I am honored to be serving as chairman this year for an organization whose volunteers dedicate themselves so whole-heartedly at working to benefit our charitable causes and who put together the wonderful community event, the Lawrence St Patrick’s Day Parade. This is our 18^th year of parades and to date the fundraising efforts of the committee has contributed more than $290,000 to local charities with its focus on the young people of our community. To remind everyone, the organizations we are funding this year are The Shelter and to the Lawrence Youth Football program. These organizations touch the lives of many children in our area and they need your help. To further that end we are here today for several special announcements regarding this year’s activities.

Our premier events are coming up fast and we hope everyone in the community will find a way to share in the fun and share the spirit of giving that our activities represent.

This Saturday March 5^th the committee will be hosting the Annual Celebrity and Sports Charity Auction at Liberty Hall. Doors will be opened by 5:30PM for viewing the auction items—and silent bidding will begin at 6 O’clock. The live auction will begin at 7PM. The Master of Ceremonies will be the Voice of Lawrence, Mr. Hank Booth, assisted by Channel 6’s own notable personality Mr. Kevin Romary. I want to thank both of them and I want to thank Debi Drummet and Brenda Brown, our auction coordinators, personally and publicly, for all they have done to make this event a success.

On Saturday March 12^th the 5K Shamrock Shuffle will be held at and behind Johnny’s along the Kansas River levy. Many thanks go to both McDonald and Anthony Chiropractic Clinics for sponsoring this event and to Jim McDonald for all of the coordinating effort that it entails. And, a special thanks goes to Rick Renfro for his facilities and for the good food that he provides for everyone who participates in this season-opening fun run. Pre-registration is available for $15 and includes a T-shirt for those who register in time. Day of the race registration will be $18 and begins at 7:00AM with a start time of 8 O’clock.

Also, a motorcycle “Poker Run” is being held that same day, Saturday March 12^th, it will be starting from the Jet Lag Lounge at 12 noon, the proceeds of which are being donated to the Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Now, for the Parade on Thursday March 17^th the parade will begin from South Park at 1:00PM and will proceed through Downtown, across the river, down Locust Street, and through North Lawrence.

We want as many people to participate in the parade as possible So, I am announcing today that we will be extending the deadline for entry applications by one week but applications need to be in our hands before Friday, March 11^th. Applications for the Parade and the 5K Shamrock Shuffle as well as information for all events are available online at http://lawrencestpatricksdayparade.com/. Applications may also be obtained at Cottin’s Hardware on Massachusetts St or at McDonald Chiropractic at 23^rd and Haskell.  Additionally, 5K Shamrock Shuffle forms are available at most of the sport shops and athletic clubs around town.

Further information is available by calling 749-6677.

Along with our events I have a few special announcements. We of the committee have lost two close friends of the parade this year, whose passing has led us to dedicate this 2005 parade to the memories of Mrs. Barbara B. McDonald and Mr. Arthur “Bud” Newell, whose kinship and participation will be greatly missed.

Today, we have with us some very special people that I would like to introduce and to explain or at least describe their involvement in the parade. A friend of Lawrence and a long time fan of KU, and one for whom the border war hasn’t a greater meaning in the last 150 years,  this year’s Grand Marshal, Mr. Don Fambrough.

As well as, a couple of other long time fans of Lawrence dedicated to improving the community the way they see fit. And, who are being honored in this year’s parade as our forever young Senior King and Queen Bob and Patsy Moody.

 

Thank you all!

 

  

For information please call 749-6677,

email: info@lawrencestpatricksdayparade.com,

or visit our website at http://www.lawrencestpatricksdayparade.com.