Chattanooga will go green for St. Patrick’s Day with celebrations of the Irish holiday spreading green cheer throughout the community.
On Friday, March 16 at 12:30 p.m., the Shamrock Society, the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County will kick off the 5th Annual St. Chatty’s Day Parade by turning the flowing water from the Fireman’s Fountain green.
On Saturday, March 17 at 1 p.m., The Shamrock Society, whose members include local and area business and community leaders, will present the 5th Annual St. Chatty’s Day Parade. "The parade is a family friendly event that will bring the best out in our community to celebrate the tradition of St. Patrick’s Day in Chattanooga," officials said.
The parade will be followed by St. Paddy’s Day Party, on the Parkway, at Patten Parkway beginning at 3 p.m., with a Kids’ Zone, live music and food.
Parade Route: The parade will close or partially close the streets used in the parade route from noon-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 17. Street closures and parade route include: Passenger Street, right onto Main Street, right onto Market Street, right on Houston and ending.
This year the parade will honor the legacy and community spirit of the late Jim Brewer (1961-2018) as Honorary Grand Marshal. Jim's memory, along with members of his family, will lead the 5th Annual St. Chatty's Day Parade on March 17. The parade will step off at 1 p.m. onto Main Street and will feature local high school marching bands, Alhambra Shrine Units including the Highlanders Pipe and Drum Band, Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and much more.
"The Shamrock Society invites our community businesses and organizations to participate in this city-wide event by sponsoring the parade or entering a parade float in celebration marking the historical St. Patrick's Day," officials said. Sponsorship opportunities range from $250-$2,500 and the parade fee is $25 per entry. All proceeds from the event will benefit Chattanooga’s Kids on the Block and the community’s youth.
Parade sponsors include: Queen Financial Services Corporation, Advance Financial, Corvair Club, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Peace Communications, Technology Projects, Hamilton County Democratic Party, Josh Wilson and Family, Professional Sign Services, Brewer Media, City of Chattanooga and the Pulse.
Following the 5th Annual St. Chatty’s Day Parade, the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day will continue with the 5th Annual St. Paddy’s Day Party on the Parkway hosted by Honest Pint. The event, beginning at 3 p.m. on Patten Parkway, is an all–ages street party designed to showcase and promote local and regional musicians and celebrate the tradition of St Patrick’s Day. The Party on the Parkway festival uses the entire length of Patten Parkway to celebrate with outdoor stages, food and beer vendors and again this year, will feature a large Kids’ Zone with interactive games, crafts, Oscar Mayer Weinermobile and Kona Ice, to name a few.
A special pub shuttle will safely transport guests to and from the event from several locations on the Southside, North Shore and downtown. Check the website www.parkwayparty.com for more information.
Live music throughout the day includes: 15 local bands including Strung Like a Horse, Slim Pickins, Danimal Planet, The Molly Maguires, Kerchief, Dead Testaments, Ashley & The X's, SunSap, Over Easy, Monday Night Social and more. Sidewalk Stages will feature entertainers to include Buskers and The Highlander Pipes & Drums.
Tickets are on sale now with pre-purchase discounts:
- General admission tickets: $15 advanced purchase/$20 at the gate
- VIP ticket: $45 advanced purchase/$55 at the gate if available.
The VIP Jameson lounge will feature private VIP restrooms, event t-shirt and VIP special tasting. Must be 21 and up to purchase VIP tickets.
Party on the Parkway will benefit Chattanooga’s Kids on the Block and SoundCorps. To purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.com key word St. Paddy’s Day Party on the Parkway.
For more information on the parade or to become a sponsor contact Kelly Lowry at 423-757-5259 or kellyl@kidsontheblock.net.