Why is there no St. Paddy's Day Parade in Jax?

[Jason]

I've always wondered why Jax doesn't jump aboard the Irish celebrations and sponsor a St. Paddy's Day parade and other events.  It seems to me that there is a significant Roman Catholic and Irish population in the area that would patronize, not to mention the hoards of other people backing the statement "On St. Paddy's Day everyone is Irish!"

Just seems like another potentially huge event that could be held downtown.

[David]

Because it doesn't involve football, country music or monstertrucks?

[CrysG]

I think it's a real shame that the city lets holidays like this pass without trying to do anything to celebrate or bring money into the city.

I guess since it's not on a weekend and doesn't have the above they don't care.

[Jason]

Just imagine what a consolidated event would do for the city.  There are already thousands that turn out for the individual private events.  5 to 10 thousand people downtown for a parade and other events capped off with a big party stretching from the Landing on down Laura to Hemming Park would be huge.  We could even "green" the fountains around the core like many other cities do.  How cool would that be?

[David]

Yeah that was my other thought. It's not a holiday people have off work, so with the working class mentality here, they figure why bother. Or maybe someone just needs to organize it.

O'Brothers pub is doing a block party in 5 points tonight though, they're closing the streets off. At least that's something close for those of us not wanting to cross the ditch on a Tuesday night.

[reednavy]

It is just another day if you ask me.

Wanna St. Patty's party, travel 100 or so miles to Savannah.

[Jason]

Naples is the only city in Florida I've found that has a parade while others have some sort of small festival.  Surely, if a Jacksonville event were well organized it would garner support from most points south and west, not to mention the locals.  People planning a Savannah trip may be more likely to stop off in Jax instead. 

Tie a true blue Parade in with the Irish Fest and Jax could become the premier even in Florida.

[CrysG]

That would be nice. I for one don't feel like driving to Savannah when I live in a city that has the ability to host something like that themselves. They just don't have the drive.

[Ocklawaha]

Not enough Paddy's in this burg I guess, though it seems like we "did" have such a festival under Mayor Jake Godbold.

There HAS been a run on Irish Whiskey down at ABC... Follow em home and have a real festival!

Seriously, I would like to see a return of Jacksonville's party and festival era under Boss Hogg.

OCKLAWAHA

[Ernest Street]

Because it doesn't involve football, country music or monstertrucks?

I ask people what their "Nationalities " are all the time. A lot just shrug, or say I think 1% native American.(One said Texas!).That's why we don't have any Real European  ethnic food here.
Of course everyone becomes Irish on st Paddy's....

[Shwaz]

Because it doesn't involve football, country music or monstertrucks?

LMAO

I disagree though. Jacksonville has many young people whose #1 hobby is drinking.

Also, the Irish fest was just last weekend with a pretty good turn out. I had a blast. I would imagine it would've been standing room only if the Irish fest fell on both St. Patty's day and also the weekend.

[Deuce]

Wasn't there something in Metro Park this weekend with bands playing?

[Shwaz]

ask people what their "Nationalities " are all the time. A lot just shrug, or say I think 1% native American.(One said Texas!).That's why we don't have any Real European  ethnic food here.
Of course everyone becomes Irish on st Paddy's....

I'm third generation Slovak  /Irish - should I open a restaurant that serves pasties and kielbasa?

Ask somebody that just came to the states what their heritage is... they're the ones who would open the authentic joints. The people you're talking about are Americans.

[Shwaz]

Wasn't there something in Metro Park this weekend with bands playing?

Also, the Irish fest was just last weekend with a pretty good turn out. I had a blast. I would imagine it would've been standing room only if the Irish fest fell on both St. Patty's day and also the weekend.

[Jason]

The Irish Fest over the weekend was deemed a success (been going a couple years now).  I've just been hoping for a bit more support from the city and a consolidated effort to bring it to the CBD and make it free for all similar to what has been announced for the upcomming Jazz Fest.  Plus throw in a descent parade!