The Ballyshaners
Visitors and residents are invited to don their green and line King Street in Old Town Alexandria, Saturday, March 7 to kick off the region’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Alexandria's 39th annual parade is the work of the Ballyshaners, a nonprofit group that works to promote and preserve Irish culture and heritage in Alexandria. The parade is always held the first Saturday in March. (St. Patrick's Day is Tuesday, March. 17.)
The two-hour parade will kick off at 12:30 p.m., starting at King and Alfred streets and ending at Lee and Cameron streets.
Visitors and residents are invited to don their green and line King Street in Old Town Alexandria, to kick off the region’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. More than 2,000 participants will march in this year’s parade, including the Notre Dame Alumni Band, dog rescue groups, pipe and drum bands, historical re-enactors, Shriners and Kena cars, and Irish dancers.
Parade-goers usually come early at 10:30 a.m. for the Fun Dog Show on Market Square, which benefits the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. More than 30 costumed dogs will compete in a range of categories, including Best Human/Canine Look-Alike, Most Talented and Most St. Paddy’s Spirit. The dogs will then kick off the parade at 12:15 p.m.Grand Marshal Dinner. Register your dog here.
A Grand Marshal Dinner is set for Friday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. at The Alexandrian, 480 King St., the night before the parade. The Ballyshaners host the Grand Marshal Dinner to install and recognize the parade’s grand marshal. It is a night full of tradition, camaraderie and the official kick-off to the parade weekend. Tickets are $110 ($1,100 for tables). Dress is black tie or festive Celtic attire. Cash bar.
Mark your calendars:
WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 2020
TIME: The Fun Dog Show is from 10:30 a.m. to noon; the parade starts at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 2 p.m.
WHERE: The parade starts at King and Alfred streets and ends at Lee and Cameron streets; the Fun Dog Show is on Market Square in front of City Hall at 301 King St. in Alexandria.
