Southwest Virginia's premiere St. Patrick's Day events, the Roanoke St. Patrick's Day Celebration is now in its 21st year and continues to grow. The event is Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 10am until 5pm, with 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. 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.

For a fantastic overview of this festival, be sure to check out the Destinations Travel Magazine – our festival is featured on page 38!

Vendors will be accepted/assigned based on the products offered and the time in which your application was accepted. We do give priority placement to returning vendors. All fees are due with your application. Approved vendors will be notified no later than Friday, February 20, 2010 and given specific instructions and directions. Once accepted, application fee is non-refundable. If you are not accepted, your original check ("voided") will be mailed back to you.

The location where vending will occur is on asphalt. All vendors must provide their own displays, including tents, tables and chairs and are responsible for their own sales tax. Prior to set up all vendors must provide a liability insurance certificate naming "EventZone" as additional insured.

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Get all of your float decorations at Fun Times Party Warehouse located at 1409 S. Colorado St. Salem; or visit their website at funtimesvirginia.com

Fun Times will also be selling St. Pats novelties before, during and after the McDonald’s 2010 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Roanoke. Don’t wait! Get your stuff early!

 

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The winning entries from the 2010 McDonald's St. Pat's Parade

Best Celtic Category
Sons of Norway

Best Patriotic Category
Post 64, 29th Infantry Division Association
(D-Day assault survivors)

Best Neighborhood Category
Old Southwest
(website)

Best Business Category
Liberty Tax Service
(website)

Best Non-Profit Category
Parrotheads of the Blue Ridge
(website)

Captain Chris Brown – Roanoke City Fire Department

Grand Marshal – The Family of the Late Captain Chris Brown

Our 2010 Grand Marshal will be the late Captain Chris Brown’s family in honor of 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. 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.

Click Here for Complete Profile of Captain Chris Brown

Mayor David Bowers

2010 Céilí King – Mayor David Bowers

The growth of our festival has been attributed to several key players over the years, and it was Mayor David Bowers who paved the way for Ray Donnelly and his Knights of Columbus associates to begin promoting and organizing this event in 1994. By 2010, over 2,500 marchers and 10,000+ spectators will be anticipated! Céilí King, Mayor David Bowers, believes that the region’s Scots-Irish ancestry is just one reason this event has become so popular. “St. Pat’s comes at a time of year when folks just want to get outside and enjoy," he said, "Plus, Roanoke is just simply a fun place to live,” he adds. We could not agree more!

Click Here to read the full story of Mayor Bowers' contributions to the McDonald's Saint Pat's Parade