Surprises galore promised for St Patrick's Day festivities this year in Athlone

Organisers of the St Patrick's Day Parade in Athlone are promising lots of surprises for the public on March 17 next, with a record number of floats and entries taking part in this year's celebration, one that they say will see the town explode in to life with colour, dance and music. In a new departure, a Dublin-based ABBA tribute band will also perform at the Civic Square from 4pm-6pm in a bid to keep the party atmosphere going after the parade finishes. "We have a huge amount of surprises in store," Cllr Kevin Boxer Moran, a member of the organising committee said this week. "We'll have everything from circus acts to stilt walkers to fire eaters and the community involvement. We'll also have something that is 150 foot long and it fires fire," he said mysteriously, encouraging people to get out on the streets again this year. "It's a great time for businesses to advertise their business by way of a parade float and we'd encourage them to do that. We also have marching bands, the community groups involved and of course, Tonnta are playing a leading role," Cllr Moran added. Local shops and businesses are also being urged to get involved in the effort, and decorate their premises to mark the national holiday, one that could land them with great prizes in the Best Dressed Shop Window competition. There is also something for the children again this year, with the annual Treasure Hunt kicking off at 12pm on the day at Athlone Civic Centre. "There is something for young and old. I'd just encourage people to come out and get involved. I think they will enjoy it weather permitting. We have a small committee of just eight people and we've worked really hard to put a good parade in place. We'll have something special after the parade with an ABBA tribute band who are great," he commented, adding the group hope this year's event will build on the success of last year's festivities. He concluded by asking the public to mindful of some parking and traffic restrictions in the O'Connell Street area of the town, around Sean's Bar and close to the square and reviewing stand for safety reasons, the day prior to and the day of the event. A full line-up and plans for Wednesday March 17 will be released by the committee next week.