The City of Dallas will host an early St. Patrick's Day party Saturday. This is the 42nd year for the Dallas Mavs St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival along Greenville Avenue.
The parade starts at 11 a.m. on Greenville Ave just north of Northwest Highway and ends at SMU Boulevard. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"It's a unique and joyful day. It's the largest parade of its type in the entire southwestern United States. It draws people from all across our region, really across our country," says Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson.
Johnson will serve as grand marshal.
"It is quite the honor for me to be the grand marshal for this year's parade," he says. "Last year, of course, we had the GOAT, Dirk Nowitzki, as the grand marshal of the parade, so I have, quite literally, some very large shoes to fill. But I can assure you this: I am at least as Irish as Dirk Nowitzki is."
Organizers say the parade draws 125,000 people to Greenville Avenue every year. Greenville Avenue Area Business Association Chairman of the Board Kevin Vela says the event attracts people looking to drink green beer, but the festival includes food trucks, music and family-friendly events.
Vela says the parade also raises money for college scholarships for seniors at three high schools in Dallas ISD.
"We invite you to participate in the parade, not only one of the best events in Dallas each year but also a meaningful one that impacts the Dallas community for years to come," he says.
A kids' zone will be open outside the Comerica Bank branch at Greenville and Lovers.
"We're going to provide you with a safe, family-friendly, fun area on the parade route," says Comerica's Amanda Mahaney.
Information about events, the parade route and hours are available at https://www.dallasstpp.com.
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