On Saturday, March 12, residents and visitors will gather once again in Midtown for the 138th Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company, CRH and iHeartRadio.
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 Saturday, March 12 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, childrens’ groups, dancers, animal groups and drill teams as well as Irish and local dignitaries, including city elected officials.
Leading the parade as grand marshal will be World Series Champion Atlanta Braves president, baseball operations and general manager, Alex Anthopoulos.
Returning parade favorites include the Southern States Llama Association, Atholl Highlanders Pipe and Drums, Seed and Feed Marching Band, Twilight Twirlers of Marietta, Happy Tails Pet Therapy and Irish ensembles Carpenter School of Irish Dance, Drake School of Irish Dance, King O’Sullivan Dance School and Atlanta Irish Dance by Burke Connolly.
Pre-Parade Festivities:
“Luck of the Square,” “Brave the Shave” & 5K Run/Walk
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, The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the official charitable partner of the parade, will 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.
5K RUN/WALK
Returning for the eighth-year running is the annual pre-parade 5K run/walk through Midtown. The race kicks off at 9:45 a.m. This year’s race will benefit the Council of Intown Neighborhood and Schools (CINS). For more information and a link to registration, visit www.atlantastpats.com.
Parade attendees are encouraged to take MARTA. Arts Center MARTA station provides easy access to the parade route. For more information, please visit www.atlantastpats.com.
The parade is 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 Sinead Connaughton, 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.”
For more information on Irish Network Atlanta, visit www.atlanta.irishnetwork-usa.org. Irish Network Atlanta is a volunteer-run, non-profit 501(c)3 organization.