Downtown Lee’s Summit welcomes the 11th annual Emerald Isle Parade, presented by Llywelyn’s Pub
Celebrate all things Irish during the 11th annual EMERALD ISLE PARADE, which begins at noon Saturday, March 12, 2016 in Downtown Lee’s Summit. The main parade route is on Green, Third and S.E. Main streets. The popular parade and fun activities before and after take place the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. This year’s parade theme is “Shamrockin’.”
The deadline for parade entry applications is March 1. The form can be accessed at: www.downtownls.org.
The 2016 Emerald Isle Grand Marshal, Chuck Denton, was selected in honor of his dedication to the Lee’s Summit community and years of service as the chair of the parade committee. Chuck, who owned an Irish Goods store downtown, is remembered as the person responsible for getting the Emerald Isle Parade started. The parade has become an annual family tradition for the whole Lee’s Summit community, bringing thousands of local residents downtown.
Back for its fifth year is the TRADITIONAL IRISH BREAKFAST, which takes place the morning of the parade from 8 to 11 a.m. at Mingle, 209 S.E. Main St. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for ages 10 and younger. Children 2 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased online or in person at the Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street office. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $5 for kids. Advanced tickets are recommended and can be found at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/emerald-isle-irish-breakfast-2016-tickets-21640487280?aff=efbevent.
The BITS O’ GOLD COIN HUNT takes place at 11:00 a.m. in Howard Station Park on S.E. Main Street. Children 8 and younger may participate in this race to find green and gold coins in the grass at Howard Station Park. No registration is necessary and prizes will be awarded to the children who find the rare gold coins.
Again this year is the BLARNEY BREW OFF, a home-brew competition and public tasting, organized by Grains & Taps. This event takes place in the parking lot just north of Mingle at 10:00 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at Grains & Taps or online at http://grainsandtaps.com/products/2016-blarney-brew-off-admission. Admission cost is $28.00 and comes with one tasting glass, Blarney Brew Off t-shirt, food, live entertainment, and the chance to sample from 50 different home-brew vendors. Samples poured while supplies last or until 2:00 p.m. Ages 21 and up; IDs will be checked.
More than 40 Downtown retail and specialty stores will be open throughout the day as they celebrate and showcase spring decor. Downtown restaurants and bars will feature their annual EMERALD ISLE PUB CRAWL which will take place at approximately 1 p.m., following the parade, and will continue into the evening. To purchase an Emerald Isle Pub Crawl T-shirt or for more information, visit any Downtown Lee’s Summit restaurant or bar.
Codie Allen, radio personality on 106.5 The Wolf, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Judges for this year’s Emerald Isle Parade include Ellen McNamara (KCTV5), Matt Evans (KMBC 9 News), and other local celebrities.
The Emerald Isle Parade, hosted by Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street, is presented by Llywelyn’s Pub and sponsored by Amtrak/Missouri River Runner, Down to Earth Services, Lakewood Counseling/Truman Medical Center, Weed Man, Mingle, and Grains & Taps.
