Lakewood Ranch plans St. Patrick's Day celebration

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Throughout his life, Frank Shea has relished St. Patrick’s Day — a day his Irish family came together to watch parades, feast on corned beef and cabbage and sing and dance.

So when he moved from the Boston area to the East County, five years ago, it was a celebration he missed sorely.

Now, as vice president of the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Corp. board, Shea and others are joining their efforts to bring a Celtic flair to Lakewood Ranch this weekend.

Community Activities will present its first Irish Celtic Festival and Lucky Dog Parade from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 17, at Central Park, 12150 Forest Park Circle, Lakewood Ranch.

The event kicks off at 11 a.m. with a Lucky Dog Parade led by Grand Marshal and Lakewood Ranch resident Don O’Leary. Parade entry costs $5 in advance or $10 the day of the parade, and judges will pick winners in categories of “cutest,” “most Irish,” and “owner-dog look-alike” in small, medium and large breeds at the parade’s conclusion.

The parade will be followed by a plethora of Celtic-inspired activities, including music by the Celtic Misfits and Sarasota Mandolin Ensemble and performances by Irish dancers from the Drake School and New World Celtic Dance. There also will be Irish song karaoke and Irish-themed contests. Children’s festivities will include a Pot O’ Gold scavenger hunt, face painting, potato decorating and more. Traditional Irish food and drink also will be available for purchase.

“We are very excited about our Irish Celtic Festival and have put together a fantastic line up of activities for young and older,” Shea said.

Additionally, guests will be able to purchase event T-shirts, as well as wares from local vendors, who will be offering items such as jewelry, wallets, cutting boards, glassware and more.

Event parking will be available along 44th Street East and at Gullett Elementary School.

The event will go on rain or shine, and the parade will raise funds for the Lakewood Ranch Humane Society, Honor Animal Rescue and the Humane Society of Manatee County.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

If You Go
Irish Celtic Festival and Lucky Dog Parade
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 17
WHERE: Central Park, 12150 Forest Park Circle, Lakewood Ranch
PARKING: Gullett Elementary School, 12125 44th Ave. E., Bradenton.
BENEFITS: Lakewood Ranch Humane Society, Honor Animal Sanctuary and the Humane Society of Manatee County
INFORMATION: www.lwrcac.com