The procession will begin at 11 a.m. winding its way down the traditional route, departing from the Christiansted Wharf and Hospital Street area. Scratch and steel-pan music, a colorful entourage of floats and jubilant �Irish� descendants are just some of the features of the parade. A variety of refreshments will be available along the parade route, including local delicacies and traditional corned beef and cabbage. After the parade, a block party will be held in King�s Alley with live music, food, drink and the official parade award announcements. Proceeds from this year�s parade and party will benefit the St. Croix Special Olympics.

�The St. Patrick�s Day Parade is an important tradition that honors one of the many diverse cultures which comprise our community,� Commissioner Richards said. �It is a fun time for everyone to come together to celebrate the cultural heritage of the island and support a worthy cause.�

St. Croix� tradition of the annual St. Patrick�s Day parade began in 1969 when a group of local businessmen convened in Harry�s Office Bar on Queen Cross Street in Christiansted for a �cool one.� Within minutes, the first St. Patrick�s Day parade was formed. With an impromptu effort, a stakebed truck was commandeered, a piano put atop and the newly organized committee and fellow supporters were aboard singing Irish songs and saluting shoppers and shopkeepers who came out to see what all the activity was about.

For more information about the 35th Anniversary of the St. Patrick�s Day Parade, call 340-773-1139.

For additional information about the United States Virgin Islands, call (800) 372-USVI (8784), visit www.usvitourism.vi or contact the nearest USVI Department of Tourism regional office in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Washington, D.C. or Toronto.

United States Virgin Islands Department Of Tourism
Member Of The Caribbean Tourism Organization

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