Sedona AZ (March 15, 2016) – With the a little luck of the Irish, what started as a cold and damp morning on March 12th turned into a beautiful and partly sunny day in Sedona. Thousands of families, mostly locals and some visitors, gathered along Jordan Road to watch the 46th Annual Sedona St. Patrick’s Parade. The Sedona Fire District kicked off the Parade to clear the route, followed by the Parade Banner and the Parade Grand Marshals, the Sedona Volunteer Park Ranger Program. Next came the Camp Verde Cavalry Color Guard on horseback. Dignitaries including Sedona Mayor Sandy Moriarty and City Council members, Cottonwood Mayor Diane Joens, Coconino County Supervisor District 3 Matt Ryan and Coconino County Sheriff Department’s Chief Deputy Jim Driscoll came next waving to their constituents. Other parade entrants included bagpipers, bands, dancers, dogs, horses and a variety of vehicles and walking troupes!
Non-profit organizations and individuals composed much of the Parade, showing phenomenal enthusiasm with their entries. Business entries had a great opportunity to promote their business and see their patrons, friends and neighbors along the parade route. All were all warmly received as each was announced by the Master of Ceremonies, John Conway, and viewed by the Parade Judges: Ricky Conway-Recreation Coordinator for Coconino County Parks and Recreation, Jessica Foos-Guest Services Coordinator for Flagstaff Recreation Services, and Brian Grube-Assistant Director for Coconino County Parks and recreation Department. See pictures of each entry and all the festivities on our website at www.sedonamainstreet.com and feel free to send a copy of your favorite photos to friends and family!
Immediately following the parade, the Parade Festival kicked off on Apple Avenue and in the parking lots of Sedona Meditation Center and 350 Jordan Road. Southwest Skye Pipes and Drums opened with ceremonial bagpipe songs, followed by the live music of Karl Jones & Dublin Soul and a solo violin performance by Echo Reed.
Parade awards for outstanding entries were announced at the Festival (winners are noted in the attachment). Children were busied by a wide variety of free activities, and families participated in the games. We were honored this year to host the Sedona Fire District and their presentation of a girder from the World Trade Center, which guests were able to visit and photograph. Crowds of residents and visitors alike enjoyed the free and lively entertainment and activities on such a beautiful day in Sedona.
The Parade & Festival is a free event for the community and by the community, coordinated by Sedona Main Street Program, NAU Parks and Recreation Management Program and the Green Team event planning committee. The Parade & Festival are made possible by the generous financial support and donated or discounted services from many businesses and organizations, plus the hard work of our generous volunteers!
46th Annual Sedona St. Patrick’s Parade Award Winners
- St. Patrick’s Award: Sedona Fire District-Corrie Cooperman
- Shamrock Award (Best Business Entry): Mountain High Flower
- Best Float Award: Sedona Pines Resort
- Best Color Guard Award: Northern AZ Veteran’s Military Honor Guard
- Best Drill Team Award: Flagstaff Kennel Club
- Best Dance Unit Award: Sedona Scarletts
- Best Equestrian Award: David Partida & Pie the American Belgian Mare
- Best School Marching Band: Chino Valley High School
- Best Marching Unit Award: Big Park Musicians
- Best Musical Entry Award: Summit Life
- Best Vehicle Award: Sedona Heritage Museum
- Most Unique Entry Award: Irish Princess Ladybug, Ditzy Glitzy and Hoola Hoopsie
If you are a winning Parade entry and did not collect your award at the Festival, please call Sedona Main Street Program at 928-204-2390 to make arrangements for picking up the award.