Around Town

PHOTOS: St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to Old Town for 43rd year

By James Cullum
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It was a cool but clear day on Saturday as the 43rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade passed through Old Town.

Dozens of pipe bands, Irish dance schools, community groups and local businesses marched along Alexandria’s historic streets for the event, which is hosted by the nonprofit Ballyshaners, Inc, whose name translates to “Old Towners” in Gaelic.

“May your day be filled with blessings and may nothing but happiness come through your door,” Mayor Alyia Gaskins told the parade revelers.

Rook Richards, a musician from Alexandria and 2007 graduate of West Potomac High School, served as this year’s parade grand marshal. He’s currently working on a country rock record in Nashville, but his roots as an artist go back to performances at city venues like Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub and Northside 10.

The parade is the last in Alexandria until the Scottish Christmas Walk in December.

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.