2011 McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Winners

This year proved to be the best McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade yet!  With over 85 entries in the parade, competition was fierce!  Many parade participants have been familiar entries for many years- this year everyone seemed to up the ante.   We saw more green than ever this year!  The judges had an especially tough job this year!  A BIG thanks goes out to everyone who came out and helped make this year’s Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration a huge success.  We look forward to what next year holds!! Here are the winners for the 2011 McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade:

Best Non-Profit: Parrotheads of the Blue Ridge

Best Celtic Theme: Vikings of the Valley

Best Neighborhood: Historic Old Southwest

Best Business: Roanoke Civic Center

Most Patriotic: 29 Division Association

BEST OVERALL: Parrotheads of the Blue Ridge

Capt. Chris Brown honored at McDonald’s St. Pat’s Parade

The 21st annual downtown McDonald’s St. Pat’s Parade will continue its longstanding tradition of “honoring those that protect and serve.”  The life, memory and contribution to our community of Roanoke City Firefighter, Capt. Chris Brown will be honored posthumously at this year’s Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Sat. March 13, 2010.

When EventZone staff heard that Chris Brown had died suddenly in October ‘09, we really wanted to do something to honor his memory.  Chris served as a firefighter for the citizens of Roanoke City since 1994.  Chris was a hero and inspired others by being such a role model.

The suggestion was made at the first St. Patrick’s Day Celebration committee meeting that Capt. Brown be honored posthumously as the McDonald’s St. Pat’s Parade’s Grand Marshal.  EventZone contacted Fire Chief David Hoback and he contacted the Brown family and they agreed, indicating that it would be an honor.  Chris’ wife Stephanie and his two daughters Caroline and Hannah will be on the Grand Marshal parade float along with Chris’ mother, and sisters.  Chris’ brother, Mark who also is a Roanoke City firefighter, a Lieutenant with Engine 5 C-Shift will walk along the parade with fellow fireman from Chris’ station. The Brown family will be acknowledged at the judge’s stand during the parade and after the parade at the Celtic Festival. The family will be presented a plaque in honor of Chris, as he was a dedicated person that worked to “protect and serve” the citizens of Roanoke City.

Read more about Capt. Chris Brown

Roanoke Times article

Roanoke Fire.com blog

Roanoke’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Mark your calendar for Sat. March 13, 2010.  Join us for one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the Mid-Atlantic region, and it grows larger every year!

Break out the green and bring the entire family to be part of this annual Roanoke, VA tradition! Whether you’re Irish or just Irish for a day – it’s sure to be your lucky day because all the festivities are FREE!

The festivities take place every year on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day.

Click here FOR MORE INFO on the Roanoke St. Pat’s Celebration powered by EventZone. The The Celtic Festival runs from 10:00am – 5:00pm. The McDonald’s St. Pat’s Parade starts at 11:00am. The entire Celebration will proceed rain or shine so make plans and dress accordingly.

Be one the thousands of people who come to enjoy the award-winning McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade features over 100 entries that range from clowns to dogs to Harleys to llamas; there is something for everyone to say the least including pipe and drum bands from throughout the region! Come enjoy the Celtic Festival featuring traditional Irish pipe and drum bands and dancers. Plus, Corned Beef & Co. will be cooking up some mouth watering Irish inspired dishes. There’s more! Dozens of vendors will feature traditional Celtic goods including jewelry, handmade sweaters, and countless other crafts and products.

Also in 2010 the folks at Roanoke Catholic have a great way to get your St. Patrick’s Day off to a great start with the annual Shamrock Hill 5K Run which will be fun  for the entire family.  New in 2010 will be the traditional Irish Breakfast during and after the run.   Check back as more information becomes available.

See Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration photos

2010 McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

We’re gearing up again for our annual McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  After the rain at last year’s parade, we’re ready for some good ol’ Irish luck at 2010’s St. Pats day festivities on March 13.  Come be a part of a growing Roanoke tradition and one of the Mid-Atlantic Region’s largest parades.  This year’s parade will continue to honor our local police, firefighters, veterans,  and EMS.  We are proud of those “Who protect and serve” all year round.  Companies, individuals and families are all invited to be a part of the parade!  This is a great opportunity to show off your organization, business, or maybe just exceptional Irish decorations.  Thousands of spectators look forward to this  annual event.  Be as festive as a leprechaun, decorate a float, come up with a unique theme; but remember get going now!  If your entry stands out, the judges might just pick yours to win!  The categories for this year’s parade are:

Best Overall                                                                                                                              

Best Neighborhood

Best Celtic Theme

Most Patriotic

Best Commercial Business

Best Non-Profit

Be sure to get your application in early! We look forward to an amazing 2010 McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Visit the St. Patrick’s Day Parade website for parade application and more details.

2009 winners:

Best Celtic Theme: Annie Lin

Most Patriotic: Post 64, 29th Infantry Division Assocation

Best Neighborhood: Old Southwest

Best Business: Grandin Village Business Association

Best Non-Profit: Parrotheads of the Blue Ridge

Check out photos from 2008 and 2009 McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade!