ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Island is going green during the Anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 16 from 4-6 p.m.
“Bring your family, your friends and your green to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon celebrating with the community,” the Facebook event page says.
The parade is presented by Duncan Real Estate, The Center of Anna Maria Island, Duffy’s Tavern and AMI Dolphin Tours.
“The St. Patrick’s Parade has been an Island tradition for many years and has become one of the highlights of spring for islanders and visitors alike,” Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan said. “It’s wonderful to see everyone take part in the revelry and ‘get their Irish on.’ It’s my national holiday so being the presenting sponsor brings me so much joy watching everyone having so much fun. It’s like finding my own pot of gold. We look forward to seeing everyone along the parade route. Get ready to yell for those beads! Sláinte.”
The parade will begin at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, and travel down 58th Street, Marina Drive, Palm Drive, Gulf Drive, Pine Avenue and Tarpon Street, ending at The Center of Anna Maria Island at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.
Those who wish to participate in the parade need to fill out the entry form on The Center website, www.centerami.org/events. Parade participation opportunities include non-profit organizations, individuals, businesses, walking groups, floats, business vehicles, trucks and trailers, personal vehicles, golf carts and more.
There is no entry fee for non-profit organizations. The entry fee is $10 for a personal golf cart or personal vehicle and $50 for a business vehicle. The suggested entry fee for a business float is $150.
Completed entry forms and entry fees must be delivered to The Center or to Duffy’s Tavern at 5808 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.
Participants and parade vehicles must check in at 2 p.m. to receive an entry permit. The parade lineup and staging will begin at 2:15 p.m. and the parade will begin at 4 p.m. Once the parade starts, all units must continue moving forward through the pre-designated route.
Proper and legal conduct of parade participants is required. Parade participants are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous and safe manner. Drinking and driving is prohibited. Excessive public displays of intoxication are prohibited and drivers of vehicles are prohibited from tossing items from their vehicles.
