Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
March 14, 2001
Parade: `Wearin' O' the Green'
Denver's St. Patrick's parade the second largest in country
Denver Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan will serve as Grand Marshal of the 39th annual Denver St. Patrick's Day parade 10 a.m. March 17 in downtown Denver.
The Denver event is the second largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the country. Parade theme this year is "The Wearin' O' the Green."
This year's Queen Colleen is Rachel Tracy, 23, a Colorado native whose great-grandfather came to the United States from Ireland. Tracy was crowned during the annual Queen Colleen Coronation Ball Feb. 17. The ball is sponsored by the parade committee.
Tracy and her court will ride on the Queen Colleen float in the parade.
A 1999 graduate of Colorado State University, Tracy will reign as queen for one year. She has a journalism degree.
"As queen, I look forward to utilizing my skills in public speaking and writing to represent the Irish community," Tracy said.
Jim Sullivan of Sullivan Hayes Real Estate, is 2001 Irish Person of the Year and Honorary Grand Marshal. "Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day," said Tom Morrissey, president of the parade committee. "It's a great day for the Irish."
The parade begins at the intersection of 15th Street and Court Place and will end at Civic Center Park. The route is marked by green stripes painted on the pavement, a tradition started by Denver City Councilman Dennis Gallagher. The parade includes floats, clowns, pipe bands, high school marching bands and Irish step dancers.
For information, call 303-321-7888.
