St. Patrick's Day Parade & Irish Festival

Celebrating the Spirit of Ancient Ireland. Saturday, March 17, 2012 will mark the 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, thanks to the dedication and commitment of the many volunteers that make up the ICSC, the support of the Irish community and that of our sponsors and donors. Tony Mande is our 2012 Parade Chair. The 2012 Parade Theme is “Celebrating the Spirit of Ancient Ireland”. The Parade starts at 10:30 am.

There will be a Flag Raising ceremony in Balboa park at 10:00 a.m. and the Parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. from Sixth Avenue and Juniper Street, travels north on Fifth Avenue to Upas, then over to Sixth Avenue and South on Sixth to conclude at Juniper Street.

With over 120 entries the parade includes marching bands, floats, police and fire department units, the Emerald Societies, clowns, equestrian entries, border patrol units, scout troops, bagpipe contingents, dancing groups, drill teams, roller skaters, antique cars, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, representatives from Ireland, and the reigning Miss Colleen and Smiling Irishman.

The Festival is held in conjunction with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and is for the entire family.  Live entertainment on the Festival’s 2 stages will run from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will include well known folk singers and groups.

The Festival area will open at 9:00 a.m. with food and craft booths as well as two beer gardens serving ice cold Guinness (our presenting Sponsor) and other beers, wine and Spirits. There is also an authentic Celtic Village and Kids Zone with Rides.  The Festival and its entertainment are free to the public.