The Festival will be Saturday March 13, 2010. Check Fort Lauderdale Irish Festival for more info.

For the first time in 17 years, the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Downtown Development Authority are proudly sponsoring the Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival. This family friendly celebration of all things Irish will take place on Saturday, March 13, 2010 and it will be free and open to the public.

According to the US Census, at least 34 million Americans have an Irish ancestry. And even if you aren't of Irish descent, all can enjoy the culture, history, food and fun of a St. Patrick's Day celebration. Get your green on and plan NOW to enjoy the fun as Fort Lauderdale transforms into a see of color and music. the festival, which runs from noon to 9pm at Huizenga Plaza along the Riverwalk, will include cultural games and events including sheep herding, currach racing and hurling, and continuous live music, entertainment, and dance performances. The children's area will feature games,storytelling, amusements, delicious treats, contests and other activities. Additional festival highlights include historical education and ancestry areas, trivia, cooking demonstrations, authentic Irish cuisine and more!

Marching groups, civic organizations and comapnies are encouraged to enter the parade free of charge. The parade will be held from 2 to 3:30pm along Las Olas Blvd.

Additionally, the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Downtown Development Authority are holding a design contest for the parade and festival. The winning designer or artist will receive exclusive VIP passes, recognition on the event website, at the event and in media releases. the deadline for designs is Friday, Dec. 11, 2009.

For more infromation on this fun event, please call 954-828-5985 or visit http://ci.ftlaud.fl.us/events/st_patricks/index.htm and www.ftlaudirishfest.com (coming VERY soon!)

You can also follow us on Twitter at ftlaudirishfest and Facebook we have a group page and a fan page!! http://www.facebook.com/FtLaudIrishFest

For more information email Stephanie Brady at sbrady@fortlauderdale.gov

The city has had many great festivals over the years such as the Blues Festival and the Cajun Zydeco Festival. I'm very excited to know that we are bringing back one of the great traditions of Fort Lauderdale.

Please share your comments below about great times you remember at festivals you attended in the City of Fort Lauderdale.

• Blues Festival
• Cajun Zydeco Festival
• Dragon Boat Festival