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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 Budweiser
IClydesdales! 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,
attracting thousands of spectators for a one-of-a-kind celebration of all things Irish.
This year, the pageantry and excitement kicks off at Huizenga Plaza (Las Olas and
Andrews Avenue) at 7:00 am with the Shamrock Run, a 4-mile trek down Las Olas to the
John P, “Jack” Seiler
Mayor, City of Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal Bridge and back. The Shamrock 4-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 am, 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 S.E. 5 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 7:00 pm
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 three outstanding kickoff celebrations!
FREE PUBLIC VIEWING OF THE CLYDESDALES
A free public viewing of the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales will take place on
Wednesday, March 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Fort Lauderdale Police
Mounted Unit stables, located in Holiday Park at 700 N.E. 9 Street (corner of U.S. 1
and Sunrise Blvd.). In addition to viewing the Clydesdales, the free event will feature
6 6 The Landings & Bay Colony
The Landings & Bay Colony