It was the perfect day for a parade as Alexandria celebrated the 39th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Fun Dog Show on Saturday.
With sunny weather and temperatures in the 50s, thousands watched the procession of more than 2,000 participants, including Irish dancers, historic reenactors and the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums. The festivities, which included the Fun Dog Show at Market Square outside City Hall, were sponsored by the Ballyshaners, a nonprofit dedicated to Irish heritage.
The Grand Marshall was John Brennan, a native of Kilkenny, Ireland, and one of the original owners of Daniel O’Connell’s Restaurant and Bar (112 King Street).
You have to wait a bit for the next parade in Old Town: next up is the 50th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk on Saturday, Dec. 5.
The Old Town St. Patrick’s Day Parade makes its way down King Street! ☘️ pic.twitter.com/dIhWiHn26C
— Katie Kyros (@KatieKyros) March 7, 2020
PARADE :: The Saint Patrick's Day Parade was a success! With some hard work, and some Irish luck, the streets were kept safe during the event. Thank you to all who came out! ☘️ #AlexPD150th@sfardAPD pic.twitter.com/gzFimt5bzE
— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) March 7, 2020
Old Town Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade features bagpipes, dancers, dogs, and cars.@KatieKyros https://t.co/eoCpSOEpRq pic.twitter.com/YVuuQXDcuV
— ABC 7 News – WJLA (@ABC7News) March 8, 2020
Recent Stories

If you had a chance to enhance a child’s future with a time commitment of less than 2 hours a week, how would you respond? You have that opportunity right now to join over 200 Alexandrians as a reading tutor volunteer with the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium (ATC).
ATC tutors work with one child in kindergarten, first, or second grade in Alexandria public schools who need extra help with reading. Tutors meet with their Book Buddy 1-2 times each week for 30 minutes October-May at school, during school hours. Many struggling readers only receive one-on-one instruction through this program, and it makes all the difference. Last year, ATC served 195 children, of whom 82% ended the year reading on grade level and 96% made substantial reading gains. But the need is great, and we are still seeing learning lags from the pandemic.
This year, ATC plans to significantly increase the size of the program to reach over 250 students and to serve every elementary school in Alexandria. This is very exciting news, but we will only succeed if we can recruit more tutors. ATC trains you, matches you with a child, and provides ongoing lesson materials and support.

If you have been thinking about buying your first home or haven’t owned one in the last three years, THIS IS FOR YOU!
In the DMV area, it can be difficult to save the downpayment necessary for you to get into your own home. We have a solution. The Funder’s Summit!
We have assembled a summit with different municipalities to tell you how to access their funds for your home purchase.
2023 Alexandria Fall Festival
Food trucks, bounce houses, pony rides, magic shows and more at the 2023 Alexandria Fall Festival, an Alexandria Living event presented by The Patterson Group. Join us at River Farm on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.