FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ST. PATRICK'S DAY IN CHARLOTTE

Q: When is the parade in 2009?  

A: The parade will be on Saturday, March 14, 2009 in downtown Charlotte beginning at 10:30 AM.

Q: What is the parade route?

A: This year we have a new route for the parade. It will start at 9th & Tryon St. and head south to 3rd & Tryon St.   

Q: What are the festival hours?

A: The festival is also on Saturday, March 14 and runs from 10:00 AM until 6:30 PM and  The festival is free to everyone!

Q: What is the festival location?

A: We have a new location for the Charlotte Goes Green Festival this year. We will be directly on Tryon St. starting at 3rd St. and going down to 1st Street. The festival begins where the parade ends.

Q: How can I apply to have my group march in the parade?
A: For parade entry information, click here.   Previous parade participants should receive application information via e-mail by late November.

Q: How do I get more information about being a vendor?
A: All vendor inquiries should be directed to Dyer Hart Productions at 803-802-1678 or dyerhart@hotmail.com.

Q: Tell me more about Charlotte, North Carolina

A: For further information contact Visit Charlotte at www.visitcharlotte.com  or Charlotte Center City Partners, at www.charlottecentercity.org.

Q: What about parking for the parade & festival?

A:  Parking is prohibited on Tryon Street before and immediately after the parade. 

There is a parking deck at the Wachovia Atrium & Plaza. The entrance is on 2nd Street between College & Tryon. There is additional parking at 3 Wachovia and The Green parking deck, and various public lots on the east side of Tryon St.

Q: Is there an alternative way to get to the parade & festival?
A:  This year, we anticipate a lot of traffic congestion in Center City Charlotte with the parade, the festival and the basketball tournament. So, why not take the LYNX train from south Charlotte to the parade? It's an easy ride and the kids would love it plus you don't have to hassle with parking. The parade and festival are only a couple of blocks away from the train stop. Click on this link for more information. www.ridetransit.org

Q: What about hotels?

A: Contact Visit Charlotte via: www.visitcharlotte.org or 704-334-2282. 

Q: How late will alcohol be served on Saturday?

A: Until 6:00 PM.  

Q: Do I have to buy a bracelet?
A: Bracelets are needed only for buying alcoholic beverages.  You will have to show proof of legal drinking age (21) at the ticket booth.  There is no charge for the bracelet.

Q: Where are alcoholic beverages allowed to be consumed?
A: Only within the marked festival area.  The festival area will be clearly marked.

Q: Will there be food & beverages at the festival?
A: Yes, there will be a variety of food vendors that will also be offering beverages. Beer will be available for the duration of the festival.  Be sure to come hungry!

Q: Will there be activities for children at the festival? 
A: Yes, there will be plenty of activities for children.

Q: Is there a rain date? 
A: No, the parade & festival will be held on March 17th, rain or shine. But of course we are expecting shine!  

Q: Do you need volunteers?
A: Yes, we can always use more help!  Please contact Linda Dyer-Hart, using our "contact" page.

Q: What does "Erin Go Bragh" mean?
A: Ireland Forever.