Crowds Turned Out for St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival

by Anne Ahrendt 

The weather man promised sunny and warm yet the gloomy skies did not dampen the participants of the Crawfordville Lion’s Club third annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival.

Over 68 units entered the parade-church groups, motorcycle mamas known as Chrome Divas, politicians and potential pets from the Citizen’s for Humane Animal Treatment (CHAT) all waltzed their way down Crawfordville Highway to compete for cash prizes.  Panacea Park Baptist Church’s float won a first place cash prize of $100.00 followed by Total Impact, the drama and dance troupe from Wakulla Springs Baptist Church in Second Place and the Green Elvis and the Priscillas for a great third place showing.

After the parade, festival goers enjoyed traditional Irish music and dance from C.O.A.S.T. Charter School’s Irish dancers and musicians.  They were followed by the folk trio, City Limits Band, Trafton Harvey, Total Impact, Calliope and Ray Rogers.  Young and old enjoyed the performances.

The air was filled with the smells of fried seafood, funnel cakes and other traditional fair fare.  A green iguana stole a bit of her owner’s hot dog while political candidates solicited signatures for ballot petitions nearby.  A traveling baseball team raised funds for a trip to their world series while potential puppy owners took dogs for a test drive.

Children tried their hands at a casting contest hosted by the Hydrilla Gnats for a chance to win fishing equipment while the younger set rode the ponies and enjoyed the amusement rides.

At 3:00 p.m., the winner of the $500 cash prize was announced.  The luck of the Irish was with Billy Pigott when his name was pulled out of the hat by a young volunteer from the audience.

The Crawfordville Lion’s Club will use the proceeds to provide eye exams and glasses for less fortunate in our community.  It is anticipated that at least 70 individuals will be recipients of eye care and wear in 2008.

Click here to view photo galleries by Emily Westmark and Joe Bonislawsky.  

(Article photos by Emily Westmark) 

- Submitted by Anne Ahrendt 

This article originally published on March 17, 2008.

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mkwestmark

 

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