The Athlone St Patrick’s Day parade committee has announced a full schedule of events for next week’s festival, and now all they need are locals to come out in support!
There is something for everyone during next week’s celebrations, which are sure to attract a large influx of visitors to the town.
“We are calling on all traders and shop owners to enter the window display competition. We are asking everyone to dress up the town and make St Patrick’s Day a colourful day,” says committee member Helen McCaul.
Tuesday’s festivities kick off with an organic farmers market and arts & crafts display at 11am. A children’s treasure hunt will start from the Civic Square at 1pm, followed by a trolley race which takes off from St Peter’s Square at 1.30pm.
The parade will commence at 3pm from Heavins in Golden Island, making its way to Connaught Street. All entries must arrive by 2pm so the stewards can organise the order of entries. The parade itself can only be a success if enough groups take part, and the committee would encourage as many groups as possible to put in an entry. Entries will be accepted up to and including the day itself.
In addition to the parade, highlights this year will be the town’s very own Athlone Raven Marching Band, fire performers in the Civic Square at 4pm, and music from the Keith McDonald Showband Show at 4.30pm.
There will also be face painting and plenty of prizes throughout the day including for best dressed shop window. So get decorating!
