A crowd of 30,000 turned out on Saturday for Orlando's Inaugural St. Patrick's day parade. The green-clad crowd was treated to a St. Paddy's day event that had never been organized in downtown Orlando before.

The parade seemed largely dominated by the local Paxon owned radio stations, but I saw many Orlando area businesses, civic organizations and tourist attractions represented as well. The crowd grew most excited by Ed Tyll handing out Real Radio 104.1 bumper stickers and coupons for free beer and hamburgers, "just plain Mark" & Zippy's water balloon launch, and a Roto Rooter's float complete with a toilet flush sound effect.

The Magic, Predators and Sundogs all contributed to the parade, and all the teams, except the Magic, had players and staff on the scene (The Magic's roll was limited to sponsorship). The Predators went all out with a very elaborate float and many players in attendance. The new kids on the block, The Sundogs, made the scene in full force during the parade and even mingled through the crowd afterward.

Universal Studios Florida was represented by their "direct from Mardi Gras" floats and performers, including a marching jazz band (one of the parade's two marching bands). Not to be outdone, Walt Disney World sent a Richard Petty stock car to promote its new race car classes at the Disney Institute. Splendid China threw their hat into the ring with an extravagant float including many of their staff in full costume.

The children of Orlando participated in everything from Irish-American organizations to dance troops to the winners of various child beauty pageants.

Overall, the Inaugural Orlando St. Patrick's day parade was a valiant effort by the participants. The crowd was also anxious to be entertained, and if the number of people in attendance is any indication, Orlandoans want more and more of these events.

David Carey I'm a twenty-five year old originally from Michigan. Music is my hobby, but I've always leaned toward film as my real passion. As a one time film student and having worked as a director, writer and editor on many corporate videos, I've learned to look at art in a critical way. I love to argue about movies, music, politics, social issues, religion and sports. I guess at heart I'm really just a trouble maker. My Mother says I'm cosmopolitan. Other Articles I've Written