Roanoke St. Pat’s Celebration Moves Ahead – Weather Update

All plans and times remain the same for the Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration this Saturday March 13, with only a few minor set up changes caused by the weather forecast.  The latest weather forecast calls for steady rain beginning Friday pm, but ending early am Sat. – between 7:00am – 9:00am is the current estimate.   Thereafter, a chance of a passing light shower remains – but not steady rain! Temp. around 60.

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.

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

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 last year, we’re ready for some good ol’ Irish luck at this year’s Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on March 13.  Come be a part of an exciting Roanoke tradition and one of the Mid-Atlantic Region’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations.  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.

The 2010 Grand Marshal will be the late Captain Chris Brown’s family, honoring his service and dedication to the community.  Chris served as a firefighter for the citizens of Roanoke City since 1994.  For numerous years, Chris would come to the EventZone office and pick up supplies to run the “fireman’s foam” that kids have come to love during Festival in the Park, Memorial Day weekend.  We are very thankful that his family has agreed to serve as the parade’s Grand Marshal and we look forward to a beautiful day filled with Irish cheer in his honor.

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 your Irish spirit.   Thousands of spectators look forward to this  annual event.  All parade entries encouraged to be festive.  We really encourage floats, or maybe 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 Neighborhood

Best Celtic Theme

Best Overall

Most Patriotic

Best Commercial Business

Best Non-Profit

Be sure to get your parade application in early! We expect a full and amazing 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 Association

Best Neighborhood: Old Southwest

Best Business: Grandin Village Business Association

Best Non-Profit:  Parrot Heads of the Blue Ridge

Check out photos from prior McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parades!