The Ballyshaners announced that Bernadette and Pat Troy will be the Grand Marshals of the 2018 Alexandria St. Patrick’s Parade. As the parade’s founders, and long-time business owners in Alexandria, Pat and Bernadette, are beloved citizens of the City of Alexandria.
Arriving in the United States in 1962 from County Offaly, Ireland, Pat Troy began his life here as a butler serving a variety of notable families from Detroit to Washington, D.C. Over the past forty-five years, the Troys were dedicated advocates for Alexandria’s small business owners.
Shortly after investing their savings in opening the Irish Walk, in 1980, Pat and Bernadette opened Ireland’s Own. In 1982, Pat launched Alexandria’s first St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Ballyshaners were born. Since then, hundreds of volunteers over the years worked under Pat’s guidance to host what is now one of Old Town Alexandria’s largest community events. Earlier this year, Pat was honored by the Washington Nationals with the Irish Spirit Award during the team’s inaugural Irish Heritage Night at the Nationals.
Mike Pablo, the Ballyshaners’ Immediate Past Chair says, “Through the organization, I have met great friends, like Pat and Bernadette. The Troys helped me develop a greater appreciation for the value of contributing to Alexandria and our Irish-American community.”
Ballyshaners Chairman Kimberley Moore noted, “Leading the organization in the year when we are honoring the Troys is a marvelous opportunity. The community is excited to celebrate Pat and Bernadette.”
The Ballyshaners have taken great pride in being the only Parade that proceeds down King Street, showcasing the City’s vitality and small businesses. The parade will commence at 12:15 on Saturday, March 3, 2018. Visit www.ballyshaners.org and the Ballyshaners Facebook page for updates about fundraisers and Parade Day events.
