2010  Phoenix Saint Patrick's Day Parade

& Irish Faire

26th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Faire

Saturday, March 14th 2010

This Year's Theme is "Be Green - Go Green"

26th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Irish Faire Saturday, March 14, 2010. Location for the Parade 3rd Street from Virginia south to Margaret T. Hance Park Starts at 10 am.  The Faire starts immediately after at Hance Park West side of Central at the Irish Cultural Center Admission $10.00 adults 12 & older $1.00 Kids 6-12 and under 6 FREE. 2 Stages of Irish Music and Dancers, Kids Area, Food and Beverages, Crafters.  Free Shuttle from 2600 North Central Avenue (West side of Central Ave & Virginia) to the Faire.  TAKE THE NEW LIGHT RAIL TO THE ROOSEVELT STREET STATION.  Free parking at the garages at 2600 and 2800 North Central Avenue .

The Phoenix St. Patrick's Day Parade began in 1984. Its purpose is to preserve and enhance the heritage and traditions of the Irish Culture as well as share that culture with the citizens of Arizona . The Committee is a non-profit charitable organization recognized under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Committee produces three major events annually in its effort to preserve, enhance and display Irish culture. These events are The Phoenix St. Patrick's Day Parade, The Phoenix Irish Faire, and The Arizona Colleen and Rose of Tralee Selection .2010 will mark the twenty-sixth year in succession that we have produced these events.

The Parade has marching bands, Irish step dancers, bagpipers, police and fire vehicles, government dignitaries, floats, the 2010 Arizona Irish Colleen with her Court and a whole lot more.

The Phoenix Irish Faire takes place at Margaret T. Hance Park on the west side of Central Ave. and includes the Irish Cultural Center at 1106 N. Central. The Irish Faire has something for every member of the family. The Faire features Irish music and step-dancing, food, refreshments, arts and crafts and Irish merchandise vendors. There is a children's area featuring kiddy rides, clowns, face painters, leprechauns and a petting zoo. In addition there is a genealogy booth and of course, St. Patrick himself.

The Arizona Colleen and Rose of Tralee Selection is held in February and the winner is the Queen of our Parade and gets a free trip to Ireland to compete in the Rose of Tralee contest in August.   The event is an evening of dining, fun and entertainment which culminates in the crowning of one lucky young woman as the Arizona Colleen and Arizona Rose.   The contestants are judged on personality, communication skills, appearance and demeanor, confidence, poise & composure, knowledge of heritage, and talent.

The Parade Committee is comprised of a 15 member board of directors and 30 committee members which is charged with carrying out the goals of the organization.

If you would like more information on the Parade and Faire please call (602) 280-9221 or visit our web site at www.phxirish.org  Faire information contact Mary 602- 258- 0109.Admission to the Faire is $10.00 for adults and children 12 and over. Children ages 6 to 11 are $1.00 and children under 6 are admitted free

This year's Grand Marshall is Norman McClelland, CEO of Shamrock Foods, whose parents came from County Down and the Irish Persons of the Year are Pat and Bridget Mulqueen from Counties Mayo and Leitrim, owners of Mulqueen Sewing Centers.   For further information call (602) 280-9221 or visit www.phxirish.org