Break out the shamrocks and bring on the blarney: it’s time for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Every year since 1981, Dubliners and out-of-town visitors have gathered to witness one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations around. At the 2009 parade, approximately 23,000 people observed the parade’s 90 entries, which included marching bands and homemade floats.

The Grand Leprechaun in 2009 was resident Tom Sevitz.

Last year’s parade winners included the Dublin Kiwanis Frog Jump as “Best Overall;” the Sisters Sweet Shoppe as the “Best Commercial” entry; and the Dublin Convention and Visitors Bureau as the “Best Nonprofit” entry.

WHEN YOU GO…
WHEN: 11 a.m. March 13
WHERE: The parade begins at Metro Place, then travels to Frantz Road, then to State Route 161 (Bridge Street) and finally to High Street.
FOR MORE INFO: Visit www.dublin.oh.us/events/stpats/.  

The fun doesn’t end there: check out these other events happening on March 13:

Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast
7-11 a.m., John Sells Middle School, 150 W. Bridge St., 614-839-4072
This annual breakfast features all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage (as well as green syrup). There will also be a raffle and face painting for kids. Cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children.

St. Patrick’s Day 4-Miler
Begins and ends in Historic Dublin
Visit http://www.stpatricksday4miler.com/ for more information.

The 2nd Annual Blarney Hop at River Ridge
Noon-4 p.m., The Shoppes at River Ridge, Oakland Nursery and La Scala, www.relayforlife.org/dublin  
Enjoy a festival-like atmosphere with trolley rides, “wee folk” crafts and games, live music, food, drinks and more. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Dublin. Admission is free. Trolley rides and “wee folk” activities require Blarney Hop tickets (tickets cost 50 cents each, activities require one to three tickets). An all activity wristband pass can be acquired for $10 per child. Raffle tickets will be sold for a prize drawing June 13 during the Relay for Life of Dublin.