Who should be honored as the ‘12 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal?

A favorite Roanoke and regional tradition is just right around the corner!  The Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, which includes the 23rd Annual McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Celtic Festival featuring Second Wynde, will take place Saturday, March 17th in downtown Roanoke. The festivities start at 10:00am, with the parade stepping off at 11:00am.  The McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade has become one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The 23rd Annual McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade will continue its long standing tradition of “honoring those who protect and serve,” by selecting someone to serve as the  parade’s Grand Marshal, who has dedicated their time and effort to serving the Roanoke community.  There are so many worthy candidates who are citizens in the Roanoke Valley working in public service positions to make this community a better place.  This year the St. Patrick’s Day committee is looking to the citizens of Roanoke to nominate a person to serve as the 2012 parade Grand Marshal.  In past years, the Grand Marshal has not been limited to just a male or female, in fact a service dog has had the honor!  The ideal candidate has gone above and beyond the call of duty in a standout example of dedication to the citizens of Roanoke.  Past year’s marshals include Brian Lawrence, retired Roanoke City Police officer; Captain Chris Brown’s family, representing the late Roanoke City Fire and EMS captain; St. Francis service dogs; and Henley Green, Roanoke City Fire and EMS.  McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade has also had many Veterans, both active and retired, share this honor.  If you would like to nominate an individual please contact Amanda Gaylor via e-mail at Amanda@eventzone.org or by phone at (540)-342-2640X233.

March 17th is a day for the entire family to enjoy all that downtown Roanoke has to offer.  For a complete schedule of activities visit the event website at www.RoanokSaintPats.org.