Clare County Council is inviting groups, businesses, societies and clubs from all over Clare to take part in the 2018 Ennis St. Patrick’s Day Parade which takes place on Saturday 17 March at 11.00am.
In excess of 10,000 people lined the streets of the Clare County Capital during last year’s parade, which featured 50 groups representing the many aspects of life in Ennis and County Clare.
The theme for this year’s Parade is ‘Ennis – Ireland’s Friendliest Place’, which the Local Authority says provides participating groups, organisations, bands, schools and members of the public an opportunity to celebrate the recently awarded status. There will be an overall prize of €400 for the group that best represents the parade theme while all parade participants will be included in an open draw for one of four prizes of €150 each.
Among the international visitors to Ennis for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a group of musicians from Langenfeld, Ennis’ German twinning partner.
In welcoming the theme of this year’s parade, Mayor of Ennis Cllr. Paul Murphy, said, “Clare County Council, through Local Enterprise Office Clare, and Ennis Chamber are working together to promote the development of a vibrant and competitive retail sector in the town. These efforts have been recognised by Retail Excellence Ireland who recently named Ennis as ‘Ireland’s Friendliest Place’. It is important we acknowledge this achievement through the town’s largest annual public event which is all about celebrating community.”
Application forms are available from ennisparades@clarecoco.ie, www.clarecoco.ie or from the Ennis Municipal District office on 065 6846542. Alternatively, see Facebook (www.facebook.com/ennisparade) and Twitter (@ennisparade).