John Brennan, owner of Daniel O'Connell's Irish Restaurant & Bar, will reign over the 39th annual Ballyshaners' St. Patrick's Day Parade in Alexandria.
The parade is set for Saturday, March 7 beginning at 12:30 p.m. in Old Town Alexandria.
Founded in 1980, Ballyshaners means "Old Town" in Gaelic, the Irish language and was created to organize a St. Patrick's Day Parade in Alexandria. Their goal is to promote and preserve Irish Heritage.
The official kickoff to the parade is the Grand Marshal Dinner, set for Friday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. at The Alexandrian, 480 King St. The event begins with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $95.
The Fun Dog Show precedes the parade beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Market Square. All friends, followers and former adopters at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria are welcome to join the group to march in the parade, with or without furry friends.
"The Fun Dog Show is our first major event of the year," said Megan Webb, AWLA's executive director.
Registration for dogs is $15 each to enter the show in the following categories: "Most St. Paddy’s Spirit," "Best Human/Canine Look-Alike" and "Most Creative."
Applications for the 2020 parade are now open; for questions about participating in the parade, email Ballyshaners_parade@yahoo.com.
Parade fundraisers are coming up as well, including:
- Jan. 26, 4-7 p.m. at McNamara's Restaurant and Pub, 567 23rd St. South in Arlington. The event will include an Irish buffet, live music and a cash bar. A silent auction will benefit the parade. $15 tickets in advance or $20 at the door
- Feb. 16, Murphy's Grand Irish Pub, 713 King St. Irish buffet, cash bar and silent auction. (Call restaurant for time of event.) $15 tickets in advance or $20 at the door.
For sponsorship questions, contact Ballyshaners Chair Kimberley Moore at KMoore22301@yahoo.com.
