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Parade kicks off at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 17

 

TRYON–Are you looking for a fun way to get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit later this month?

 

On Friday, March 17, the public is invited to the Second Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Tryon. The parade route will follow along N. Trade St. from Rogers Park to Morris the Horse. 

 

The family-friendly event will feature Irish-themed entertainment after the parade. 

 

In addition to local fire departments and the Polk County High School band, parade participants will include bagpiper Kevin Sprouls, the Red Fox Hibernians, local fiddlers and “leprechauns,” and performers from the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance. 

 

Paradegoers can also expect to see representatives from Steps to HOPE, Tryon International Film Festival, Little Detroit Car Club, American Legion Post 250 and more, along with the equines from Sanctuary at Red Bell Run, and Parade Princess Cailin Bennett with her “Court of Irish Lasses.” 

 

New this year, local dog owners are invited to bring their well-behaved “Paddy Pooches,” dressed in their Irish finest to participate in the parade. The winner of the Best Dog Costume will win $100. 

 

After the parade, there will be Irish entertainment taking place in the public square in front of the clock tower. 

 

“This is our second year staging the parade,” says parade co-founder and presenting sponsor Peg Brunk. “I’m from Chicago and St. Patrick’s Day is a big celebration there, so we thought it would be fun to bring the party to the Foothills!”  

 

Co-founder and local poet Greg Lobas, who is also a retired firefighter from the Cleveland, Ohio area, shared his excitement. 

 

“We’re happy to have so many groups join us in making this a great event that everyone can enjoy,” said Lobas. “This year, we’re celebrating some of the area’s nonprofits that make this such a wonderful place to live and visit.” 

 

The parade will kick off at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 17, and attendees should plan to stay after the parade to enjoy some downtown Tryon hospitality at the various eateries and stores that will remain open that evening.  

 

Presenting sponsors of this year’s parade include the Knights of Columbus Council 9492; Suzanne Devane of Asheville Realty Group; MDB Counseling Services; and Tryon Downtown Development Association. More details on this year’s event can be found on the parade’s Facebook page at Tryon NC St. Patrick’s Day Parade.