It’s not too late to get your group together and join the fun for the 38th annual Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival on Saturday, March 11.
The deadline for entries has been extended until Saturday, March 4. There is a non-refundable entry fee of $150 for commercial units and $175 for political units. There is no charge for non-profit and community organizations. The parade application forms can be found online at https://lexingtonstpatsparade.org/.
The parade and festival are part of an all-day celebration that begins at 8 a.m. with the 11th annual Shamrock Shuffle to benefit Lexington Habitat for Humanity. Irish festival performances begin at 10:45 a.m. at the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse plaza and at 11 a.m., the annual “Blessing of the Keg” at the Alltech tents ceremonially kicks off the free daylong event. The parade, with former Lexington vice mayor Linda Gorton as grand marshal, begins at 1 p.m. and goes down Main Street from Midland Avenue to Mill Street.
This year’s featured performers are The Prodigals, veterans of the Irish Festival scene for two decades. They take the stage at 3 p.m. following the parade. The full festival schedule is available on the lexingtonstpatsparade.org website.
The Lexington Division of Parks and Recreation produces the annual parade and festival with community support from local businesses and cultural organizations, including the Bluegrass Irish Society, the Lexington Celtic Association and Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company. Additional sponsors for the parade and festival include LEX 18, Cumulus Broadcasting, McCarthy’s Irish Bar, Coolmore America, Failte Irish Shop and the Kentucky Renaissance Faire.