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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
37th ANNUAL ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE SET FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 11
The Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in St. Louis will take place on Saturday, March 11 in 2006. Leading the 37th annual parade will be parade founder and St. Louis Irish Consul Joseph McGlynn, Jr.; Parade Committee Chairperson Kerry McDonough ; the Irish Dignitary (yet-to-be-named); Honorary Parade Marshal Charles Drury; and Mayor Francis Slay.
The parade participants step off at noon from Broadway and Market Streets and proceed west on Market past Union Station to 20th Street , where it will end. The official reviewing stand will be located on the north side of Market Street , directly across from St. Louis Union Station.
The U.S. Army Green Beret Parachute Team will pay a special salute to our servicemen and servicewomen and the St. Patrick's Day Parade with a controlled descent jump carrying a large U.S. flag over the parade route, landing in front of the aforementioned reviewing stand.
The parade, also known as St. Louis' "Rite of Spring," will feature over 100 units and over 5,000 marchers. In the past with good weather, more than 350,000 spectators have gathered along Market Street to watch the elaborate floats, marching bands, marching units, dance groups, animal units, novelty units, motorized unites, and the children's favorites - giant cartoon character helium-filled balloons.
Prior to, during, and after the parade there will be an Irish Village in Kiener Plaza, complete with vendors, a children's playground, and music.
Parade founder Joseph McGlynn, Jr. noted the support both the parade and run have received over the years from Anheuser-Busch: "Without the support of Anheuser-Busch we never would have had a St. Patrick's Day Parade or Run in St. Louis . From the very first parade 37 years ago and the first run 28 years ago, Anheuser-Busch was there supporting our efforts."
And he recognized this year's sponsor of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, AT&T. "This is the first year we have had a corporate sponsor for the parade and we couldn't ask for a better one than AT&T. We look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship with America 's premiere provider of phone service and one of St. Louis ' leading corporate citizens.
The 28th Annual Michelob ULTRA St. Patrick's Day Parade Run will precede the parade on Market Street and also end in front of St. Louis Union Station. Over 6,000 runners usually participate in St. Louis ' largest locally organized run that starts at 9th and Market Streets at 9:30 a.m. and covers a five mile course. Runners, walkers and wheelchair racers of all ages are welcome. There are 11 different age categories for both male and female competitive runners, ranging in age from 14 to 70-plus years.
Prizes will be awarded in age categories for both men and women, including "14 and under" and "70 and over." Runners can register online at www.irishparade.org/run. They can also enter in person at Rio Syrup Company, 2311 Chestnut Street , St. Louis , MO 63103-2298 or mail with an application to the same address. The $15 entry fee must be received prior to March 4.Those registering in-person at Rio Syrup Company the week of March 6 must pay an $18 late fee. For more information call: (314) 231-2598 or go to the run and parade website at www.irishparade.org .
The St. Patrick's Day Parade and Run celebration kicks off Friday night, March 10 at the St. Louis Pavilion Hotel Downtown (formerly the Marriott Pavilion Hotel), 1 South Broadway, with cocktails and dinner. The St. Louis Irish Arts dancers and Bob Kuban Brass Band will provide the entertainment. For further information, call 314-241-PATS or visit our website at www.irishparade.org.
For more information on the parade, run and the attendant activities, call (314) 241-PATS or contact the Parade's and Run's Internet web site at www.irishparade.org.
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