Southwest Virginia's premiere St. Patrick's Day events, the Roanoke St. Patrick's Day Celebration is now in its 23rd year and continues to grow. As luck would have it in 2012 celebration falls on St. Patrick's Day, Saturday, March 17, 2012. That day the festivities run from 10am until 5pm, with everyone's favorite parade, the McDonald's St. Pat's Parade starting at 11:00am.
The Celtic Festival and the parade take place right in heart of downtown Roanoke, VA. Together it's one of the largest St. Pat's Celebrations in the entire mid-Atlantic region. Each year over 2,500 marchers plus over 10,000 spectators from across the entire region are expected. One reason for the success of this parade and festival is the family-friendly nature of the entire Celebration.
Also in 2012, and back by popular demand is another performance by the internationally acclaimed Irish group, Celtic Crossroads. Last year they thrilled audiences at two shows at Mill Mountain Theatre, this year we've moved to the larger Shaftman Hall at the Jefferson Center. Click here for more details. The lads and lasses of Celtic Crossroads are again all over North American this spring, and will be driving overnight from Canada to be here on Friday, March 16! You don't want to miss this!
John Kessler
2012 Grand Marshal
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2012 Grand Marshall:
D-Day & Battle of the Bulge Veteran
John Kessler
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 the majority of their life serving not only the citizens of the Roanoke Valley but the American People. Highly decorated D-Day and Battle of the Bulge Veteran, John Kessler, has served over thirteen years in the United States Military.
Click here for
more details |
Carol Williams (with her husband, Melvin) |
2012 Céilí Queen:
Carol Williams
Céilí Queen (pronounced Cay Lee) translated from Gaelic to English, means “Queen of the party” or “Queen of the dance.” At EventZone we have translated it to mean “Queen of the Festival,” in this case the Queen of the Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.
This honorary title, which carries with it no responsibility other than to have a wee bit o’ fun, is our way of recognizing and acknowledging local citizens who have helped start, promote and grow the Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration to include the award winning McDonald's St. Pat’s Parade and the now the Roanoke Celtic Festival into the huge event it is today.
This year for the first time we are honoring a Céilí Queen (it’s only been Kings in prior years), former EventZone staff member and “Queen of Festivals”, Carol Williams.
Click here for
more details. |
