The arrival of spring marks the beginning of the festival season here in Alexandria. No matter your interest, there are a variety of festivals in the area that are well worth attending. Let’s discuss a few and what they have to offer.
Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade
For 38 years, Alexandrians have been invited to don their best green apparel and flock to King Street in Old Town for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade put on by The Ballyshaners, an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Irish Heritage. The parade features Irish pipe bands, Irish dancers, the Notre Dame Alumni Parade, and a variety of cars and floats.
Parade attendees are encouraged to get to Old Town early to see the dog show on Market Square. The show, benefiting the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, features more than 30 costumed dogs competing in a variety of costumes. After the show, the canine competitors kick off the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The dog show starts at 11:00 a.m. and the parade starts at 12:30 p.m. Both events take place on the first Saturday of March.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Hop aboard the Wharf Water Taxi for a 25-minute cruise to Washington, D.C., for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, held from March 20 through April 13. The festival celebrates the short period of time in which the famous trees are in bloom while promoting international friendship. Highlights of the festival include the Blossom Kite Festival, featuring kite battles and trick competitions, Petalpalooza, which is capped off by a stunning fireworks display, and the Festival Parade featuring performers, marching bands, giant balloons, and floats. There are also activity tents, food tents, and a performance stage.
Wharf Water Taxi departures start at 9:45 a.m. on weekdays and 11:45 a.m. on weekends. The taxi departs from the Old Town Wharf and docks near the festival’s Tidal Basin Welcome Center.
Civil War Women’s Day
March isn’t just a great month for festivals, but it’s also Women’s History Month. To celebrate, the Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site will present Civil War Women’s Day on March 23. Costumed re-enactors will examine women’s contributions during the Civil War period, including the roles women played on the home front, on the battlefield, and in the workforce. Soldiers aid societies and relief efforts are also featured. Kids can participate in arts and crafts.
2019 Woodlawn Needlework Show & Sale
Woodlawn Estate, constructed in 1805, was the first family home of Eleanor “Nelly” Custis, one of America’s most renowned needleworkers. Now it serves as the home to the Woodlawn Needlework Show, celebrating its 56th year of maintaining the tradition of needle arts and promoting new artists. Works from a diverse community of artists will be on display and for sale. During the show, held from March 1 through March 31, the Woodlawn home will be open for tours.
These are just some of the fun spring festivals taking place in the Alexandria area. Whichever ones you choose to attend, stay safe and have fun!
Image via Flickr by Tim Evanson/ Under use by CC BY-SA 2.0
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