Mayor Jack Seiler to Preview St. Patrick’s Event on March 13

Ceremony to Feature Introduction of Parade Grand Marshal, Presentation of Green Jacket, and Ceremonial Painting of Green Stripe on Las Olas Boulevard

Fort Lauderdale Mayor John P. “Jack” Seiler will renew a legendary St. Patrick’s tradition on Friday, March 13 when he paints a green stripe along Las Olas Boulevard to ceremoniously mark the route for the upcoming St. Patrick’s Parade.

The annual Event Preview and Street Striping Ceremony will take place on Friday, March 13 at NOON in front of Huizenga Plaza, located at the corner of Andrews Avenue and Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale. 

Highlights of the event will include the formal introduction of Doug Eagon, the 2015 St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshal; presentation of the Grand Marshal’s Green Jacket; a Blessing of the Street; and special appearances by a bagpiper and the “world’s tallest leprechaun.”

The festivities will culminate when Mayor Seiler takes to the street with a paint roller in hand to lay down a green stripe on Las Olas Boulevard.

Doug Eagon – 2015 St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshal
As President of Stiles Corporation, Doug Eagon has been an integral part of Fort Lauderdale’s growth, development, and progress for more than three decades.  He has overseen numerous office, retail, and residential development projects that have redefined downtown Fort Lauderdale including 300 Las Olas Place, Las Olas Centre, New River Center, One Blockbuster Plaza, Bank of America Plaza at Las Olas City Centre, and 350 Las Olas Place.  Today, Doug is spearheading the development team responsible for Fort Lauderdale’s newest and only ultra-luxury residential high-rise building located at 215 Southeast 8th Avenue. In addition to his business success, Doug has given back thousands of hours to the community serving on Fort Lauderdale’s Housing Authority Board, Planning and Zoning Board, the Downtown Development Authority, the Board of the American Red Cross, the Broward Education Foundation, the FAU Broward County University Advisory Committee, and numerous other educational, non-profit and charitable endeavors. Doug has been a tremendous supporter of the St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival since its reintroduction in 2010, providing assistance through sponsorships, in-kind services, and support activities.  

Public parking for the St. Patrick’s Event Preview and Street Striping Ceremony is available for a fee at the City Park Garage, 155 S.E. 2nd Street, and at One River Plaza, 305 S. Andrews Avenue.

The Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Parade will begin at noon on Saturday, March 14 and travel west along Las Olas Boulevard from S.E. 5th Avenue to Las Olas Riverfront. This year, the colorful parade will feature more than 100 entries including decorative floats, pipe and drum corps, classic automobiles, bagpipers, marching bands, animals, Irish dancers, street performers, scout troops, local sports teams, Veterans groups, and more.

Following the parade, stick around for the best Irish celebration in town as the St. Patrick's Festival continues until 7:00 pm at Huizenga Plaza and along the Riverwalk.  Highlights will include live performances by Celtic Bridge, the Joe Dougherty Band, the Aranmore Academy of Irish Dance, the Fineans, the Drake School of Irish Dance and more!  At 5:30 pm, don’t miss an exclusive performance by “U2 by UV” – the ultimate U2 tribute band.

In addition to outstanding entertainment, families and youngsters will love the festival's expanded Kids Zone featuring bounce houses, gigantic slides, pony rides, a trackless train, face painting, a petting zoo, mechanical rides, and much more!
 
The festivities will also include exhibitor booths, arts and crafts, souvenirs, and plenty of your favorite Irish food and beverages.

For more information about the Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick's Parade and Festival, call the event hotline at (954) 828-5985 or visit www.ftlaudirishfest.com.