Garrison Avenue goes green

story and photos by Linda Kaufenberg

Hundreds of spectators crowded Garrison Avenue in downtown Fort Smith for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The children watching the parade were treated to candy and trinkets given out along the route.

The rain stopped only minutes before the parade began its route from Seventh and Garrison east to Immaculate Conception School. Before the parade started, the Lawbreakers and Peacemakers conducted a demonstration complete with a gun fight, and, of course the “good guys” won.

It was a time for wearing of the green as many spectators and parade participants sported green hair (even few dogs were sprayed green), green shirts, beads, tall green and white hats and green shirts and dresses.

The parade featured something for everyone with floats, motorcycles, beauties, dogs, antique cars, a fire truck and several sanitation trucks. Sister Mary Sarto, librarian at Immaculate Conception School and a nun of Mercy for years, was the Grand Marshal of the parade.

Fort Smith Mayor Ray Baker and University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Chancellor Paul Beran and his wife, Janice, traveled the parade route in convertibles.

Following the parade, Fort Smith Irish Dance Council presented Shamrock and Roll Ceili (party) at the Fort Smith Event Center. There were performances by the McCafferty Irish Step Dancers and Ozark Celtic Bank. Food and beverages were available as was a Pot ‘O Gold raffle.