Sedona AZ (February 16, 2012) – The 42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival – An AZ Centennial Celebration will start at 10:30 am on Saturday March 3rd. The Parade Title Sponsor is Pink Jeep Tours and the Festival Title Sponsor is the Cowboy Club and Barking Frog Restaurants. These title and other business sponsors, donors and volunteers all contribute to make this community tradition possible and help as we also celebrate Arizona’s Centennial year.
This year’s Parade Grand Marshal will be a large gathering of the extended Jim Thompson family in recognition of the past, present and future of J. J. “Jim” Thompson; after all, Jim was our first permanent Anglo settler & first Irishman. He claimed a homestead here in 1876, and the Thompson family was prevalent in local history in 1912, when Arizona reached statehood. They will lead the Parade, which begins at Jordan Historical Park and makes its way along Jordan Road to Mesquite Avenue. The line-up includes dignitaries, color guards, bagpipers, bands, dance troupes, businesses, and local social, cultural, civic, and religious organizations from the Verde Valley, Flagstaff and all across Northern Arizona. They come on foot, horseback and in vehicles of all sorts. Come enjoy it all and remember to bring chairs, as no parade spectator seating is provided.
The Festival immediately follows the parade and goes until 3pm. Stay to enjoy the free festivities, conveniently located adjacent to the end of the parade route along Jordan Road in the Sacajawea Plaza and BR Clinic parking lots. Karl Jones and his band, Dublin Soul, are the featured Celtic music. McTeggart Irish Dancers of Arizona will perform, as will the 2010 & 2011 Arizona Irish Lasses. You’ll also see a Zumba performance and the Light Vibe Dance Troupe, as well as Dahn Yoga Dancers. A Thompson family reception and community meet & greet will be held at the Festival, and a multitude of children’s activities will be available free of charge! The festival food & refreshment features Cowboy Club and Barking Frog Restaurants and Sedona Fudge Company with sweet treats. Thanks to Oak Creek Brewing Company, there will be a Beer Garden featuring Oak Creek Brews of course!
These festivities are free to attend and presented by Sedona Main Street Program with the Green Team and Northern Arizona University Special Events Planning Class. Visit our website www.sedonamainstreet.com or facebook page for updates or call 928-204-2390.
