Community Corner

St. Patrick's Day 2014 in Gaithersburg: Parade Route, Parking Options, More

The parade steps off Saturday at 10 a.m. but city officials warn the closest parking options fill up around 9 a.m.

Marching bands, pipers, Irish dancer – and an expected high of 60 degrees.

What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Gaithersburg?

The City of Gaithersburg, in partnership with the Harp and Shamrock Society of Gaithersburg and The Peterson Companies and Washingtonian Center, will host the 14th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 15, at Washingtonian Center (I-370 and Washingtonian Boulevard).

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Dozens of units will march in the parade, including Celtic dancers, bagpipe bands, clowns, fire trucks, and more. When the parade is over there will be live entertainment on the Lakefront Plaza until 1 p.m., according to the city’s website.

The grand marshals and masters of ceremony for this year’s parade are Tommy McFly, Kelly Collis and Jen Richer of 94.7 Fresh FM’s The Tommy Show.

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For more information contact the City of Gaithersburg at 301-258-6350 or email dwinder@gaithersburgmd.gov, or The Harp & Shamrock Society at 240-447-9744, www.hssg.org.

Parade Information for Spectators and Participants

Arrival
The event has grown each year and the nearest parking lots/garages fill up between 9 and 9:30 a.m. If nearby lots are full, head to the garage by the Rio Center.

Participants - police will be closing the street into the Washingtonian Center at 7:30 a.m.

Volunteers and Participants
Report to line-up area behind Corner Bakery and Rio Grande.

Route
Parade begins at Rio Boulevard and Grand Corner and ends on Grand Corner by Kohl’s.

Viewing
Anywhere along Grand Corner Avenue from Joe’s Crab Shack/Uncle Julio’s to the Kohl’s.

Parking
The parking garage on Washingtonian Boulevard with the bridge to Target or the parking garage for the Rio near the movie theater and Marriott, then walk on the boardwalk by the lake, over the bridge past Joe’s Crab Shack/Uncle Julio’s.

Handicap Parking
Available in all garages (look for designated signs) and a limited number of spaces in the Macaroni Grill parking lot (officers will direct you).

Safety
Spectators should keep children, pets and strollers out of the main path of the parade route. Participants should not throw items into the crowd. Instead, have someone walk alongside the unit to hand out candy or other items.

Weather 
March is an unpredictable month for weather and the event is held rain or shine. The parade lasts about an hour, but the other activities (music, balloon art, etc.) go on into the early afternoon. Bring a jacket, hat, gloves, scarves, umbrellas, etc. to get the most out of the day.

In the event of inclement weather or an emergency situation and this event is cancelled call 301-330-0050, ext. 2434, for updates or check the City of Gaithersburg website Saturday morning for updated information regarding the event.

Dress Up for the Occasion
Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day so here is your chance to wear your green or dress like a leprechaun.


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