Irish and Italian Parade looks to grow in second year

Entering its second year, the Baton Rouge Irish and Italian Parade is looking to increase the number of floats from the 11 that rolled in the inaugural parade. Event founder Gary Brown says he started the parade after becoming disillusioned with the increasing cost and “exclusivity” of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Wearin’ of the Green. “I rode in the Irish parade for eight years and I loved it—and it’s still a great parade,” Brown says. “I just thought there was room for more.” He adds that he’d be happy to pick up those who are on the waiting list to ride in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which has reached its max of 90 floats, as reported in Daily Report. The deadline to enter the city’s Irish and Italian Parade is in early March. “We’ve had a lot of interest, so we should see some real growth.” Brown says. “But even if we don’t, we’re still going to have a good time.” This year’s parade rolls on Saturday, March 24, one week after the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The route takes it down Stanford Avenue, past the LSU lakes, and concludes at Walk-On’s off Burbank Drive. You can get all the info here. —Steve Sanoski