Volunteering Spirt of Sligo parade theme

Sligo’s rich tradition of volunteering and its designation as European Volunteering Capital 2017 will be the centrepiece of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.

The March 17 event will feature special volunteering themed floats and accompanying marchers who are all involved in different ways in volunteering.

A special ‘ European Volunteering Capital Tribe’ – made up of volunteers from local voluntary groups – will be a highlight of the parade which this year is themed ‘ Volunteering – Spirit of Sligo’.

The parade brings thousands of people into the town centre for the day and this year family friendly activities will take place in Stephen Street car park after the parade. Activities include children’s fun time story- telling and face painting and for day that it is, the best of trad music.

Ciara Herity, manager of Sligo Volunteer Centre said: “It’s a great opportunity to once again proudly showcase the work of volunteers from around the county. We are encouraging from across County Sligo to take part.”

Sligo Business Improvement District ( BID) is coordinating this year’s parade with Sligo County Council and its website is now live with application form details. There are also prizes up for grabs; 22 trophies will be awarded to participants in this year’s parade.

Gail McGibbon of Sligo BID said: “We are delighted this year to assist the Sligo St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. With a focus on volunteering for this year, the parade will really highlight the spirit of Sligo through creativity, community engagement and civic pride.”

A launch of the parade on Friday last ( Feb 24) was attended by the St. Patrick’ Day Parade Committee; Sligo mayor Cllr Marie Casserly; members of Sligo BID including Chairman Finbarr Filan; staff and volunteers from Abbott, official corporate partner to EVC 2017; senior members of Sligo Volunteer Centre and Sligo County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Hubert Keaney.