St. Patrick’s Day Parade Set for St. Augustine
St. Augustine is famously known as the Nation’s Oldest City, but many are surprised to learn of its place in Celtic history, according to a media release. St. Augustine is also the site of America’s first recorded St. Patrick Celebration in 1600 and the world’s first recorded St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1601. The event is celebrating its 425th anniversary this year and has become a local tradition, attracting crowds from across Northeast Florida. St. Augustine’s St. Patrick Parade begins March 8 at 10 a.m., and starts at Francis Field, 25 West Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. The parade route travels through the historic downtown area, returning to the Celtic Music & Heritage Festival at Francis Field.
“It’s incredible to be celebrating the 425th anniversary of the oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world,” said Albert Syeles, St. Augustine’s St. Patrick Parade producer and member of Romanza’s board of directors, in the release.
This year’s Grand Marshal is Kay Burtin, a champion of the arts community, serving as administrator of the St. Augustine Art Association beginning in 1989. The St. Patrick Parade reviewing stand will be hosted by Ann O’Malley’s Irish Pub, located at 23 Orange Street in St. Augustine. St. Augustine resident Jessica Clark will serve as this year’s parade announcer and Parade judges include Davey Hartzel, Amy Hendrickson, Dr. Roger Smith, Renee Unsworth and Doug Murr, the release states.
The Parade features professional bands, including the City of St. Augustine Pipes & Drums Band, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department’s JFRD Pipes & Drums, Daytona Beach Pipes & Drums, and Rosie O’Grady’s Highlanders. Also marching are the 501st Legion, 7th Squad, floats, dancers, horses, carriages, tour trains, trolleys, and more.
The St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival is sponsored by Ann O’Malley’s Deli & Pub, Barley Republic Pub, Mindful Solutions, and by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council and the St. Johns County Cultural Council.
