This year, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Northwest Florida-style with a parade and party at Gulf Place. The party kicks off Saturday, March 14th at noon with the parade at 2 p.m. Proceeds support breast cancer charity, Fore Her, and Alaqua Animal Refuge.

The family-friendly event includes a ‘wee folk’ area containing costume prizes for fairy princesses and pirates, along with ‘Pot O’ Gold’ treasure hunts, face painting and much more. Top notch Celtic entertainment will also be on hand all day with Dismal Creek, Drake School of Irish Dance, Cleghorn and Canadian sensation, Searson.

The Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Catherine O’Sullivan, who holds the distinction of being not only the first woman, but the first Irish person to serve in this position. She hails from Cork City, Ireland, where she grew up as the eldest of the four children in the family.

Schedule of events for Saturday, March 14 (schedule subject to change)

12 – 3 p.m.: ‘Wee Folk’ Princess Tea Party, Pirates Den — costume contests, and Adventure area

12 – 3 p.m.: Pet Pawty costume contest (place $5 donation to benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge)
2 – 3.30 p.m.: Dismal Creek special ‘Roots of Bluegrass Irish Connection’
3:30 p.m.: Cleghorn Returns by popular demand, America’s celtic rock band
5:30 p.m.: Drake School of Irish Dance
6 p.m.: Best in Parade Awards
6 p.m.: Searson Band performs

To participate as a vendor or to purchase tickets, visit 30A Parade.