Green’s the Thing at Alexandria St. Patrick’s Parade (photos)


Green was the thing as the 38th annual Ballyshaners St. Patrick’s Parade in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, kicked off at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. Thousands of spectators lined King Street to witness pipe bands, Irish step dancers, military marching units, civic organizations and local scout troops. There were over 100 parade units in all.

With the cancellation (for cost reasons) of this year’s St. Patrick’s event in Washington, D.C., the parade across the Potomac River has morphed into the largest Irish heritage celebration in the metropolitan area.

The Ballyshaners, a nonprofit organization that promotes Irish heritage in Alexandria, organizes and hosts the annual event. One of the earliest St. Patrick’s parades in the nation, it takes place on the first Saturday in March. While Alexandria hosts several parades, this was the only one to travel down the city’s main artery, King Street.

Following the parade, many were seen headed to nearby Irish restaurants to enjoy green beer and haggis.

View Jeff Malet’s photos of the Alexandria St. Patrick’s Parade by clicking on the photo icons below.

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