Atlanta's St. Patrick's Day parade steps off at noon on March 16

On Saturday, March 16, residents and visitors will flock once again to midtown for the 137th Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade, presented by Irish Network Atlanta. 

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Started in 1858 by the Hibernian Benevolent Society, the parade holds the title as the longest running event in Atlanta history, continuing the tradition of celebrating the city’s Irish culture and history.

The parade will begin at noon sharp at the intersection of Peachtree Street and 15th Street and will continue down Peachtree to 5th Street, concluding at 1:30 p.m.

Traditionally, throngs of attendees line the parade route to witness entertainment from around the city and across the Southeast, including floats, bands, bagpipe & drum corps, children, dancers, animal groups and drill teams as well as Irish and local dignitaries, including city elected officials.

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Leading the parade as grand marshals will be the 2018 US Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) Junior C Football Champions, Atlanta GAA, and the championship cup.

New this year is The Big Idaho® Potato Truck, which weighs more than 4 tons and is the largest potato on wheels.

Returning parade favorites include the Monster Energy Truck and BMX rider Bo Wade, Southern States Llama Association, Seed and Feed Marching Band, Happy Tails Pet Therapy and Irish ensembles Drake School of Irish Dance, King O’Sullivan Dance School, and Atlanta Irish Dance by Burke Connolly.

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Pre-Parade Festivities

Those looking for pre-parade action can visit the Colony Square Luck of the Square festival, which will begin at 9:30 a.m. just steps away from the beginning of the parade route. The festival will feature live music, beer, food and more.

And just before the parade steps off at noon, Monster’s BMX rider Bo Wade will do a pre-parade performance in front of the reviewing stand. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation will also host its “Brave the Shave” head-shaving challenge. Sponsored individuals will shave their heads for childhood cancer awareness, a tradition that began on St. Patrick’s Day 19 years ago.

Parade attendees are encouraged to take MARTA. Both Arts Center and Midtown MARTA stops provide easy access to the parade route. For more information, please visit www.atlantastpats.com.

This year’s parade is being presented by Irish Network Atlanta, the 20th chapter of Irish Network USA whose mission is to bolster business opportunities and economic development between the U.S. and Ireland, support and encourage the Irish culture in the state while also serving as a conduit between newly arrived Irish immigrants and their communities in member cities and states.

“It is a true honor to have been granted the opportunity to represent our growing Irish community in Atlanta with such a prestigious and longstanding event,” said Jessica Houghton, president of the Irish Network Atlanta Board of Directors.

“The St Patrick's Parade is the perfect platform to help further our mission and we look forward, with great anticipation, to this year's event and many more to come.”

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About Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade

The Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade is a family-friendly Atlanta tradition. The annual parade is one of the oldest of its kind in the U.S. and is the longest running event in Atlanta’s history. Started in 1858 by the Hibernian Benevolent Society, the parade celebrates the city’s Irish culture and history. This year, 2019, marks the parade’s 137th presentation and is being presented, for the first time, by Irish Network Atlanta. The parade features floats, animal groups, bands, bagpipe & drum corps, children, dancers, and drill teams as well as Irish and local dignitaries.

About Irish Network Atlanta

Irish Network Atlanta is the 20th chapter of Irish Network USA, the national umbrella organization integrating the Irish Networks that exist in various cities across the United States. Irish Network Atlanta was officially launched in March 2016. Its aim is to harness the energy and talents of the Irish Diaspora in the US and provide a forum where individuals can network, connect, foster relationships and contribute to the Irish community in areas such as Irish heritage, culture, economics, sport, and charitable organizations.

St Patrick’s Day 2019: Looking for events in your community this St Patrick’s Day or to share further information on the March 17 celebrations in your area? Join our St Patrick’s Day 2019 group and celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2019 in proper Irish style.

This article was submitted to the IrishCentral contributors network by a member of the global Irish community. To become an IrishCentral contributor click here.

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