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2008 Marks the 156th Anniversary of the Oldest and Largest Saint Patrick's Day Parade West of the Mississippi

SAN FRANCISCO, March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- San Francisco has always been known as a "green" haven, but on Saturday, March 15, 2008, the city streets will close to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, and everything green, with a parade and festival that includes thousands of dancers, musicians, and other types of groups from all over the state.

2008 marks the 156th anniversary of the oldest and largest Saint Patrick's Day parade west of the Mississippi, and more than 250,000 people are expected to attend this joyous parade, presented by the United Irish Societies. And, back by popular demand, the family festival with games, music and Irish folklore will be the final destination of the day.

The parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of Second and Market, where more than 5,000 entertainers from all over the state, will reel about with laughter and revelry all the way to City Hall. Talented participants, such as San Francisco's Irish Pipers, will spread the Irish cheer with the traditional sound of bagpipes and drum rolls, while a myriad of Irish dance schools will showcase their fancy footwork to invigorating melodies. Community organizations will put their best foot forward, marching alongside city officials and performers who will be showcasing their "green" side.

The Family Festival will be held at Civic Center Plaza and will include live music, delicious food, a world-class Beer Garden and more. Some of the Bay Area's top Irish performers, such as The Hooks, Jerry Hannan and Bog Savages will grace the festival stage with foot stomping music and plenty of cheer.

In 2007, the parade drew out a quarter of a million people, and parade organizers expect a huge turnout once again for 2008. For more information, please visit http://www.sfstpatricksdayparade.com/ or call the parade hotline at 415-395-8417

   Who:    The United Irish Societies   What:   The 156th Saint Patrick's Day Parade, the oldest and largest west           of the Mississippi   When:   Saturday, March 15th 2008 (parade begins at 11:30 am)   Where:  Starting at the corner of Second and Market, it will continue up           Market to the Civic Center Plaza for an Irish Family Festival   Info:   http://www.sfstpatricksdayparade.com/ or call 415.395.8417   Press Inquiries: Frances Larose / Liz Stigge   650-548-6700 /                    lstigge@prmagic.com  

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Source: United Irish Societies

CONTACT: Frances Larose, or Liz Stigge, lstigge@prmagic.com, both for
United Irish Societies, +1-650-548-6700

Web site: http://www.sfstpatricksdayparade.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment