The forecasted dreary skies never materialized, as thousands of attendees turned out Feb. 18 to celebrate the 287th birthday of Alexandria’s hometown hero and Founding Father, George Washington.

“It was a great day today,” said Joe Shumard, the organizer and driving force behind the parade. “We are proud to be the nation’s oldest and largest parade celebrating Washington’s birth and this year to recognize the 100th anniversary of the founding of the American Legion.”

Participants marched a one-mile route through the streets of Old Town that ended at a reviewing stand in Market Square. Former ACT for Alexandria CEO John Porter and Janet Barnett served as co-emcees and Dan Dellinger, past national president of the American Legion, served as the parade’s Grand Marshal.

2019 PARADE AWARDS

Antique Vehicles

1st Place – Hard Times Chili Truck

2nd Place – Caribbean Cruisers Car Club

3rd Place – Rocklands BBQ & Grilling Co.

Carriages

1st Place – Carriages of the Capital

Community or Adult Bands

1st Place – City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums

2nd Place – Frederick Town Fife and Drum

Community & Fraternal Organizations

1st Place – American Legion Post 24 Legionnaires

2nd Place – American Legion Riders (Post 176)

3rd Place – KENA Shriners

Floats

1st Place – DAR, Kate Waller Barrett Chapter

2nd Place – Cub Scout Pack 1076

3rd Place – Adventure Park USA

Historical Units

1st Place – 1st VA Regiment of the Continental Line

2nd Place – Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society

3rd Place – Old Line Liberty Color Guard

Honor Guards & Color Guards

1st Place – Combined Public Safety Honor Guard

2nd Place – Sons of the American Revolution

Military Units & Drill Teams

1st Place – Fishburne Military School

Youth Bands

1st Place – Frederick Town Fife and Drum

2nd Place – Freedom High School "Soul Squad" Marching Eagle Band

3rd Place – Fishburne Military School

Youth Groups

1st Place – Girl Scout Brownie Troop 5442

2nd Place – Girl Scout Troop 60134

3rd Place – Cub Scout Pack 301

“Spirit of Washington”

1st Place – City of Alexandria Pipes & Drums

2nd Place – Alexandria Police Motorcycle Escort

3rd Place – American Legion Post 24

Special Mention (Special Thanks):

Quantico Marine Band

Caribbean Cruisers Car Club

Ourisman Dodge & Alexandria Toyota