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St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Fun Dog Show returns to Old Town Alexandria

(杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)

It’s a tradition that takes over Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, every year. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Fun Dog Show returned to town with plenty of entertainment Saturday afternoon.

The parade started at 12:30 p.m. on King Street, where thousands of people lined the sidewalks dressed for the occasion. Pipe bands, Irish dancers and plenty of kilts were on display along the parade route.

The annual Fun Dog Show kicked off in Market Square, where more than 30 canines competed for the top prize in categories ranging from “Most Talented” to “Most St. Paddy’s Spirit.”

Sally Fallon and her pup, Baxter, were going for “Most Creative Costume” this year, with a small pot of gold packed with goodies sewn to the top of Baxter’s sweater.

(杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
Dogs in costume were perhaps the highlight of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Alexandria. (杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
(杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
The dog show attracted lots of fans, including this spaniel. (杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
(杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
Revelers dressed themselves and their dogs in their greenest gear. (杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
(杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
The streets were closed and the sidewalks were filled with those getting a jump on the holiday. (杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
(杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
Even the Cub Scouts got in on the act in Alexandria’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. (杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
(杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
Many dogs put on their best green gear, even some headgear. (杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
(杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
Dogs competed in different classes, including “Most Talented.” (杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
(杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
The poodle looked good with a fresh haircut and a green leash for the holiday. (杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
(杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
One dog even wore a homemade pot of gold. (杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
(杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
This Irish wolf hound is right at home on St. Patrick’s day. (杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
(杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
Fans of the holiday didn’t let the cool March day stop them from wearing kilts. (杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
(杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
This spaniel was decked out in orange, green and white, just like the Irish flag. (杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
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(杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
(杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
(杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)
(杏吧原创/Melissa Howell)

“It’s supposed to be a dog’s pot of gold, so it has shoes in the pot. He didn’t win,” Fallon said, still pleased with her finished project.

Mary Wood recently moved to Alexandria from Bend, Oregon, and said the dogs and the festivities were聽the highlight of her weekend. “Bend is known as a dog city, but I think Alexandria is their competition,” she said. “It’s nice just to be with the people and to just celebrate the day,” Wood said.

杏吧原创’s Melissa Howell reported from Alexandria, Virginia.聽

Melissa Howell

Melissa Howell joined 杏吧原创 Radio in March 2018 and is excited to cover stories that matter across D.C., as well as in Maryland and Virginia.聽

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