St. Patrick’s Day Parade: ‘Tremendous Support from the City of Vancouver’
VANCOUVER - Everybody loves a parade, and Vancouver seems to be loving the idea of this first annual St. Patrick’s day parade, which will be held on March 13 in downtown Vancouver. Mayor Larry Campbell has declared the week of March 12 to 17 as “Celtic Heritage Week.”
Celtic Heritage Society of Canada is organizing the event and president Malachy Mahon said, “this parade is really a family day.” He encourages everyone to come downtown and enjoy the festivities which will continue after the parade with music on the streets and in the restaurants and pubs in the downtown area.
Steve McVittie, who is the parade marshal and a director in the Celtic Heritage Society spoke to The Celtic Connection about the St. Patrick’s Day Parade about the events taking place on March 13.
“We’re starting off the parade with the Vancouver City Police Motorcycle Drill Team, followed by the B.C. Regiment Irish Pipes and Drums. They will be followed by the Lower Mainland Colour Party (flag carriers from the Legions), the Vancouver Police Ceremonial Unit and the City Police Pipe Band.
“Next will be antique cars, along with a number of businesses from the Granville Street area, Irish dancers, Irish wolfhounds, the Vancouver Fire Department will have an antique fire engine and a new fire engine.
“They will be followed by the Irish Sports and Social Club, The Celtic Connection, the Irish Women’s Network, the Sir John A. MacDonald Pipe Band, Seaforth Highlanders Band, the Pacific Northwest Scottish Heavy Events, along with a number of merchants.
“We also have an entry from Vancouver Island and the B.C. Interior. We have about 50 entries, so overall I think we have a pretty good mix for the first annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I understand that next year we may have people coming from Ireland to take part in some of the musical events.”
McVittie said the feedback so far has been tremendous and the City of Vancouver has been extremely supportive. He said, “normally to get any kind of a permit you’re looking at two to three months or longer depending on the process. The Fire Department, the Police Department, the City and the transit company all just jumped in and said this is what will work for us. The City Engineers worked out the route for the parade and we were in business.”
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For more information about the numerous events offered at Celtic Fest 2004 during Celtic Heritage Week, go to the Celtic Fest website at: www.celticfestvancouver.com
See the parade guide map for the parade routes in downtown Vancouver
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