FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Las Olas Boulevard turned green on Saturday in honor of the annual Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick's Parade and Festival.
Thousands are expected to attend the celebration of all things Irish, which features a parade, live music, and a day full of fun for the whole family.
The events begin at 11 a.m. with opening remarks by Fort Lauderdale Mayor John P. "Jack" Seiler at Huizenga Plaza, before the second annual "Leprechaun Leap" gets underway.
The parade starts at noon, as hundreds march west along Las Olas Boulevard, from SE 5th Avenue to Las Olas Riverfront. The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will be marching in the parade for the first time.
Following the parade, a festival will continue until 7 p.m. around Huizenga Plaza and the Riverfront. Numerous exhibits and live performances will entertain festival-goers for hours.
For more information about the St Patrick's Parade and Festival, click here.
Road Closures
The City of Fort Lauderdale will shut down several roads ahead of the event.
E. Las Olas Boulevard from Andrews Avenue to SE 1st Avenue will be closed Friday night at 8 p.m. It will not reopen until 9 p.m. on Saturday.
E. Las Olas Boulevard from SE 1st Avenue to SE 8th Avenue will be shut down to vehicular traffic Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The intersections at SE 2nd, 3rd, and 6th Avenues will be closed from 11:15 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The eastbound lanes of North New River Drive East will also be closed Saturday, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Residents of area condominiums should use alternate entrances and exits, along SE 3rd and 4th Avenues.
If you're traveling in the area, expect traffic congestion and delays throughout the day.
For more information about where you can find parking, click here.