St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival

SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2012
Parade 9:00 am
Festival 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Check out the 2012 St. Pat's Parade
http://www.carolinalive.com/news/story.aspx?id=731464#.T2ntzMUgc7E

PARADE:
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the largest parade on the Grand Strand with over 100 parade entries and a history that is unwavering. Masses of people line Main Street each year to get a glimpse of a magical parade that can only be experienced and not described. The parade begins promptly at 9:00 am, but parade goers rise earlier to patron Main Street establishments in search of warm delights to keep their appetites at bay during the parade.

   By 8:30 am most individuals have manned their posts and are eagerly directing family and friends to their “watching station”. Beach chairs, blankets, and golf carts line Main Street awaiting the start of a two-hour phenomenon. Two announcing stations are located along the parade route; in the median at BiLo Shopping Center and at the corner of Hillside Drive and Main Street. If you can't make it to the parade be sure to check out the live broadcast on WPDE TV 15. Allyson Floyd, Tim McGinnis, Ed Piotrowski and others from the WPDE TV 15 Team will guide you through a great day of fun.

   The North Strand Optimist Club organizes the St. Patrick's Parade and serves the youth of our community. They are requesting nominees for the 2012 Friend of the Year Award. The child awarded this honor will be named the 2012 Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Nominees must be 1 to 19 years of age.

   To recommend someone, write and essay about the child explaining why they deserve to be the 2012 Friend of the Year. Include a photo of the child and contact information of the nominee and nominator. Nominees will be chosen based on outstanding abilities such as leadership in the North Strand area, involvement in church, community or school, battling sickness, helping others in need, or overcoming unfortunate circumstances.  Click here for more information.

STREET CLOSURES

FESTIVAL:
   If a grand parade wasn't enough, waiting at the end of Main Street is a festival you will not want to miss.  Over 125 vendors will display their arts and crafts. Food vendors and Main Street businesses will have a variety of treats for everyone to enjoy. Two stages of continuous live entertainment will keep the Irish spirit in you all day. Bring the “wee” ones to enjoy the children’s area that is chocked full of rides and games for all ages. Festivities end at 4 pm, but before you leave, stop by the information tent and purchase a souvenir t-shirt to end your glorious day!

   Many have made this celebration of all things Irish a family tradition, make it yours beginning Saturday, March 17, 2012.  Call (843) 280-5570, or
e-mail stpatnmb@nmb.us for more information.

2012 Entertainment

Community Stage (248 Main Street, North Myrtle Beach)
11:00 am - NY Shields Pipes and Drums
11:30 am - All Star Talent
12:00 pm - Wake District Pipes and Drums
12:15 pm - Triple Toe Cloggers
1:00 pm - Ceol na Gael
1:30 pm - Shepard's Pie Eating Contest
2:00 pm - NY Shields Pipes and Drums
2:30 pm - Tango Magic
3:00 pm - Academy of Dance and Fine Arts

Horseshoe Stage (11 S. Ocean Blvd., North Myrtle Beach)
11:00 am - Wake District Pipes & Drums
11:30 am - Arts Alive
12:00 pm - Parade Awards
12:15 pm - NY Shields Pipes and Drums
12:45 pm - Myrtle Beach Regional Pipe Band
1:15 pm - Barleyjuice
2:30 pm - Palmetto Roller Derby Girls
2:45 pm - 4:00 pm - Barleyjuice










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