Holmes Beach restaurateur Sean Murphy of the Beach Bistro hosted the 17th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday. The popular parade attracts over 15,000 celebrators to enjoy the free event consisting of floats, bands, cars, animals, boats and walkers. It is open to all-comers.
The parade participants assembled at the Holmes Beach City Hall field at 2 pm and began moving at 4 pm north up Marina Drive and Palm Drive to 78th Street. Large crowds lined the route on the mild, sunny day. Local area school bands and pipe bands pumped out their music, floats’ riders threw out candy and beads, and decorated golf carts, cars and trucks carried local business owners.
It doesn’t take only an Irishman to enjoy the sounds and sights of a St. Patrick’s parade, and the animals and ornaments thrilled children and adults alike. Green was the theme but the celebration was for everyone.