There will be plenty of colour, music, and dancing on the streets of Castlebar this St Patrick’s Day.
Organisers of the annual parade have announced some exciting new features for this year’s national day of celebrating all things Irish.
St Patrick’s Day is being developed into a full scale Mardi Gras style day of carnival cheer, complete with giant dragons and dinosaurs roaming the streets to entertain the crowds.
A collection of local groups, school bands, business floats, and even an Elvery’s elephant will take part in the parade, which starts at 2pm on Tuesday March 17.
For spectators, there are cash prizes up for grabs in a photo competition. People can post their best parade photographs to the PatricksDayCastlebar Facebook page to be in with a chance of winning.
The committee is also organising a window display competition for the businesses community.
Businesses are encouraged to dress their windows with a ‘shop local this St Patrick’s Day’ theme to enter.
Window displays incorporating the ‘cúpla focal’ will get some special attention as Irish business group Gnó Mhaigh Eo is offering an Irish language prize along with the cash prize already on offer.
Anyone who would like some help with translations can contact Castlebar Chamber at [email protected] or go directly to [email protected].
A new addition to the celebrations in Castlebar is ‘Féile an Chaisleáin’, a concert/fiesta that will take place on Market Square from 12 noon onwards.
Local musicians, dance schools, the Humbert Céilí Band, street entertainers, bouncy castles, face-painters, magicians, and more will ensure there is plenty of entertainment to enjoy all day.
Buskers, jugglers, and singers are invited to join in the fun on the street to add to the lively atmosphere.
Volunteers are needed to help with marshalling the event and details are available from Castlebar Chamber on (094 ) 9024845.
Bígí linn do Lá Fhéile Pádraig i gCaisleán an Bharraigh.
