This year retired Army Staff Sgt. Aaron Hale will lead the 30A St Patrick’s parade down Scenic Highway 30A.

The parade will be begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, four miles west of Gulf Place where the parade will end with a big festival.

On December 8, 2011, Hale, an explosive ordnance disposal  technician, was severely injured in Afghanistan when an improvised bomb detonated.

Every bone in his face was broken, and he suffered severe burns and was left completely blind.

A Purple Heart recipient, Sergeant Hale served a tour in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan. His unit completed 1,100 counter-IED missions, destroying more than 20,000 pounds of enemy explosives. Hale estimates he disabled as many as 50 explosive devices during his last tour in Afghanistan.

Since being injured, Hale has conquered many obstacles, including climbing Mount Mariposa in the Peruvian Andes with the veterans group, Soldiers to Summits. Aaron also enjoys kayaking, white water rapid riding and running marathons.

“I’m honored to be chosen as the Grand Marshall at an event that is raising funds and awareness for cancer research,” Hale said. “I’m sure it will be a great success.”

“I could not be more proud and grateful than to have a veteran as our Grand Marshal,” said Paul Vizard, the event’s founder. “We have had many distinguished guests as Grand Marshal but since the event inception, we have always wanted to honor our military. This area has a great community, and I can’t wait to see the streets lined in support of Aaron.”

Entry to the parade is free, but proceeds from the festival benefit Proceeds benefit Fore Her 501c breast cancer charity.

Festival ticket prices begin at $10 for adults and $5 for kids. (Kids under 4 years old are free.) Each entry gets swag and one complimentary beverage.

VIP tickets are $22.50 each and include a plate of corned beef and cabbage, beverage, preferred seating and swag.

Tickets are available online or at Redds Fueling Station, McTighes Irish Pub, Perfect Pig and Sunrise Coffee on 30A.

Click here to buy tickets.

The event will entertain the kids with the ‘wee folk’ area containing costume prizes for fairy princesses and pirates, along with ‘Pot O’ Gold’ treasure hunts, face painting and much more.

The ‘Best in Parade’ perpetual trophy is up for grabs for the best decorated cars trucks or floats. Festival goers can purchase commemorative T shirts, experience arts and crafts, and indulge in a variety of food and drinks. A few sponsor spots, vendor table and tent spaces are still available and businesses are encouraged to be a sponsor.

For more info, visit St. Patrick’s Festival 30A or follow them on Facebook.