The Irish Congress of Southern California’s San Diego St. Patrick's Day Parade

The Irish Congress of Southern California’s 28th Annual San Diego St. Patrick's Day Parade and Family Festival will step into history on Saturday,March 15, 2008 at 11:00 am in Balboa Park. Presented by the good folk at Guinness, this year's event centers on the theme "Honoring Service and Rescued Animals."

Serving as Executive Grand Marshal will be San Diego
Mayor Jerry Sanders. Parade Grand Marshals are T.
Boone and Madeleine Pickens, who are being honored for
their philanthropy in rescuing stranded animals from Hurricane Katrina and reuniting them with their owners. They also serve on the Board of Directors at Helen Woodward Animal Center.

Our San Diego Man of the Year is Michael Arms, the President of the Helen Woodward Animal Center. The San Diego Woman of the Year is holistic veterinarian Dr. Jacque McAndrew, owner of the South San Diego Veterinary Hospital. The
Irishman of the Year is Sgt. Major Mark O'Loughlin,
USMC, and Irishwoman of the Year is Amy Pat Rigney, who
owns Tir Na Nog Stables for rescued horses.

The Irish Congress' Friend of Rescued Animals is Tiffany St.
Ives, founder of the Purple Cow. Their Friend of Service Animals is Larry Adair, K-9 Police Officer with his dog, Jake. A very special Parade Guest will be Benji The Dog, movie star of many films and beloved by children of all ages.

John and Angela Byrne of Kilkenny will serve as Ireland Representatives this year. The 2008 Smiling Irishman is Todd Greer and the 2008 Miss Colleen is Megan McLellan.

The two-hour parade leads right into the Family Festival in the park. Two entertainment stages featuring traditional and contemporary Irish musicians and singers will liven things up beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Kicking things off will be the Emerald Society Pipes
and Drums. The Main Stage will highlight Tony Cummins, Brehon Law, Brian Bains, and The Shamrockers. The North Stage will add two bands to its entertainment agenda, which also features some traditional and contemporary Irish dancing.

An expanded Celtic Village will offer a glimpse into Irish life as it was some 1,000 years ago, including live steel demonstrations and ancient craft making. The highly popular Kids Zone will be highlighted by llama rides, huge inflatable slides and face painting.
A plethora of Irish craft and merchandize booths,plenty of Irish food, and information booths will appeal to the Irish in all of us and are guaranteed to get you up to speed on all things Irish. Animal demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day, to
show off their skill, agility and good behavior.

The Festival Area is located between Laurel and Upas
Streets along 6th Avenue. There will be two beer
gardens this year: the Main Beer Garden at 6th and
Laurel and the North Beer Garden at 6th and Quince.
Presenting sponsor Guinness and Mesa Distributing are
sponsoring a “Safe Ride Home Program" with the sign-up
booth located in the Main Beer Garden.

In a joint effort with Old Town Trolley Tours and
Balboa Park, FREE round trip tram service will be
provided every 15 minutes, 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 pm, from
Tram Central on Presidents' Way and Park Blvd. to the
intersection of Balboa Drive and El Prado (Laurel Street).

The Irish Congress of Southern California is a 501 (3)
c entity and is staffed entirely by volunteers. All
events are free and are open to the public. Please
call us at 858-268-9111. Our e-mail is
irishcongressofsocal@hotmail.com, or visit our
website at www.stpatsparade.org for info.