Schedule: Old Town to Host 33rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade Saturday

Alexandria and the Ballyshaners—that’s Gaelic for Old Towners—are hosting the 33rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday. The parade is an early celebration of the St. Patrick's Day holiday, which is Monday, March 17.

The theme of this year's parade in Alexandria is "The United States: A Nation of Immigrants."

The grand marshal of this year's parade is Martin White, an Alexandria-area restaurant owner who hails from Dublin, Ireland. He plans to open Fiona's, an Irish pub, soon in Kingstowne.

“I am truly living the American dream," said White, who became a U.S. citizen in 1996. 

"My desire is to continue to pass my good fortune forward through ongoing support of the local and Irish community," he said. "I am particularly delighted to be the grand marshal of this year's parade celebrating the contributions of immigrants from all nations to the fabric of the USA. I congratulate the Ballyshaners on choosing this as the theme for the 2014 St. Patrick's Day celebrations. I believe America's strength stems from its diversity.”

The parade Saturday begins at 12:30 p.m. at King and Alfred streets in Alexandria. The parade will follow a route down King Street, past the Royal Street reviewing stand and end between King and Cameron streets.

A classic car show will go on display at 9 a.m. in front of Ireland's Own at 111 N. Pitt St. 

A dog show begins at 10:30 a.m. after the farmers market on Market Square. Judging begins at 11 a.m. For the second year in a row, Dr. Katy Nelson, the host of The Pet Show with Dr. Katy, will act as the judge and master of ceremonies. The show is a benefit for Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.