Join the St. Patrick’s Day Festival this Saturday, March 14, at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for not only the “world’s shortest parade,” but family fun, free chili dogs and a chance for children to ride on the float with St. Patrick.
While it may be billed as the world’s shortest parade as it traverses St. Patrick’s parking lot, it’s actually not the world’s smallest parade, as it comprises several Pagosa Springs’ organizations.
Leading the parade will be a color guard, followed by our Magnificent and Marvelous Majorettes, our merry band of St. Patrick’s bagpipers, and the Pagosa Line Dancers.
The centerpiece of the parade will be St. Patrick’s float, accompanied by any children who wish to celebrate the day by riding on this shamrock-decorated float.
The Shriner’s Tin Lizzie cars will return to the parade this year, followed by Pagosa Springs Medical Center’s EMS Team, a siren-bellowing Pagosa Fire Protection District Engine, as well as a massive trash truck.
Want to walk in the parade? Bring your leashed dogs as the parade will conclude with owners and their canine friends bouncing and barking to the melodious bagpipes. In fact, dog treats will be available in return for a donation of choice, all of which will support St. Patrick’s Food Pantry.
The festival will also include chili dogs, chips and hot chocolate for all attendees; several local vendor booths, including the Humane Society with its friendly animals; and, of course, Irish coffee and beer for sale. Any profits will be returned to St. Patrick’s community-focused ministries.
This lively event will take place in the St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church parking lot at 225 S. Pagosa Blvd.
Our neighbors, the Pope John Paul II Catholic Church and the Pagosa Springs Medical Center, have graciously opened their adjacent parking lots to parade attendees, but please do not park in the lot adjacent to the emergency entrance at the medical center. Handicapped parking will be available in St. Patrick’s main lot.
Regardless of the weather, the parade will step off at 11:15 a.m. Saturday and the chili dogs will be ready for all immediately thereafter.
So, cloak yourself in your best emerald outfits to join the celebration. And, don’t be late: The world’s shortest parade is a fun-but-fleeting Pagosa moment.
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