Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk

**Mael Coluim** · 15th November 08, 01:27 PM

Who in the Rabble is going to the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk on 6 December? If you are marching with a group, which one? I’ll be marching with the MacCallum Malcolm Clan Society.

**Sir William** · 16th November 08, 02:01 AM

I'll be marching with the Appin Stuarts (of the 1745 Rebellion) dressed in great kilts and accoutred with broadswords, dirks, targes, Highland steel pistols, and other cool stuff.

We usually adjourn to Murphy's for a pint (or two) afterward.

**Piper** · 16th November 08, 06:54 AM

I get down there for the parade about every other year. Unfortunately, this is an off year, I'm working dayshift that weekend. It's always a good time. I dye my beard and hair white, wear a Santa hat and play Christmas tunes on the pipes, and have a ball. Hopefully, I'll be able to get back there next year. Next year, if anyone spots "Saint MacNicholas", come up and say hi.
This is a photo of me with #3 grandson at the parade last year.

Fortunately, I've found a local "gig" this year. My Lodge is participating in a "Dickens Night" event in a local town. It runs from 6pm to 10pm, so I'll head over there after work and have some fun.

**O'Callaghan** · 16th November 08, 04:04 PM

Might go as a spectator, but haven't decided.

**Riverkilt** · 16th November 08, 04:17 PM

I am SOOOOO envious....I wanna go, I wanna go, I wanna go.....

Guess if I did go I'd probably be gorging myself on seafood...a seafood restaurant crawl...rather than walking kilted...

Stand tall for the Rabble those of you who do this most historic, honored, revered tradition.

Ron

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 16th November 08, 04:21 PM

I'll probably fall in with the St. Andrew's Society of Washington DC...

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 20th November 08, 12:20 PM

I haven't been in nearly 16 years. Fun to people watch.

**svc40bt** · 5th December 08, 09:35 AM

I am thinking of going to watch the parade. Anyone have tips for parking, a good spot to watch, how early I need to be there, or anything else you can think of? Any planned meet up after the parade?

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 5th December 08, 10:50 AM

Forget Parking in Alexandria: especially Old City. Take the Metro to King Street Station and walk down King Street. Since you are coming from Frederick, park at Rockville Metro Station Take the Red Line to Metro Centre and either the Yellow or Blue Line to King Street Station.

It's an all day thing, but I would get there around noon. Earlier is OK, but there won't be that many people. More people will show as the day goes on. Do some shopping or sight seeing if you get there early. There are some vendors near the Alexandria Town Hall (between Royal and Fairfax on King Street). John Crouch is worth a visit since they were my "Highland Supplier" when I lived in DC.

I am no longer a resident of the WDC area, but would have loved to have hooked up.

Actually, I was thinking about Scottish Walk and wondering if there was a similar event in SE PA. Say Phoenixville?

**Sir William** · 5th December 08, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by svc40bt

I am thinking of going to watch the parade. Anyone have tips for parking, a good spot to watch, how early I need to be there, or anything else you can think of? Any planned meet up after the parade?

www.scottishchristmaswalk.com

Parade starts at 11am, so I'd get there at least an hour early, more if you can. See the link for more information, to include the parade route and other activities going on.

Many people bring folding chairs to use while waiting - and to watch the parade if they get a good spot. A thermos with coffee or hot chocolate would not go amiss either.

Parking is a real pain unless you get there very early so if you can use the Metro, I'd advise it. If you're taking the metro, allow at least 1/2 hour to walk to the parade route from the King Street station (just follow the crowd).

There are about 140 groups marching this year - everything from clans, Scottish groups like St Andrews, Scottish dogs (collies, scotties, etc), reenactment groups, to local politicians (apparently both VA senators and the senator elect, and the governor are participating this year). Willard Scott is the Grand Marshal. If you have a clan marching they'll love to have you join them - the more the merrier!

Lots of Scottish and Irish vendors - and of course the local stores will be open for your shopping pleasure. If you're into a pint, you might be able to squeeze into Pat Troy's or Murphy's. Restaurants, of course, will be crowded as this is a big event in Old Town Alexandria every year.

It's suppose to be cold again this year, so bundle up. But, as my own clan advises, wear all the tartan you can muster! You won't be the only one with cold knees I can assure you!