By Olivia Anderson | oanderson@alextimes.com

This year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade will be postponed to September, according to a Facebook announcement from the Ballyshaners, the organization behind the city’s parade.

Held on the first Saturday in March, the Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day parade is typically the first such celebration in the country. After being delayed to March 26, the Ballyshaners announced the parade will take place on Sept. 17 for the first-ever Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The Ballyshaners attributed the decision to pandemic-related funding uncertainties and the inability to procure a city permit in time for the March parade.

“The postponement will give us more time to raise money and work with our sponsors and the City of Alexandria to ensure the quality family entertainment that Alexandrians are used to,” the post reads.

Those interested in donating either time or money to the event can email ballyshaners@yahoo.com. There will also be a fundraiser at Mattie & Eddie’s on Feb. 19 that is open to the public.