By Lynn Forkell Green
The bagpipes will be silent again this year in Manassas.
Over the weekend, the city announced it would again cancel the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event had been tentatively scheduled for March 13.
A mainstay in the city before 2020, the parade had been an annual event since 2000, when the Father Kelley Division, Ancient Order of Hibernians organized the march to display its Irish heritage in the city.
Last year’s parade was canceled just days before it was scheduled due to Gov. Ralph Northam’s declaration of a state emergency due to Coronavirus concerns.
Organizers of the parade have optimistically filed multiple permits this year. Due to Gov. Ralph Northam’s continued restrictions on social gatherings, the city’s police department declined to grant a parade permit, and the City Council upheld the decision during a special meeting.
The parade grew to more than 60 participants in its lineup, including local businesses, marching bands, circus acts, police and fire departments, and elected officials.
The cancelation comes after the city’s annual Christmas parade in December was postponed. Instead of the yearly parade, Santa donned his red suit. The jolly old elf was carted around to city neighborhoods to waive at socially-distant bystanders.
As it now sits, this year’s Christmas parade — the 71st annual, in all of its glory — is scheduled for December 4, 2021.
Recent Stories
At Potomac Local News, we go beyond the headlines to bring you in-depth coverage of the stories that shape our community. This week, we’ve examined the decisions and events affecting our region.
The stage is set, the lights are shining, and the electrifying energy of Jesus Christ Superstar is ready to take over the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. The iconic rock opera, which first captivated audiences in the early 1970s, officially opened on March 13, 2025, and will run through April 27.
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Properly using a car seat can reduce the risk of injury or death in a car crash by a significant amount, with studies showing reductions of 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
Check your child safety seat with the Montgomery County Safe Kids Coalition on Thursday March 20, 2025 from 10am-12:30pm. No appointment necessary.
Fitzgerald GMC Rockville
McClung-Logan Equipment Company is hosting its 40th Annual Oyster Roast, a signature customer appreciation event celebrating tradition, community, and generosity.
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The first Oyster Roast began as a fundraiser in 1985, led by White Oak Equipment founder Frank McCarty, to raise donations for an employee battling cancer. This turned into a time-honored tradition for individuals facing hardship.
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
Environmental Film Festival: Turtle Walker
DC Premiere.
In the late 1970s, Satish Bhaskar embarked on an epic journey along India’s coastline and the spectacular Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he uncovered the vital nesting beaches of sea turtles. During his death-defying quest, he unravels mysteries
