Florida Governor Charlie Crist Named Grand Marshal of Fort Lauderdale’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Venice of America
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Florida Governor Charlie Crist Named Grand Marshal of Fort Lauderdale’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Parade and Festival Set for March 13 in Downtown

Angela Sabina DiPietro, Public Information Specialist
(954) 828-4777 or angelas@fortlauderdale.gov

Fort Lauderdale – Irish eyes are once again smiling on Fort Lauderdale! The City, in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority and a group of hard-working, volunteer community and business leaders, is bringing back a popular Fort Lauderdale tradition – the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival!

The Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival will be highlighted by Florida Governor Charlie Crist who will serve as Grand Marshal.

All of the pageantry and excitement will take place on Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 11:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Huizenga Plaza, located at 32 E. Las Olas Boulevard (the southeast corner of E. Las Olas Boulevard and S. Andrews Avenue).

Thousands are expected to flock to downtown Fort Lauderdale for this grand celebration of Irish heritage. The free, family event will showcase Irish culture through live performances and entertainment featuring music, exhibitors, authentic cuisine, beverages, and cultural activities.

Parade Highlights – Saturday, March 13 at 2:00 p.m.

The Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at 2:00 p.m. and travel west along Las Olas Boulevard from S.E. 8th Avenue to Huizenga Plaza. Florida Governor Charlie Crist will serve as Grand Marshal. The parade will feature decorative floats, the NYPD Pipe and Drum Corps, high school marching bands, classic automobiles, bagpipers, stilt walkers, street performers, Irish dancers and entertainers.

Festival Highlights – Saturday. March 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Festival will begin at 11:30 a.m. in Huizenga Plaza (southeast corner of Andrews Avenue and Las Olas Boulevard) with a traditional Irish blessing. The event will showcase live music, entertainment, dance troupes, performers, exhibitors and cultural activities such as sheep herding, currach boat racing, hurling and Gaelic football.

Live performances will take place on stages at Huizenga Plaza and Las Olas Riverfront. Featured acts will include: Against the Tracks, Avalon, Celtic Bridge, Celtic Mayhem, Echoes of Erin, Fire in the Kitchen, Joe Dougherty, the Karl Drake Irish Dancers, LaHinch Mob and Walt Rooney.

A special children’s area called “The Giant’s Causeway,” will be decorated to resemble an authentic Irish cottage. The area will include bounce houses, face painting, arts and crafts, storytelling, a petting zoo, pony rides, puppet shows, balloon artists, contests, treats and more.

The festival will include a variety of exhibitors featuring history and ancestry booths, genealogy tents, cooking demonstrations, crafts, games and contests.

Irish cuisine and beverages will be also available for purchase throughout the festival.

JOIN THE ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Decorate a float, car or truck, or march with your neighbors. Participation in the parade is free and everyone is encouraged to join us for this exciting and historical celebration. Parade prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

PARADE PRIZES

  • Best Marching Band - $500
  • Best Pipe Band - $500
  • Best Commercial Float - $500
  • Best School Participation - $300
  • Best Neighborhood Participation - $300
  • Best Non-Profit Participation - $500
  • Grand Prize - Best Overall - $750

Claim your spot quickly and get ready to celebrate! To submit a parade application, please visit www.ftlaudirishfest.com or call Terry Rynard at (954) 828-5804.

Street Striping Event – Friday, March 12 at Noon

On Friday, March 12, Fort Lauderdale Mayor John P. “Jack” Seiler will have the honor of painting a green stripe on Las Olas Boulevard to ceremoniously mark the St. Patrick’s Day Parade route. This is a St. Patrick’s Day Parade tradition that dates back decades. The public is welcome to join Mayor Seiler for this special kickoff ceremony that will take place on Friday, March 12 at Noon on the corner of Andrews Avenue and Las Olas Boulevard.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorships for this dynamic event are available at a variety of levels and amenities can be tailored to accommodate your company. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with consumers, build relationships and drive sales at this large, family-oriented community event. Join our team of high energy, creative sponsors and reap the marketing rewards of the Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. Please call Doug Weber at (954) 646-3396 or e-mail doug@dougweber.com for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are the key to a great event! Join us for this momentous event by becoming a volunteer. For more information, contact Sue Molnar at smolnar@fortlauderdale.gov.

The Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit and the event is co-sponsored by the City of Fort Lauderdale, Downtown Development Authority, Anticipation Yacht Charters, Briny Riverfront Irish Bar and Restaurant, Gold Coast Beverage Distributors, Hooper Construction, Inc., Intown 411, the Las Olas Association, Las Olas Riverfront, Lochrie & Chakas, P.A., Maguires Irish Pub & Eatery, Maroone, Riverfront Cruises, Riverwalk Trust, Sixth Star Entertainment & Marketing, the Sun-Sentinel and YOLO.

For more information about the Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, please call the event hotline at (954) 828-5985 or visit the event website at www.ftlaudirishfest.com.