The 2011 Parade has the makings of a great day out for all the family.  As usual there will be a huge variety of floats, bands, community and business entries.  Traditional Irish music will be provided by Féile Oriel before the Parade passes through the Diamond.  A cordoned off Church Square area will host street entertainment in the shape of bouncy castles, face painting, ZORB, penalty shootout and plenty more to keep the children busy.  Directly after the Parade our very own Monaghan Community Brass Band - and from Dublin - the Wassa Wassa African Drummer Band, will send the audience away with light music and dance from the newly constructed Bandstand in the Diamond.

For the first time ever Monaghan people will be able to watch the Parade no matter where they are in the world.  It will go out to the four corners of the globe on the internet courtesy of Murphy Video Services, Emyvale www.murphyvideoservices.com/livestream.  We are also honoured this year to have in attendance the Chilean Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Mr Searle Leonel, who will be accompanied by his wife, Luz Maria Ariztia, and the Secretary of the Fort Augustus Irish Society, Prince Edward Island, Canada Theresa Laverty and her husband Reg. They will view the Parade from the Reviewing Stand, along with Town Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Robbie Gallagher, Monaghan County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Jackie Crowe our local county and town councillors, clergymen and newly elected TDs.

Entrants to this year’s Parade are asked to have their Application Forms completed and submitted to Committee Secretary before close of business tomorrow, Friday, 11th March, to ensure that final details of the Parade can be included in next week’s Northern Standard. Additional Application Forms can be obtained by emailing the Committee Secretary at monaghantownstpatricksday@gmail.com.  Entrants wishing to have their details or message announced by the Master of Ceremonies while their float passes the Reviewing Stand must provide suitable wording to the Committee Secretary as soon as possible.   
Spectators are reminded that there will be parking restrictions to ensure the safety of participants and audience alike.  Car parking will be available at the Monaghan Leisure Centre, Convent Car Park, Peter’s Lake, Rooskey, Harps Complex, Courthouse, Diamond Centre and the two Glaslough Street Car Parks.
Everyone will be aware of the huge logistic operation involved in running a successful St Patrick’s Day Parade and volunteers are needed to act as Stewards on the day.  Anyone willing to provide their services – no experience is necessary – is asked to please contact the Committee Secretary by e-mail or c/o Monaghan Town Council. 
As part of Seachtain na Gaeilge, Monaghan County Council is again running its annual Comórtas na bhFuinneog (Windows Competition).  Judging will take place between 14th and 16th March.  If you are interested in taking part, and promoting the use of the Irish language, please contact noc@monaghancoco.ie before 11th March 2011.  On St Patrick’s Day itself, the doors of Caife Gaelach in the Westenra Hotel, The Diamond, will be open to anyone wishing to try out his or her cúpla focal while enjoying a hot cup of tea or coffee.