ATHENS-Following the success of its Mardi Gras Parade with a Purpose, Athens Arts League is proud to
announce the launch of its first St. Patrick’s Day Parade with a Purpose, benefiting Athens Family Resource
Center.
The event will be March 17 in Downtown Athens.
This new community event will focus on collecting essential baby supplies, including diapers and wipes, to
support families in need throughout Athens and Limestone County. Those who want to donate diapers, baby
wipes and deodorant for the FRC can drop items off during business hours at Athens City Hall in the foyer now
through Saint Patrick’s Day.
“Our goal is to bring the community together, not only to celebrate, but to serve,” said Athens Arts League
board president, Jennifer Hilton-Sampieri. “Families with infants face ongoing financial pressure, and
something as simple as diapers and wipes can make a tremendous difference.”
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade with a Purpose is part of Athens Arts League’s growing initiative to pair seasonal
celebrations with meaningful community impact. An anonymous supporter asked Athens Arts League to
replicate the Mardi Gras Parade for St. Patrick’s Day because of the uniqueness of the buggy floats that
promote the Mardi Gras Food Drive.
The theme for the inaugural festivities is “Luck of the Wee Ones.” Just as the Mardi Gras Parade, Lowe’s is
sponsoring the event by allowing use of its shopping buggies that participants can decorate as St. Patrick’s Day
floats. Non-profits can enter for free and decorate a float to promote their mission. Decorated golf carts,
dance groups and others can also participate.
To secure a spot in the parade, contact Penny Baker at 256-431-6941 or by email at
pennybaker82@yahoo.com.
Here is a wee bit o’ information about the evening festivities:
March 17 at 5:30 p.m. – Live music on the Courthouse steps on Marion Street with Jim and Inge Wood,
who will perform traditional Irish music for an hour. Jim Wood is an accomplished fiddler and longtime
music education. He and Inge Wood have dedicated decades to preserving and performing traditional
Celtic and American roots music.
March 17 at 6:30 p.m. – The parade starts at Athens City Hall on Marion Street. It will take Marion to
Washington, Washington to Jefferson, Jefferson to Market, and Market to Marion back to the First
Methodist Church bus garage by City Hall.
