Important Parade Day Info
Parade is Sat March 16,2024
Arrival Time: 10:30AM - 10:50am
Parade Start Time: NOON
We are so excited to have you join us at the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Please read the info below. We hope you will join us at the Post Parade PARTY at New Realm Brewery!
PARADE RULES:
All Atlanta Irish Dance Students under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult during the parade.
Only Students may ride on the parade float. If you have family members who are unable to walk the entire distance (approx. 1 mile), don't worry: We have a CHEER Section! Details below.
You can pass things out to the crowd, but NO THROWING ANY OBJECTS into the crowd!
Parking:
If possible, please use MARTA. Get off at the ARTS CENTER Station (Red & Gold Lines), 2 blocks from our starting spot!
Drop off map: HERE
Road Closures: HERE (NOTE: THIS IS AN OLD MAP. They have not yet released 2024 lane closures, but this has been accurate in the past). They are also Filming a MOVIE that morning, so additional roads may be closed. We will email an updated map if/when they send this out :)
Where to GO:
CLICK HERE: REVIEW THIS DOP OFFF MAP! (the yellow highlight is a good drop off zone) When you arrive, please report to the WHEELS #1 AREA in the Marshaling Area at 10:00 AM. That Marshaling Area is usually located on Peachtree St. between 16th St. & West Peachtree (we have NOT received our exact location yet from the parade & will update this information as it comes). **Our Unit Number is Unit 17. Parade Volunteers will meet you upon arrival to direct you.
What to WEAR:
Students- Costume & Tennis Shoes (Bring Dance Shoes for Later but leave them in the Car! Preferred black or white tennis shoes.). NO WIGS. Hair clean & half up with school Headband. Plan to wear poodle socks. ***If it’s Cold we will email Friday Night for girls to wear Opaque Black Tights instead of poodle socks. You may also wear hats and/or gloves, but we are trying not to cover up the Costumes. Key words: LAYER UNDER!
Parents- Your Black or Green Atlanta Irish Dance Spirit Tee w/Jeans or Black Pants. If it’s Cold---wear a Long-Sleeved Black T-shirt or Turtleneck UNDER the Tees. You may also wear hats and/or gloves, but try not to cover up the T-shirts. LAYER UNDER!
What to BRING:
Bring SNACKS and DRINKS while waiting in the Marshaling area. We will use marshaling time to practice our parade performances, put final tweaks to the parade float, and have fun!
END OF PARADE WALKERS: The parade ends by turning onto 5TH STREET. Teachers will wait by the students on the sidewalk until parents reunite with them (parents are walking behind the dancers who will be performing). Dancers may not leave until a parent is physically present and is seen by a teacher. They cannot simply point to a parent and run up the street to you :) Please help us have a safe and stress-free parade by committing to this process!
END OF PARADE FLOAT RIDERS: Our parade Float will fit about 5-6 Little Tots or young Beginners and 3-4 World Qualifier dancers. Priority is given to the littlest dancers who cannot yet dance/walk the full parade by themselves. IF YOUR CHILD IS ON THE FLOAT, PLEASE MEET THEM AT 4TH STREET & CYPRESS AFTER THE PARADE***. The parade float separates from the walkers at the end of the parade. ***As a parent/walker, you will be directed down 5TH Street. Do not worry! Simply walk down 5th Street, Turn LEFT on Cypress and meet you dancer and their teacher at 4TH Street by the Parade Float.
RAINS:
This event is RAIN OR SHINE. If the forecast predicts rain, please bring a clear poncho for you and your dancers!! We love you, but we cannot provide ponchos for over 100 people. :)
BC CHEER SECTION/SPECTATOR INSTRUCTIONS:
The Parade Begins at NOON. Atlanta Irish Dance Spectators are gathering at the corner of Peachtree Street & 7th Street to cheer us on. (Get off at the MIDTOWN Marta Station, walk East on 10th St., Turn Right on Peachtree, and walk 3 blocks to 7th Street). This is just 2 blocks from the end of the parade for easy meet up with your parade walkers!
Please let us know if you have any questions. This is going to be a really fun event!!
We look forward to seeing you at the Parade SATURDAY, March 11th! This is one of the best events of the year!
Route Map HERE
Road Closures HERE (Note: this is 2020 closures- they have not provided us with 2024 closures, but this has been accurate for many years.)