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

(СÂÜÀòÓ°ÊÓ/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.

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

СÂÜÀòÓ°ÊÓ’s Melissa Howell reported from Alexandria, Virginia. 

Melissa Howell

Melissa Howell joined СÂÜÀòÓ°ÊÓ Radio in March 2018 and is excited to cover stories that matter across D.C., as well as in Maryland and Virginia. 

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