Parade Honoring George Washington Returns to Alexandria (photos)

After a two-year hiatus, the 2022 edition of the George Washington Birthday Parade returned to the streets of Old Town Alexandria on Presidents’ Day, Feb. 21. Taking advantage of unseasonably mild weather, thousands once again lined the streets to celebrate the 290th anniversary of the birth of George Washington (b. Feb. 22, 1732) with a parade in his former hometown. Last year’s parade in honor of the nation’s first president had to be cancelled in the wake of the pandemic.

Dating back to 1923, if not earlier, the event is billed as the nation’s largest George Washington Birthday Parade. Politicians, military marching bands, colonial re-enactors and community and historical groups made their way through the historic streets of Old Town along the mile-long parade route.

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson and Town Crier Ben Fiore-Walker were joined on the reviewing stand by George and Martha Washington “themselves,” admirably portrayed by Brian Hilton and Kari LaBell. For Ms. LaBell it was her 25th time portraying Mrs. Martha Washington in the parade. 

View a slideshow of Jeff Malet’s photos of the 2022 George Washington Birthday Parade from Alexandria by clicking on the photo icons below.

tagsAlexandriaGeorge WashingtonGeorge Washington's Birthdayhistoryold townparadePresidents DayRevolutionVirginia