A GREEN-FLOWING FOUNTAIN BEFORE THE ST. CHATTY’S DAY PARADE
There is so much more to St. Patrick’s Day than dogs forced into leprechaun costumes, “Danny Boy” sing-alongs and green beer. For the first time in downtown Chattanooga, emerald water will flow through Fireman’s Memorial Fountain on Friday, March 11. Mayor Andy Berke and Shamrock Society president David Queen will be there as the clear water turns green at noon.
The next day, Saturday, March 12, starting at noon, the Shamrock Society’s third annual St. Chatty’s Day Parade rolls from its starting point at Fourth and Market Streets downtown to North Shore. The route will cross Market Street Bridge to North Chattanooga, continue on Frazier Avenue and end at Coolidge Park.
“This year’s parade honors our local first responders, so the green fireman’s fountain was considered an appropriate kickoff,” says Shamrock Society member Kelly Lowry. “Our parade grand marshals are Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher, Chattanooga Fire Chief Chris Adams and Hamilton County Emergency Services Director Ken Wilkerson.
The Shamrock Society’s members include local area business and community leaders. They started the parade in 2013 to be a fun, inclusive event benefiting Chattanooga’s Kids on the Block, the nonprofit organization that uses puppets to educate children about social concerns and differences.
The entry fee for floats is $25. The categories for entrants include horseback riders, choirs and bands, dance units, clowns, drill teams, marching units, high school marching bands, cars and the all-encompassing “unique.” The Alhambra Shrine Highlander Pipes and Drums also will provide music and a thoroughly Irish ambiance. The Hixson High School Air Force Junior Wildcat Color Guard will lead the parade.
“I already have more than 30 [parade entrants] registered, and my ultimate goal is to get 100,” says Lowry, who is also the Kids on the Block marketing coordinator. “My dream is that one day our parade will be as big as the one in Savannah, Georgia.”
Last year, an estimated 5,000 people viewed the parade and more than 100 people participated.
There will be two parade-related parties Saturday. Both are at Brewhaus. One is called The Bash and runs from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. and partygoers can take home a green Solo cup as a souvenir. The other is The Shindig, which runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and has the Highlanders performing. Tickets cost $12 and $30 respectively.