Ballyshaners

People in traditional Scottish attire play bagpipes in a grassy field during an outdoor event. Tents and trees are visible in the background, and a crowd watches the performance.

The Ballyshaners, Inc. were founded in 1980 by a small group of dedicated volunteers for the explicit purpose of organizing a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town, Alexandria. The Parade is now well into its fourth decade and the number and variety of participants is greater than ever before.

The organization’s mission has grown to promoting and preserving Irish history and culture.