Irish eyes to shine on Henderson

City to host annual parade, festival and carnival this week

View File photoAngelo Gonzales, 2, greets an Irish setter from the Irish Setter Club during last year?s St. Patrick?s Day Parade on Water Street in Henderson. This year?s parade will be on Saturday. Advertisement

In general, stereotypes are bad.

But, occasionally, facets of those caricatures aren't too far off. Take, for instance, the one about how the Irish really know how to throw a party.

Leave it to the Irish to devise the kind of shindig taking place in Henderson this weekend in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

The 42nd annual Southern Nevada Sons of Erin St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival is a five-day celebration featuring a carnival, festival and parade at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 Water St.

This will be the fourth year that the parade has been hosted by Henderson, a commemoration that, according to special events coordinator Charlene Ham, even city workers look forward to all year long.

"When Irish clans get together, you can expect big-time entertainment," Ham said. "This is one of the largest events for us throughout the year."

According to Ham, the parade is the fifth-largest in the nation, boasting more than 100 entries with everything from horses to leprechauns.

City officials project that more than 30,000 people will attend the combined festivities.

"We advise people to show up as early as they possibly can," Ham said. "Not just for parking, but because last year, the lines on the streets were four people deep, and if you weren't here early, you got stuck in the back where it's hard to see."

This year's procession will include grand marshals the Scintas and 11-year-old singer Ellie Smith, school floats, more than 200 children, Celtic bands, 80 Corvettes, impersonators, politicians, Frankie Marino of "La Cage" and the Johnny Cash Tribute Band.

"It will be a sight to behold," said Sons of Erin President Mike Scanlon. "The parade, the festival collectively, takes a lot of planning. We began making plans as early as September. I think people will really enjoy themselves."

The festival and carnival will feature a petting zoo, inflatable bouncers, food and merchandise vendors, educational activities for children, a beer garden and live entertainment through Monday evening.

Parking will be available in the surrounding areas, as well as in the City Hall parking garage. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Ronald McDonald House.