Although snow continues to fall, spring is officially here. As such, The Roar is here to provide a closer look at what this month will hold.
Regional Events
Blossom Kite Festival
The Blossom Kite Festival is an outdoor event that will take place on Mar. 28 in Washington, DC from 10 AM to 4 PM. This festival will act as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival and will have a variety of activities such as kite flying, competitions, and other family-friendly activities. The event’s purpose is to celebrate the blooming of DC’s iconic cherry trees while having fun underneath the cool shade they provide.
Ballyshaners St. Patrick’s Day Parade
According to ballyshaners.org, the 43rd Annual Ballyshaners Parade will start at noon on Mar. 7 in Old Town, Alexandria, VA. Signifying “Old Towners,” in the Irish language Gaelic, the Ballyshaners, inc., were founded by a small group in 1980 for the purpose of starting a Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town. Now, the organization’s purpose has branched out into preserving and celebrating Irish culture.
Holidays & Important Dates
St. Patrick’s Day
According to History.com, the purpose of Saint Patrick’s Day is to celebrate and honor Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick; with the holiday’s history dating back more than 1,000 years. Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on Mar. 17 and marks the anniversary of Saint Patrick’s death, which occurred in the fifth century.
Day Light Savings Time
On Mar. 8, 2026, clocks will “spring forward “ one hour at 2 a.m. To many panthers, the loss of an hour will be a difficult adjustment.
Monthly Themes for March
Women’s History Month
March is preserved for Women’s History Month annually by “presidential proclamation.” As the name suggests, Women’s History is dedicated to honor the contributions of Women throughout American History. Originally, Women’s History was merely celebrated throughout the course of one Week. However, in 1987, Congress passed a Public Law that designated March as “Women’s History Month.”
Self Harm Awareness Month
In addition to Women’s History month, March is also Self Harm Awareness month. As the name suggests, Self Harm Awareness Month is designed to bring awareness to the often overlooked issue surrounding self-harm and mental health in general. Although the severity of this issue is often underestimated, research indicates that self harm occurs in approximately 17% of adolescents, as according to refugees.org. Therefore, it’s important that people struggling with self-harm have at least one month out of the year where they can feel seen and supported not only by their inner-circle, but also by their local community.