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Mayor’s Message

St. Patrick's Parade and

Festival Returns on March 10!

Featuring the World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales!

t’s time to paint the town green! Join us on Saturday, March 10, for the
Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick's Parade and Festival, featuring the world-famous
IBudweiser Clydesdales. That’s right. After a five-year hiatus, the majestic
Clydesdales are back in town, ready to lead the colorful parade down Las Olas
Boulevard through the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Presented by The Law Firm of Kelley/Uustal, the Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick's Parade and
Festival has grown into one of Fort Lauderdale's largest and most anticipated events,
John P. ‘Jack’ Seiler attracting thousands of spectators for a one-of-a-kind celebration of all things Irish.
Mayor This year, the pageantry and excitement kicks off at Huizenga Plaza (Las Olas and
Andrews Avenue) at 7 a.m. with the Shamrock Run, a four-mile trek down Las Olas to the
Intracoastal Bridge and back. The Shamrock four-miler will be immediately followed by the
“Lucky Little Leprechaun Dashes” for kids. To register, visit www.shamrock-run.com.
Festivities will continue throughout the morning, with live music and entertainment. At 11
a.m., join us for our official welcome and traditional Irish Blessing. Then, it’s time for the
largest St. Patrick’s Parade in South Florida.
The St. Patrick’s Parade starts at noon and travels west along Las Olas Boulevard from
Southeast Fifth Avenue, through the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Leading the
parade will be the world-renowned Budweiser
Clydesdales. First introduced in 1933, the majestic eight-
horse "hitch" has delighted audiences around the country
for 85 years. Today, the traveling team of Clydesdales logs
thousands of miles annually performing at parades,
rodeos, fairs and special events. In addition to the
Clydesdales, this year’s parade will feature more than 100
decorative floats, pipe and drum corps, classic
automobiles, bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers,
street performers, scout troops, local sports teams, Veterans
groups, and much more.

Following the parade, stick around for the St. Patrick’s Festival, which runs until 7 p.m. at
Huizenga Plaza and along the Riverwalk. Highlights will include live bands, Irish dancers,
interactive entertainment, cultural attractions, and an expanded Kids Zone, featuring
bounce houses, gigantic slides, pony rides, a trackless train, face painting, a petting zoo,
and mechanical rides. Featured performers will include the American Legion Symphonic
Band, Kelly Academy of Irish Dance, the Fineans, Aranmore Academy of Irish Dance,
Celtic Bridge, Drake School of Irish Dance, and more.
In addition to the parade and festival, Fort Lauderdale residents and visitors are invited to
CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE three outstanding kickoff celebrations:

10 rio vista civic association • www.riovistaonline.com