Former islanders and visitors are flocking to St. Croix as the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade approaches. The parade will take place in Christiansted this Saturday, March 18 starting at 11 a.m. and will bring a ‘sea of green’ to town.
The 2017 Grand Marshall is Senator Samuel Sanes.
The holiday is taken seriously on-island and parade attendees will show-up in head-to-toe green garb. Think dyed facial hair for men and oversized green tutus for ladies. The celebration is so notorious, that MTV’s The Real World hopped over from filming on St. Thomas a few years ago to film at the parade.
Several restaurants in town bring in special food and beverages for this event, like Tavern 1844 shipping in kegs of Irish Guinness beer. Some restaurants will set-up satellite bars near their permanent locations to handle the overwhelming foot traffic.
The streets in Christiansted will be closed in town Saturday, so plan to park nearby and walk. Company Street retailer The Blue Mutt is selling space on their front porch, a primo seat for the parade as it passes by. Seats there are selling for $20 each with proceeds benefiting the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center.
Floats and troupes will compete for awards at the parade. There are official sponsors and in years past there has been a charitable beneficiary for the St. Pat’s festivities. Vendors will also be set-up throughout the closed streets selling food, jewelry, art and more.
St. Croix is a great place for parades, parties and celebrations. If you think an all-day party outdoors in the middle of March sounds like your idea of fun, this island may be perfect for you. Contact Chris and Kerri Hanley for expertise in island real estate. Start by downloading their free St. Croix Event Guide (which of course includes the St. Pat’s parade!):
