In recent years, St. Patrick's Day has become a big day to celebrate in Roanoke. Events include an extensive community parade and a vendor area. Kim and Justin had been once before to the vendor area and again, largely on accident, when driving through downtown, but such a beautiful day and an invitation from good friends made this year's festival irresistible. Downtown Roanoke was positively vibrant!
The parade event included entries from community groups like the Parrotheads, many a Girl Scout Troop and animal rescue league, various vehicles, businesses, groups with political positions, pipes and drums bands, the local roller derby league...you name it! Elijah was thrilled with the entire show for its approximate 90 minute duration.
The vendor area was more general than Celtic, but we did visit the Celtic Tides stand where Kim and Justin were introduced to two new sodas: Red Lemonade and Irn Bru. We also made it to the Taubman's community day and to Horizons, a new restaurant on the market. Market businesses were reaping the benefit of the crowds, something we love to see.
If you go, be prepared for crowds and barriers that make traversing the area a bit more difficult. Otherwise, enjoy the community feel of the event, expecting to bump into friends and neighbors. It makes a great day to eat and shop locally as well. Local businesses to visit in the market area include On the Rise bakery, La De Da women's boutique, Beads Indeed jewelry crafting store, and Chocolate Paper gifts.
Relevant Links:
Roanoke St. Patrick's Day Celebration
No comments:
Post a Comment