Portsmouth Saint Patrick's Day Parade 2009
Saturday March 14 @ 3 pm

“Live the Dream. Make it Happen. Walk the Line!”

St. Patrick's Day parade coming to Portsmouth, Ohio

History is about to be made in this small city in rural southern Ohio. On March 14, 2009 the City of Portsmouth will play host to its first-ever St. Patrick's Day parade. Portsmouth, which was established as a city in 1815, has never had an official St. Patrick's Day parade, according to John Hogan, President of the 7 Nations Celtic Club. “Many great cities, all over the globe, celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a parade. We decided that it was about time that Portsmouth had one too,” said Hogan.

The parade will begin at 3:00 P.M., Saturday, March 17 th , with over thirty-five marching units traveling the six-tenths of a mile parade route, starting at the City's new Visitor's Center, located in the historic Boneyfiddle District, and ending in the City's center, at the Roy Rogers Esplanade. According to Hogan the parade is an expression of positive community spirit. “We just want everyone to participate, and have a good time, while making Portsmouth history.”

The parade is the brainchild of several 7 Nations Celtic Club members. The Club is the parade's sponsor. “Our mission,” said Hogan, “is to promote public awareness of, and appreciation for, the influence of Celtic culture on contemporary society, through education, research, and the collection and dissemination of information. What better way to call attention to our mission than a parade?” If you're curious, the 7 Celtic [pronounced kell-tic ] nations include:   Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, Galicia & Asturias, and the Isle of Mann.

The Club, which meets at 7:00 P.M., on the second Thursday of each month, at the Port City Cafe and Pub, 424 Chillicothe Street, Portsmouth, sponsors a number of events throughout the year. “It is our goal to hold educational, artistic and entertainment events, highlighting Celtic culture, throughout the year,” said Hogan; “And, of course, to have some fun while doing so!” The Club hopes to establish the St. Patrick's Day parade as an annual event.

The parade slogan is “Live the Dream. Make it Happen. Walk the Line!” referring to the tradition of painting the street centerline green along the parade route. “We may not get to paint the line green this year,” said Hogan, “but, regardless, on March 17 th we will be making a dream come true.”

For further information about the parade, or the 7 Nations Celtic Club, visit the Club's website at www.7NationsCelticClub.org ,, email Hogan at 7Nations@leprechaunproductionsllc.com , or write to the 7 Nations Celtic Club, P.O. Box 629. Portsmouth, OH 45662.

Contact person:   John Hogan

                        P.O. Box 629, Portsmouth, OH 45662-0629

                        740-354-2754

            jhogan@leprechaunproductionsllc.com

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