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2016 St. Patrick's Day Festival and Family Fun Day: a snapshot // Leederville, Perth, WA


The sun was shining, and with not a cloud in the sky at 9.30 am it was already promising to be a very hot day in Leederville for the 2016 St. Patrick's Parade and Family Fun Day. The streets were filling up early as people looked to find the best vantage point. Already the ceol agus craic had started, with a fantastic Irish dance troop entertaining the crowds accompanied by the Broken Pokers.

Very soon the streets were packed, and alive and vibrant with every imaginable shade of green, white and gold. Young and old were gathering as the distant sound of music and drums began to fill the air. Costumes of all every kind were everywhere; old style Ireland mixed with wacky mash-ups of the tricolour; suits, shorts, ties, skirts, dresses and wigs; babies attending their very first parade dressed in shamrock adorned baby grows; all the people who add the colour and fun we know and love to this St. Patrick's Festival.


The grand Marshall on the day was our very own Honorary Consul of Ireland, Marty Kavanagh, accompanied by The Irish Ambassador Noel White and by the City of Vincent Mayor John Carey and of course we can't forget little "Chewie" dressed in his green Top Hat and Bow Tie. As they led the parade, each group passed by with cheers and claps from the crowds, the fun floats from the numerous Irish community organisations; the dancers, the musicians, the thespians, the sportstars, the leaders, the heritage groups, and even the Western Australian Police marching band adding to the entertainment. We were also had our Perth Rose, Denise Lynch.




The crowds followed the parade to the Leederville oval where an action packed family fun day promised a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained, and where shaded areas offered protection from the scorching sun. Mayor John Carey, the Irish Ambassador Noel White, Honorary Consul of Ireland Marty Kavanagh, Thomas Tierney and the committee of the St. Patrick's Festival committee opened the family fun day events. Here, a number of entertainment stages provided music for all to enjoy and the oval was full of stalls for various Irish businesses showcasing some great Irish craft, traditional home cooked Irish foods and of course the obligatory Tayto provided by the Irish Club of WA in Subiaco.





There was great fun for the adults with the Tug of War creating a full filled competitive edge between all the rival finalists. Old McDonald's farm provided an opportunity for the children to get up close to and pet some of the adorable farm animals, but it didn't end there; there was a playground, a foam pool, bouncy castles and orb football; all with queues throughout the day.




A highlight of the day was a presentation to Joan Ross who was presented with the AIHA Brendan Award for her tireless work with the Claddagh Association.


The entire day was an outstanding success, with crowds remaining at the oval, and enjoying the ceol adn the craic till late in the evening. Well done to all the St. Patrick's Day Festival committee, you went above and beyond, and to all the community organisations and individuals who took the time to make floats, march, get stalls, help in any way or giving much needed support to keep this event running by just showing up and having the craic. We look forward to what you guys have in store for us next year!


For more photos and info about the festival and the groups which tool part click here. If you want to contribute photos to our new gallery, email warememberseaster1916@gmail.com.


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