The DC Traveler

Bagpipes, marching bands, Irish dancers and more will highlight this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parades in Alexandria and Washington, DC.

Alexandria Parade

Date - Saturday, March 3rd

Events include:

- Classic Car Show and Competition – 100 North Pitt Street between King and Cameron Streets - 10:00 a.m. - noon

- Fun Dog Show – Market Square, registration 10:30 a.m., dog show 11:00 a.m. until noon. Competition included the tallest and smallest dogs, the pooch with the longest ears, a dog/owner look-alike contest, and most mysterious heritage (this one is for dogs only).

- Parade – starts at 12:30 p.m. the parade route is eleven blocks down King Street from West Street to Fairfax Street.

After the parade, check out the Torpedo Factory Art Center while the crowds disperse.

Nearest Metro subway station – King Street - Blue or Yellow line, then a 10-minute walk down King Street toward the waterfront, or take the #2 or #5 DASH bus. Bus service may be disrupted or detoured due to the parade.

Parking - Street parking is available in the area but may be limited (remember parking meters will be in effect and streets near the parade route may be closed). There are also numerous paid parking garages in the area.

Washington, DC Parade

Date and Time - March 11th - noon until 3:00 p.m.

Parade Route - Constitution Avenue from 7th Street to 17th Street
Admission to both events is free.

Nearest Metro subway station – Federal Triangle - Blue and Orange line, then a 1/2 block walk to Constitution Ave.

Parking - Street parking is available, but will be difficult, I recommend you use Metro.

Some Saint Patrick history…

• Patrick was born in 386 in Wales was raised as a pagan.
• His given name was actually “Maewyn”.
• Patrick was sold into slavery by a group of Irish marauders at the age of 16.
• At 22, he escaped his captors and crossed the English Channel to Gaul (Western Europe) to study in a monastery.
• During his studies he developed his calling to convert the pagans of Ireland to Christianity.
• After returning to Ireland as a bishop, Patrick was arrested numerous times by the Druids, but always manage to escape.
• During his 30 years he establish many schools and churches throughout Ireland, while converting the Irish to Christianity.

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