Alexandria Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day
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(Sunday) March 7, 2010
By James Cullum
alexandrianews.org
Getting into the spirit at Alexandria's 29th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)
Alexandria turned green Saturday as thousands celebrated the 29th Annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. Spirits were high, and so was the temperature – a crisp 55 degrees with a cloudless blue sky.
Irish American Heritage Month began with the Grand Marshall Ball, traditionally held the evening before the parade. This year’s Grand Marshall was General Ann Dunwoody, Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command. Dunwoody is the first woman to become a four-star general.
Saturday’s festivities began at 10 a.m. with the 18th Annual Classic Car Show. Nearly 40 cars lined North Pitt Street in Old Town. Vern Parker, nationally syndicated auto columnist for Motor Matters returned as judge.
Grand Marshall, General Ann Dunwoody (center), Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)
“There is no criteria in how I make my decision. There are no classes. They have some cars here that are about two years old,” Parker said. “But about 20 years ago I said I’d judge it til’ I got the first complaint and when I get it, then I’m out of it. But I haven’t gotten complaints.”
A light-blue 1958 Dodge got first prize. “It’s just very rare, very unusual,” Parker said. “Dodge’s of this era are usually rust-buckets. A 58’ – any Chrysler product – it’s amazing they’re still around. The guy who owns this bought it and then found out that it was completely rusted out. He had it completely redone and everything is authentic.”
At 10:30 at Market Square, Barkley Square presented the annual Alexandria Irish dog show. The grand prize – Dog With The Best Irish Costume award – was given to Riley, a three-year-old rescued Beagle. Riley was dressed as St. Patrick in a red, white and green cape and priestly hat. He is owned by Kara Macuk, an Old Town resident.
Even though the annual feast day is March 17, an early morning crowd gathered at Pat Troy’s Restaurant and Pub on North Pitt Street.
“Beer – the breakfast of champions. We got here at 9 a.m. and are here til 3,” said Ben Lorentzen, a marine officer based at Quantico. He and his girlfriend, Ashley Burton, of Alexandria, began celebrating the previous evening. “St. Patty’s Day is by far the best holiday of the year,” he said.
US Army, 3rd US Infantry Fife and Drum Corps. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)
The parade started with the Joint Forces Color Guard and was followed by the U.S. Navy Band and marching platoons from all branches of the U.S. military. But things really got moving when the U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team began throwing and spinning around bayoneted rifles. The group was spot-on and never missed a beat. The audience standing along King Street applauded wildly.
US Coast Guard Silent Drill Team performs dangerous maneuvers for spectators at Saturday's parade. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)
“I hope you’re inspired today to commemorate Irish culture,” said Pat Troy, master of ceremonies and parade chairman. Troy announced the dignitaries and parade participants as they passed the reviewing stand. Dunwoody, City Council members, the Ambassador of Ireland and other dignitaries were driven to the reviewing stand in classic cars.
Other parade participants included: the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums; INOVA Alexandria Hospital; Washington DC Gaels; the 82nd Highland regiment; the Washington Collectors of Military Vehicles; the Alexandria Republicans and the Alexandria Democrats and Volunteer Alexandria.
“I want to thank Pat Troy and the Ballyshaners for putting on this wonderful parade,” said Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille, “and we’re all thankful to the Lord upstairs for providing all of this sunny weather.”
