“Dia dhuit,” or Hello! to all Irish and yes, that includes you! According to the U.S. Census, at least 34 million Americans have Irish ancestry. And even if you aren’t of Irish descent, all can enjoy the culture, history, food and fun of a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
FORT LAUDERDALE ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL
A great Fort Lauderdale tradition returns - The St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival!
It's been 17 years since the last one, and thanks to a group of hard working community and business leaders, Fort Lauderdale has put together a signature event to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and all things Irish.
Everyone is invited to downtown Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, March 13, 2010 for what promises to be an exciting event highlighted by a colorful parade, live music, great food, and outstanding entertainment.
Details
- Saturday, March 13, 2010
- Festival - 11:30 am to 9:00 pm Huizenga Plaza - Las Olas Blvd and Andrews Ave
- Parade - 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm ALong Las Olas Blvd from SE 8th Ave west to Huizenga Plaza
Parade Highlights (2:00 - 3:30 pm)
- Grand Marshal - Florida Governor Charlie Crist
- The parade begins at 2:00 pm and travels west along Las Olas Blvd from SE 8th Ave to Huizenga Plaza
- The parade will feature more than 100 entries including decorative floats, the NYPD Pipe and Drum Corps, high school marching bands, classical automobiles, bagpipers, stilt walkers, street performers, Irish dancers, local politicians, and more!
- $3,000 in prizes will be awarded for the best floats and performers!
- Great viewing areas will be available along Las Olas from 8th Ave to Huizenga Plaza
Festival Highlights (11:30 am - 9:00 pm )
The St. Patrick's Day Festival will begin with a traditional Irish Blessing at 11:30 am at Huizenga Plaza. The event will showcase live music, entertainment, dancing, exhibitors, cooking demonstrations, authentic Irish cuisine, and cultural activities throughout the day and evening.
More than anything though the Parade and Festival is a community event and the Committee is asking for people to come forward if they would like to be involved in any way - with a float, walking group, performance group or volunteer. Similarly there are plenty of opportunities for the commercially minded to sponsor a float, band, group or exhibit - simply put the greater our support the greater the scale of possibilities.
The Festival and Parade is costing money to organize and the Volunteer Event Committee is taking on the tasks and trying to cover all the costs of the event as well as leave some in the pocket for future years to come. Sponsors are helping a bit but as is so often the case, it is the overall combination of smaller amounts that can make such a difference for this community event. If you, your company, or organization can fund or partially fund a float, band, group, or volunteer please contact our Committee. We are also asking the entire community to support us in hosting The Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival and making this an extraordinary FREE community event. We are exceedingly greatful to the ongoing support of our Committee and the Community in bringing back a traditional community event in Fort Lauderdale.
Traffic Advisory
• E. Las Olas Boulevard from Andrews Avenue to S.E. 1st Avenue will be closed from 7 a.m. to Midnight.
• E. Las Olas Boulevard from S.E. 1st Avenue to S.E. 9th Avenue will be closed from approximately 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The intersections of E. Las Olas Boulevard and S.E. 2nd, 3rd and 6th Avenues will be closed from 2 to 5 p.m.
• S.E. 8th Avenue from E. Las Olas Boulevard to S.E. 1st Street will be closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Business and residential traffic south of E. Las Olas Boulevard and west of US1/Federal Highway should use S.E. 3rd Avenue to enter/exit the neighborhood.
• Business and residential traffic south of E. Las Olas Boulevard and east of US1/Federal Highway should use S.E. 11th Avenue to enter/exit the neighborhood.
• Any residents who live directly inside a closure will still be allowed to/from their homes.
Mayor Seiler will kickoff the event by Painting a Stripe along the Parade route on Friday, March 12, 2010 at noon.
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