Eight months have passed since Estero Island had its most recent parade. Now, there will be two public processions within five days. The 12th annual Town of Fort Myers Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held on Wednesday, March 17, beginning at 10 a.m. at Santini Marina Plaza.

Just days after the 52nd annual Lions Club Shrimp Festival Parade and months after the FMB Civic Association Fourth of July parade, Beach festival goers will again have an opportunity to march, ride in a float or watch from the sidelines.

According to Parade Chairman Ray Murphy, there will be no anticipated changes in the parade's format. Entrants will still gather in the marina parking lot between 8:30 and 9 a.m. The course of the parade is from that lot to the Church of the Ascension parking lot with an expected 11 a.m. conclusion.

But, as with most parades, there will be a stoppage of traffic. In the past, the north end of the parade has been halted at Lanark Street on Estero Boulevard. Murphy warns residents and visitors should plan ahead if they need to leave the island that morning.

"Typically, the Lee County Sheriff's Office closes the boulevard about 10 minutes before the parade," said Murphy. "Anyone who needs to be off the beach (between 10 and 11 a.m.) better leave beforehand."

Also like most St. Patty's Day parades of past years, expect to see color guards, floats, musical bands and civic, business and neighborhood groups involved in the ceremonial occasion which honors Saint Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland. Corned beef and cabbage will be aplenty.

"It's not only a big celebration, it's also a Catholic Feast Day," said Murphy. "It honors the legacy of Saint Patrick. It's a fun day for the Irish and all those who would like to be Irish."

Facebook  MySpace  Digg  Stumble    Mixx  Fark  del.icio.us   LiveSpaces

Member Comments

View Comments: | Post a comment

No comments posted for this article.

You must first login before you can comment.