ATLANTA — More than 200,000 people are expected to turn out next month for the 132nd Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade.
The annual family-friendly parade, aimed at celebrating the city’s Irish culture and history, steps off at noon on Saturday, March 15, and will follow a new route this year. The parade will start at the intersection of Peachtree and 15th streets in Midtown and will continue south on Peachtree and conclude at the intersection with 5th Street.
More than 2,000 dancers, musicians and Irish enthusiasts from across the Southeast, the country and Ireland are expected to march this year. The parade will also feature one of the world’s largest Irish “walking flags,” a large flag carried – or, more accurately, worn – by dozens of participants.
As in years past, a number of notable local civic leaders are expected to be a part of this year’s parade. The Budweiser Clydesdales, accompanied by a Dalmatian named “Clyde,” are also on tap to participate in the parade.
Irish Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar TD will be among the dignitaries on hand for the parade.
Atlanta’s first St. Patrick’s Parade parade was held in 1858. The parade aims to educate about contributions the Irish have made to the city, the South and the country.
For more information about the parade, visit www.stpatsparadeatlanta.com.