Saint Patrick's Day Parade -- March 2009

March 7, 2009. Alexandria celebrated Saint Patrick's Day 10 days early this year. Robert and I walked down to the Farmer's Market Saturday morning to pick up some munchies and stake out a good spot for parade watching. The market was closing as we arrived but we managed to scoop up some ham rolls and pumpkin bread. Sarah was off doing the shopping; however, she joined us just as the parade was heading our way.
March 7, 2009. March 7, 2009.

The dog show winners and contestants led the way. I think this guy may have been a little too close for comfort with some of the smaller parade watchers.

We saw politicians, police, military and lots of pipes and drums.

March 7, 2009.
March 7, 2009. March 7, 2009.
March 7, 2009. I had expected we'd see the police motorcyclists; they put on a pretty impressive show with their close order drill. But I guess they are regulars for the Washington's Birthday Parade.

The Kena 500 micro sport cars were there, and were, as usual, lots of fun. I'm always intrigued that they are followed on the parade route by a breakdown van with a trailer. But the trailer was empty and we saw no mishaps as they zipped up and down the street zigzagging between each other.

We ran into Roy and Romeo about halfway through and then we wondered down King St. to the waterfront as the parade was winding down and the boys were getting bored. Romeo and Roy were sucked into Why Not but we continued on our mission to find a balloon animal for Robert. At the waterfront, we watched the glass harmonica before Robert's wish was granted and he got a black mouse balloon animal.

March 7, 2009.
March 7, 2009. March 7, 2009.
March 7, 2009. March 7, 2009.
March 7, 2009. On our way back we ran into Sue and Evan and detoured with them through "Biscuitland," a playground were we met a kid who's dad called him Biscuit, before getting home where we found the crocuses (or at least this one) had popped open. Romeo and Roy caught up with us at the house and we had a late lunch, early dinner, heavy afternoon snack in the back yard. While we're having trouble adjusting to the weather extremes: snow day Monday 70+ degrees Saturday, we're taking advantage of the preview of spring.
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