Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade

What: Atlanta’s 129th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Where: Downtown Atlanta
When: Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 12 noon
Cost: Free, but you’ll have to park in a pay lot around the parade route

St. Patrick’s Day is a BIG deal in my family. If you’re looking for a great way to celebrate, head to the Atlanta’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade this Saturday, March 12 beginning at 12 noon in Downtown Atlanta. The parade begins at Peachtree St. and Ralph McGill and goes past Woodruff Park to Underground Atlanta. Here’s a map of the parade route.

I LOVE a parade and this one is a wonderful family friendly event. Of course there are the requisite marching bands, clowns, schools of Irish dance with girls in those fabulous dresses and Catholic grade school floats. But this parade also has the 501st Stormtroopers from Star Wars, in kilts no less. Always a HUGE hit with my boys.

After the parade, head to Underground Atlanta for the St. Patrick’s Day party and celebration. It’s a family event with Irish dancers, singers and performers.

Feeling adventurous? Head down to Savannah for the Tara Feis Irish Celebration. It’s the family friendly version of the annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities.