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

29th Division Association- Most Patriotic Entry

Roanoke Civic Center's "Dancing Dorothy's"- Best Business

Bryan Lawrence

The 22nd Annual McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade will continue its long standing tradition of “honoring those that protect and serve,” by selecting someone to serve as our parade’s Grand Marshal, who has dedicated their time and effort to serving the Roanoke community.  Officer Bryan Lawrence served as a Roanoke City Police Officer for over 2o years.

Bryan Lawrence has lived around the Roanoke area for most of his life.  When he was younger, he worked at a local Kroger store but eventually got bored.  In February of 1987 Bryan applied to the Roanoke City Police Academy and was accepted after undergoing many preliminary tests.  When asked what made him decide to become a police officer, he smiled and said, “because they were the only ones who would hire me.”    After graduating from the Academy, he was assigned to patrol for a short period of time before he was transferred to the Community Oriented Policing Unit (COT).  In 1992, he was appointed as a D.A.R.E officer and spent the next seven years working in local high schools.  In 2000 he was transferred to the Crime Prevention Unit.  It was then, that he played a significant role in developing Project Lifesaver Program here in the Roanoke Valley.  Roanoke Police department launched the program in late 2002.  “Project Lifesaver uses technology to assist caregivers of people who have Alzheimer’s, Downs Syndrome, Autism and other related mental dysfunction disorders.  Those participating in the program wear personalized radio transmitters.  The Crime Prevention Unit can track individual transmitters, allowing officers to quickly locate someone who is lost or has wandered away.  The program is free of charge and the Roanoke Police Department also allows citizens in near-by jurisdictions to obtain transmitters.”(information from RoanokeVa.gov)

Officer Lawrence was working off duty one evening in May 2008 when he responded to a radio call.  Upon attempting to arrest one of the offenders, he was attacked by another; an attack that caused major injury to the spinal cord and left him paralyzed.  He was rushed to Roanoke Memorial and knew he would need extensive rehabilitation.  He was put on a waiting list for one of the best rehabilitation centers on the East Coast, Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia.  The waiting list at Shepherd  is usually 6-10 weeks.  Bryan and his wife, Brenda, got the call within just a week of waiting that a room had become available.  Immediately, he was sent to Atlanta to begin rehab.  It was while Brenda and Bryan were at Shepherd Center that they claim the “real heroic acts” were done.  A long time neighbor and friend, Scott Graham, who is a local firefighter rallied the community together to help in every way possible.  He coordinated along side of contractor, Scott Mutter, a complete renovation of their home to be more handicap accessible, as well as having most of the materials needed to do so, donated.  There was also a motorcycle ride in his honor that raised over $63,000, money that was used to purchase a fully accessible custom van for Brenda and Bryan Lawrence.

Lawrence dedicated not only his service to the police department but also dedicated his time and devotion to visiting area retirement communities and conducting bible studies for the residents.  Bryan  attributes his faith for his perseverance and determination to continue to set goals for himself such as  participating in a 5Krun/walk as well as picking up a cycling class or two at the gym where he works out.  Bryan will tell you that he is no hero but on the contrary, it is the way he lives his life that makes him an inspiration and  model citizen of Roanoke, VA.

We are honored that Bryan Lawrence has agreed to serve as our 2011 McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal.  He and his wife Brenda will ride in our Grand Marshal float.  He will also be honored at the Celtic Festival by the newly appointed Chief of Police, Chris Perkins.  The parade will be held downtown Roanoke on March 12, 2011 and steps off at 11:00am.

We have ordered the big tent to place in the Corned Beef & Company parking lot (Celtic Festival site) that will cover the stage, band and all scheduled entertainment activities at the Celtic Festival.  The McDonald’s St. Pat’s Parade will still start at 11:00am, the Roanoke Riverdance Challenge at around 10:30am (on Jefferson Street), and the Celtic Festival will continue downtown until 5:00pm

Please pass this along to all your friends.  Don’t get discouraged and stay away if you wake up Sat. and see rain.   We’re told it will pass and continue to clear as the day progresses.  We’re planning to see you there!

For the fastest future weather updates, become a Facebook “Fan” of EventZone.

On March 13, the 2nd Annual Bonniest Knees Contest will be held at the Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration – Celtic Festival across from Corned Beef & Co.  So what are Bonny knee? The perfect combination of  knobs, muscle and just the right amount of hairiness, smoothness and personality!  Of course, the women who are judging get to determine for themselves the “Bonniest Knees in SW Virginia.”  But you can judge for yourself.  Don’t miss out on all of the fun festivities that will be going on throughout the day.

What’s the most outrageous contest you’ve ever witnessed or even been in??

For more information and details visit the St. Pats Celebration website!

Just look at these Bonny knees!