Whether they were of Irish decent or just threw on kilts and shamrock stickers for the day, the attendees of the fourth annual Irish Celtic Festival celebrated the country's culture with food, bagpipes, spud decorating and other activities, March 14. Greenbrook Adventure Park transformed into a sea of green, while attendees dressed in their Irish best enjoyed performances by the Blue Eyed Bettys and the New World Celtic Dance teams. A staple of the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Corp.'s event, the Lucky Dog Parade marched through the park, as owners and their furry friends showcased their Gaelic pride. Proceeds from the parade benefited the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.
Eleven-year-old Buttercup and her owner, Ronna Williams, participated in the Lucky Dog Parade.
Sarah Campbell and her decorated dog, Nick, show off their green.
Carly takes a break in the shade.
Stella shows off her costume beside her owners, Zoe and Alex Dubendorf.
Bob Fair, also known as “Bobby O’Fair,” is a member of the Braden River Pipers.
Emilee Gately shows off her face paint and costume.
Gidget and his owner, Kathy Blankenship, sport green from head to waist.
Laughlin Gillette and his furry friend, Alistair, find their place in the parade line.
Albert Hill celebrates his heritage with his wife, Karen.
Joshua and Dakota Holler say cheese with their friends, Danielle Kirchberg and Penny.
Hope is Irish for a day.
Todd MacClinchy, Gillian and Sandra Conlen, Bob Greene and Mike Greer show off their kilts as symbols of their heritage.
Grace and Christian McCullough sport painted faces for the day.
Ava Munns and her mother, Shana, dress for the occasion.
Karen Nicholson, Anne and Julie Galla, and Kelly Nicholson pose with their dressed-up dog, Jack Nicholson.
Parade participants get into formation.
Richeal Parisi and her dog, Maverick, show their Observer pride.
Karson Redmon sits still so Akiko can paint her face.
Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Corp. Treasurer Terry Sharak puts up some last-minute decorations.
Erin and Gus Walsh decorate hats at the Observer booth.
Wylie, a bichon, sports just a little glitter.
Michelle Blankenship and 3-year-old Brutus show their green pride.
Sisters Ally and Paige Broderick show off their prizes from the festival.
