02/20/2010 10:22:04 AM
 Florida Governor Charlie Crist Named Grand Marshal of Fort Lauderdale’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival Set for March 13 in Downtown
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.
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