Feast of fun for St Patrick’s Day in town and villages
DUNDALK
The organisters of this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade are hoping that the weather gods will take note of its theme of team spirit and co-operate by guaranteeing a sunny, or at least, rain-free, day for the parade which will start at 1pm.
They are busy putting final touches to what promises to be one of the largest parades in the region, focusing on this year’s theme of #TEAMDundalk.
Over forty groups are expected to take part in the parade which gets underway at 1pm and will travel the length of the town’s main streets. Thousands of spectators are expected to turn out and cheer on the parade participants.
Paralympics medallist Eve McCrystal is Grand Marshall for this year’s Parade and will be leading a float celebrating Team Dundalk’s winning ways with representatives from many local clubs and associations holding their trophies aloft for the cheering spectators.
There will be two stands this year. The Sponsors’ Stand will be placed on Park Street while a new stand, will honour volunteers of the many charities and groups within the town.
The Parade is expected to take just over an hour to pass through the town centre, but the St Patrick’s Day celebrations don’t end there.
The Pelican Promotions Family Fun Zone will be open until 6pm with a €6 wristband covering unlimited access to all amusements in the Market Square area. Wristbands are available in the days running up to St Patrick’s Day from Stitchcraft on Earl Street. On the day there will also be a ticket booth in the area of the BIDS Office/ Panama Coffee.
Disney Princesses taking part in the Parade will also be in the Market Square area to meet and greet young princess fans as will Toy Story’s Buzz and Woody.
There will be some great live musical entertainment as well as a number of stalls located by the Courthouse.
St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Chairman, David Minto, has recognised the work and efforts of all those who are working hard to make the day a success, including all those who will be walking, singing, dancing and marching in the Parade.
‘For everything to come together you need the people to take part in the parade; you need everyone to come out to watch and cheer on the participants.
‘It is a team effort and so perhaps it’s more significant than ever to have a TEAM Dundalk Parade.”
The Dundalk St Patrick’s Day Parade is sponsored by Fyffes; Louth County Council; Dundalk Credit Union; Long Walk Shopping Centre; Dundalk Chamber; Dundalk BIDS and Pelican Promotions. For Parade updates follow St. Patrick’s Day Parade Dundalk on Facebook and @stpatricksdaydd on Twitter.
BLACKROCK
Meanwhile, the theme for Blackrock’s St Patrick’s Day parade is ‘Great Irish Lives’ offering vast scope for imagination and creativity to those entering floats and taking part in the event. The top three adjudged as the most imaginative entries by the v iew- ing panel will be presented with prizes.
Local postman Tom Gaskin has once again agreed to act as Grand Marshall. Entrants are requested to assemble as usual at Saint Fursey’s Terrace, Cocklehill prior to starting time at 3.30p.m.
The marchers and floats will proceed then down along the seafront, passing the viewing stand on the Main Street and disperse at the bottom end of the Main Street at the junction with Sandy Lane.
ARDEE
Ardee’s parade will be led by Grand Marshall Elizabeth Byrne who has been a stalwart of the Girl Guides for many years. Floats are asked to assemble at Dundalk Road at 2pm for a 3pm start.
LOUTH VILLAGE
The bunting is up and everything is in place for the parade which gets underway at 12.30p.m. and passes through the village, but not before everyone has had the chance to enjoy a special St Patrick’s Day breakfast in the Community Centre at 10a.m. The cost of the breakfast will be €10 but there will be concessions for families and children under 5 are free.
The Vintage club’s committee have left no stone unturned to make sure the day will be a success.