Bill and Karen Butcher, founders of Port City Brewing Company, will be the Grand Marshals of the 2017 St. Patrick's Day Parade, according to the Ballyshaners, organizer of the parade. This will be the 36th parade that the organization has hosted in Old Town.

The Ballyshaners is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Irish history and culture. Bill Butcher is a fourth generation Alexandrian and serves on the Board of Governors of Visit Alexandria. Karen is a Partner at Morgan Lewis, where she leads the global trademark, copyright and advertising practice. She also has enjoyed watching their boys participate in Alexandria Little League baseball over the last several years. They live in Rosemont with their two sons, Riley and Key.

Bill Butcher began his career in the wine business working with Robert Mondavi Wine Company building world-class fine wine brands in the Mid-Atlantic market. The couple started Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria in 2011.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is financed through fundraising, sponsorship and partial support from the City of Alexandria. The Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2017. For more information about or to support the parade, visit www.ballyshaners.org.