GREEN PARADE

130th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade set for March 14

The 130th annual Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade returns to the streets of Midtown on March 14.

Started in 1858 by the Hibernian Benevolent Society, a Catholic and Protestant fraternal organization, the parade is one of the oldest of its kind in the U.S. and the longest running event in Atlanta’s history.

This year’s parade steps off at noon at the intersection of Peachtree and 16th streets and continues south on Peachtree to the intersection of 5th Street. More than 200,000 people turned out for last year’s parade, and parade organizers are expecting a similar turnout this year.

More than 2,000 dancers, musicians, cheerleaders, clowns and Irish and local dignitaries are expected to march this year. The parade will again feature one of the world’s largest Irish “walking flags,” a large flag carried — or, more accurately, worn — by dozens of participants.

This year’s parade will also include the Wells Fargo stagecoach and an 11:45 a.m. performance by regional Irish dance groups to kick off the parade at the dignitaries’ reviewing stand at the intersection of Peachtree and 11th streets.

Another new addition: a 5K preparade run/walk through Midtown at 10 a.m. starting at the intersection of 12th and Juniper streets. The top male and female overall race winner will be invited to ride on a special float in the parade. For more information and a link to registration, visit atlantastpats.com.

“The parade pays tribute to Irish heritage and culture in a unique and fun way,” said Dave Fitzgerald, chairman of the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade, Inc. “Throughout the years, the Irish have helped shape Atlanta into the city it is today, and this annual parade is a fitting way to pay tribute to those men and women.”

For more about St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, please turn to Page 40 and check out Yelp’s recommendations for local pubs.

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