As the evenings start to stretch and there is a hint of spring in the air, Kinsale St. Patrick’s Day committee is busy planning one of the first festivals on the Kinsale Calendar of Events; the St. Patrick’s Maritime and Street Parades.
Saturday March 16th sees the unique Maritime Parade in the harbour where you can enjoy the wonderful sight of beautifully lit boats sailing in under the night sky. There will be music, family fun and of course the evening will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display. Spectators are invited to dress up for the occasion with prizes for the Most Brightly Decorated Adult and Child!
It has just been announced by the committee Chairman, Mr. Fred Treacy, that the Grand Marshals for this year’s Street Parade on St. Patrick’s Day are Mrs. Pam Norris and Mrs. Maureen Judge, who have done phenomenal work for Chernobyl Children International over the past 3 decades, fundraising for and hosting children from the disaster area. Indeed Pam raised €80,000 in the past three years alone by cycling the Wild Atlantic Way to mark her 70th birthday! The committee is delighted that the ladies have accepted the invitation on behalf of all those who have been involved in Chernobyl Children International since its inception.
On St. Patrick’s Day itself the Blessing of the Shamrock will take place at 12noon Mass in the Parish Church. Festivities will then commence around town from 1pm with free face painting, balloon modelling and music. Buskers are also welcome to come along on the day. The prize giving for the Children’s Art Competition will take place in the Tourist Office before the Street Parade which will start at 3pm from the New Road car park (please note change in start time this year!). The theme for this year’s Parade is ‘Think Green’ to tie in with Kinsale Green Week, a new initiative by Kinsale College which runs from March 16th to 23rd. The Parade will weave its way along The Glen, Pearse Street, Barry’s Place and the Pier Road to the reviewing stand near the Pier Head. In addition to various prizes for Parade entrants, there will be prizes for Best Dressed Adult, Teen and Child spectators!
Since the revival of the Parade in 2012 it has been wonderful to see the support from local businesses who ‘Go Green’ for the occasion in the weeks before the event. Combined with the wonderful effort the businesses make to decorate their premises and the flags & bunting erected by the Parade committee, Kinsale always looks spectacular for our National Day. Once again there will be prizes for the Best Dressed Window in advance of the festival weekend.
A Monster Bingo Night will be held in the Trident Hotel on Friday 8th February to raise funds for the Parades, great prizes are promised along with guaranteed fun, and on February 23rd/24th church gate collections will take place.
If you are interested in sponsoring or contributing funding for the many events or wish to help out with stewarding on the day please email [email protected]
Check out how much fun we’ve had in previous years and come along and enjoy the fun in Kinsale on St. Patrick’s weekend!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbOt30lNa3I&feature=youtu.be
