New Date Set For Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Last weekend's wind storm forced the cancellation of Alexandria's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, scheduled for Saturday, March 3. But the organizers have announced that the Old Town parade has been rescheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 18.

The Ballyshaners, the Alexandria volunteer group that runs the parade, announced the new date Thursday on their website. They said the parade's route will change slightly, starting at the intersection of King Street and St. Asaph Street in Old Town, three blocks east (closer to the river) of the typical starting point.

The parade will proceed down King Street to Lee Street and continue west on Cameron Street to Royal Street, the Ballyshaners said, "so there will be plenty of opportunity to see it all!"

The parade is expected to draw heavy pedestrian traffic, and a portion of King Street will be closed.

Bernadette and Pat Troy, who founded the parade in 1982 and own the Irish Walk boutique on King Street, will serve as the grand marshals this year.

Before the parade, the Ballyshaners will host the Fun Dog Show with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Market Square on King Street.

The contest will award "Pet Troy Award" trophies for a number of categories: Dog – Owner Look Alike, St. Patrick's Spirit Award, Best Costume and Most Talented. Then the dogs will kick off the the parade.

For more information, visit the parade's website.

Emily Leayman contributed to this story.

Image via Ballyshaners, used with permission