousands and be promoted via Facebook and Twitter outreach.

  • Be included in publicity for our events.

In addition, the winner in each category will receive the following:

  • Each category’s winning restaurant’s name and featured menu item will be announced before the 2025 GW Birthday Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

  • Your restaurant will be invited to march as a unit in the 2025 GW Birthday Parade.

  • You’ll receive a handsome certificate that can be displayed at your restaurant.

We look forward to your involvement in this exciting free opportunity.  We need your commitment by January 20, 2025, to ensure that your restaurant is included in the publicity.

To ask questions or to confirm your participation, contact Kristen Eastlick at kristen.eastlick@gmail.com or (703) 200-3329.