Be Irish at 25th Annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on St. Patrick’s Day
Monday, March 12th, 2012
The 2012 parade will feature marchers including floats, military units, local dignitaries, media and entertainment personalities and civic, cultural and social groups. The Tucson parade has a 25-year history and provides a good time for the entire family.
The St. Patrick’s Day Festival opens at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 17 at El Presidio Park Plaza, 160 W. Alameda Street, with live Irish music, dancers, entertainment, a children’s game area, and food and merchandise vendors. Irish organizations, ethnic and cultural tables will be set up in the park as well. Festival Schedule TBA.
The one hour Parade will begin at 11:00 A.M. at Pennington & Stone Avenue, making its way through Downtown – around the Presidio – down Main – through the heart of Tucson.
The 2012 parade and Festival theme, “Honoring our Founders”, will pay tribute to our parade founders, celebrate their vision, and honor their dedication to the Irish and Tucson community.
Portion of Festival Proceeds to benefit the Tucson Police Officers Association.
In memory of the more than one million Irish who died in the Potato Famine 150 years ago, marchers and spectators are asked to remember the hungry of Tucson. The Community Food Bank will accept canned food donations during the Festival.
Grand Marshal was supposed to be Mike Haggerty, one of their parade founders, and former Ward 3 Councilmember. Unfortunately Mike passed away at age 81 on 3/5/12 but he will be there in spirit and memory. The Haggerty family will be riding their decorated golf cart in the parade.
I usually go to this very “green” parade & festival, which is lots of fun, even for those of us who aren’t Irish (but would like to be). Note new location of festival at El Presidio Park on Alameda next to City Hall, west of Church Ave. and not at Armory Park.
Also happening that morning for joggers:
The Third Annual “Running with the Irish” will feature the “Green Isle Mile.” It will begin at the corner of Pennington and Stone at 10:55 a.m.
This is THE competition for bragging rights to the fastest mile in Tucson!
The 1 mile run through beautiful downtown Tucson serves as the kick-off to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Register on www.taggrun.com and don’t forget to wear your green!
