Celebrating our 30th Anniversary!
2013 Phoenix St Patricks Parade on March 16th. The Gathering 2013 - Back to our roots and traditions
Thank You to Parade Sponsor Antrim Air. When your A/C throws a tantrum, better call Antrim - (480) 664 6575
Please support your parade by supporting Antrim Air and calling them for all of your HV/AC needs.
This years theme in conjunction with Irelands national initiative of The Gathering Ireland
Parade Information
Parade Date: Saturday, March 16, 2013
Starting Time: 10:00 A.M.
Staging Area Location: 3rd St. from Virginia to Sheridan
Route: 3rd St. South from Sheridan to Moreland.
Click here for a map of the parade.
Click here for band schedules, shuttle information and more.
St Vincent De Paul Canned Food Drive
Bring your non perishable food donations and receive a raffle ticket for an hourly $100 Cash Prize drawing at the Faire.
Winning tickets will be drawn at 1.30 PM, 2.30 PM, 3.30 PM & 4.30 PM.
FREE PARKING AT 1850 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE (CENTRAL & PALM LANE),
FREE SHUTTLE ON PALM LANE BETWEEN CENTRAL & FIRST AVENUE
The Faire follows immediately after the parade at Margaret T. Hance Park.
N. Central Ave and W. Culver St., next to the Irish Cultural Center.
Click here for a map of the parade.
Click here for band schedules, shuttle information and more.
The 2013 Parade Grand Marshall is Bob Smith CEO of Alliance Beverage (Click for Bio)
Our 2013 Irish Persons of the Year are Mary and Jack Moriarty
The Phoenix St. Patrick's Day Parade began in 1983. Its purpose is to preserve and enhance the heritage and traditions of the Irish Culture as well as share that culture with the citizens of Arizona. This year will be the 30th Anniversary. The Parade has marching bands, Irish step dancers, bagpipers, police and fire vehicles, government dignitaries, floats, the 2011 Arizona Irish Colleen with her court and a whole lot more.
Saint Patrick's Day has come to be associated with everything Irish: anything green and orange, shamrocks and luck. Most importantly, to those who celebrate its intended meaning, St. Patrick's Day is a traditional day for spiritual renewal and offering prayers for missionaries worldwide.
So, why is it celebrated on March 17th? One theory is that that is the day St. Patrick died. Since the holiday began in Ireland, it is believed that as the Irish spread out around the world, they took with them their history and celebrations. The biggest observance of all is, of course, in Ireland. With the exception of restaurants and pubs, almost all businesses close on March 17th. Being a religious holiday as well, many Irish attend mass, where March 17th is the traditional day for offering prayers for missionaries before the serious celebration begins.
In America cities with a large Irish population like Phoenix, St. Patrick's Day is a very big deal. Big cities and small towns alike celebrate with parades, "wearing the green", music and songs, Irish food and drink, and activities for kids such as crafts, coloring and games. Some communities even go so far as to dye rivers or streams green!
The Irish Cultural Center, Phoenix, Arizona
Arizona Colleen and Rose of Tralee Selection
More Information about the Parade & Faire