St. Paddy parade set Saturday

Angela Soo

Wednesday, March 14, 2001 | 8:54 a.m.

The Sons of Erin on Saturday will celebrate St. Patrick's Day during a family-oriented, Mardi Gras-style parade downtown and a block party in the parking lot of the Sahara hotel.

The 36th annual parade begins at 9:30 a.m. on the corner of Hoover Avenue and Fourth Street. Parade participants will head north until they reach Ogden Avenue. Festivities will take place in the Sahara sparking lot 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Irish dancers, music and food will be part of the experience, as well.

"We'll also have green Irish beer," Ted Farrell, Sons of Erin president, said.

A Kiddie Carnival during the parade will provide activities for children, and antique cars will be showcased for the classic car enthusiasts. Irish arts and craft will be available, and admission is free.

About 40,000 people are expected to attend the event, with the proceeds benefitting local charities such as the Boy Scouts and research foundations for incurable hereditary disorders, such as cystic fibrosis.

Las Vegas Sun columnist and radio and television personality Joe Delaney is this year's grand marshal. Delaney, a longtime member of the Sons of Erin, appeared in the parade as St. Patrick for many years.

"Grand marshal is a very high honor. I will be joining a long list of distinguished people," Delaney said.

For more information regarding the events, call 743-3977.