Small Town News

Area residents get their green on for parade

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More than 5,000 spectators gathered along Jordan Road to watch the 43rd annual St. Patrick's Parade in Sedona Saturday, March 16.

Sedona Fire District's fire engine led the parade to clear the route. The Parade Grand Marshals were Sedona's First Responders represented by Sedona Fire Chief Kris Kazian and Sedona Police Chief Raymond O. Cota.

The Camp Verde Cavalry Color Guard appeared on horseback and Southwest Skye Pipes & Drums in full regalia gave a stirring bagpipe and drums performance. They were followed by the sponsor banners, representing the local businesses that provide support to keep the St. Patrick's Parade tradition going.

Sedona Mayor Rob Adams, Vice Mayor Mark Dinunzio and City Councilmembers Barbara Litrell, John Martinez, Dan Mcllroy and Mike Ward led the dignitaries including Camp Verde Mayor Bob Burnside with Camp Verde Marshal Nancy Gardner, Coconino County Supervisor District 3 Matt Ryan and Yavapai County District 3 Supervisor Chip Davis and District 2 Supervisor Tom Thurman.

Community organizations and businesses composed much of the Parade, showing phenomenal enthusiasm with their entries. They were all warmly received and each was announced by Master of Ceremonies John Conway. Entries were carefully scrutinized as potential award recipients by parade judges Steve Conrad, executive director of the Flagstaff Boys & Girls Club, Glorice Pavey, special event coordinator of Flagstaff Parks and Recreation, and Cynthia Nemeth, special event coordinator of Coconino County Parks and Recreation.

Immediately following the parade, the festival kicked off right beside the parade route. Southwest Skye & Pipes bagpipers Michael Donelson and Martha Shideler opened with a traditional bagpipe song and the band Dublin Soul performed throughout the afternoon. Parade awards for outstanding entries were announced and complementary performances by area youth talent entertained during band breaks. The McTeggart Irish Step Dancers of Arizona were represented by an impressive group of step dancers from Flagstaff and the Verde Valley and received thunderous applause. Sedona Strings from Sedona Charter School also performed.

Children were captivated by the wide variety of free activities, while everyone enjoyed lunch offered by the Sedona Community Center and a beer garden. Crowds of residents and visitors alike enjoyed the free entertainment and activities in a great setting on a fabulous day with the comfort of tables and chairs under canopies.

The parade and festival is a free event for the community and by the community that is made possible primarily by generous event sponsors with help from the additional businesses and property owners that donate services or products and all the community volunteers who gave time to make it happen. This event is presented and coordinated by Sedona Main Street Program, NAU's Park and Recreation Management Program and the Green Team event steering committee.

Parade and Festival photos are available on the Sedona Main Street Program website.



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