John Renner to Serve as Grand Marshal of 2016 St. Patrick's Day Parade

PHOTO: John Renner (left) and Chairman Emeritus Pat Troy at the 2015 Grand Marshal Dinner; photo courtesy of The Ballyshaners Inc.

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ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Grab something green and get ready for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town Alexandria, set for Saturday, March 5.

The parade’s grand marshal this year is John Renner, a CPA who has helped many local businesses and earned many awards including:

• Living Legends of Alexandria, 2010; selected along with his wife, Joan, as one of the Living Legends of Alexandria.
• Rotarian of the Year, Rotary Club of Alexandria, 2009; selected with his wife, Joan for service to the Club and community.
• Recognition of Long-Standing Commitment and Support, Friends of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 2005
• ACVA Superstar, Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association, 2008,
• Outstanding Committee Chair, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, 2009 and 2004,
• Outstanding CPRO Member Award,Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization, 1995,
• Catholic Schools Business Partnership Award, Diocese of Arlington Catholic Schools, 1997

Parade applications

Want to be in the parade? The parade organizers, The Ballyshaners Inc., is now accepting applications for units to march in the 2016 Parade. Go here to the application.

Fundraiser this weekend

Help parade organizers by attending a fundraiser Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fiona’s Irish Pub at 5810 Kingstowne Center. The fundraiser will feature live music, silent auctions and a 50/50 raffle.

Grand Marshal Dinner

The Ballyshaners Grand Marshal Dinner and installation of John Renner as Grand Marshal of the 2016 St. Patrick’s Parade in Alexandria will take place on Friday, Feb. 26, the week before the parade. The Dinner will be held at the Embassy Suites Old Town Alexandria, located at 1900 Diagonal Road in Alexandria.

A cocktail hour with cash bar will begin at 6:30 p.m., with dinner to follow at 7:30 p.m. Cocktail or festive Celtic attire is encouraged.The cost for this event is $95 per person. Go here for ticket information.

Classic car show

Part of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade festivities includes a classic car show; you can apply to show your car in the car show here; the car show takes place in the 100 block of N. Pitt Street, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 5.

Fun Dog Show

Enter your dog into the annual Fun Dog Show for $20 or $25 the day of the show, which begins at 11 a.m. Dr. Katy Nelson of The Pet Show will emcee the event. All the details are here.