St. Patrick's Day Parade, other family events taking place this Sunday, March 17

The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Waukon is taking place this Sunday, March 17. The event will begin at 1 p.m. with many of the same festivities taking place as in years past throughout the community.
Differences noted for this year's parade, however, deal with activity taking place within the parade itself. Waukon Police Chief Phil Young explains that due to insurance purposes and an overall safer focus for the parade, the following guidelines must be followed for parade entries:
• All motorized vehicles must be operated by a licensed driver
• No alcoholic beverages will be allowed on parade entries
• Candy must be handed out by parade entries, not thrown.
The parade route will be the same as in past years, beginning from the southeast edge of town and heading up Rossville Road and Spring Avenue to the stoplight intersection with Main Street. Turning left on to West Main Street, the parade will venture up to Second Street SW, where the entries will turn left at the Post Office, travel one block south to First Avenue SW, and then east back to Spring Avenue, turning right at Kwik Star to head back south to its point of origin.
Everyone is invited to participate with an entry that features an Irish theme in this year's parade. Those wishing to do so are asked to be lined up by 12 noon Sunday, float entries lining up in the parking lot of WW Homestead Dairy and the former Northern Engraving plant, and horse units gathering at the Croell Redi-Mix plant on the southeast edge of Waukon.
For additional information contact the Sweeney brothers at Village Farm and Home in Waukon at 563-568-4577.

IRISH FAMILY FUN FEST NEW THIS YEAR
The Waukon Wellness Center will be hosting an Irish Family Fun Fest following the parade until 5 p.m. Sunday evening. Prizes will be awarded for the Best St. Patrick's Day Costumes, and there will be snacks and games such as Family Minute To Win It, Bean Bag Toss, Bingo, Wacky Races and more, as well as volleyball, wallyball, racquetball, rock climbing and the bounce house. All proceeds collected from the suggested donation of $5 per individual or $20 per family will benefit the Waukon Trails Committee. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information contact the Waukon Wellness Center at 563-568-0074.