Jordan Road was transformed into a sea of green for as far as the eye could see.
The Sedona St. Patrick’s Parade, held Saturday, March 9, drew a crowd of several thousand residents and visitors who lined the street for one of the more popular community events that take place yearly.
“Overall, things went very well,” said Sedona Parks and Recreation Director Rachel Murdoch, whose department oversees the parade. “We had 47 entrants, which was up from last year’s 42 — so that was nice to see.
“I would love to get up to around 60 entrants and perhaps with next year being the 50th anniversary, we will get more businesses to participate. I feel like we had a good amount of organizations like the Elks, Kiwanis, Democrats, PFLAG, Rotary and Marine Corps that join us, but less businesses. I would like to see Sedona really join in.”
This year’s parade entry winners include:
- Best Overall: Yavapai-Apache Nation Royalties
- St. Patrick’s Award: PFLAG Sedona/Verde Valley
- Most Enthusiastic: West Sedona School
- Best Color Guard: Marine Corps League-Sedona 1237
- Best Float: Courtyard Sedona
- Best Vehicle: Humane Society of Sedona
- Best Musical Performance: Southwest Skye Pipes & Drums
- Best Equestrian: Rio Verde Roverettes
As to why it’s been popular for so many years, Murdoch said, “It is fun and festive, free and easy. Just show up and watch the show and get candy in the process. Some people just enjoy parades and, with our beautiful setting you can’t go wrong.”
While the parade is always looked upon as a success, Murdoch said behind the scenes it can often be a different story.
“Things do not run very smoothly and each year is a challenge to execute,” she said. “I work with a staff of 50 to 75 new [Northern Arizona University] students every year, so they have no history. It doesn’t matter to them that it has been going on for 50 years. To them, it is a brand new event and therefore quite challenging on the back end.
“However, carrying out successful events is what I do. I am paid to create and host quality events for our community, so I get to do the behind-the-scenes worrying and make sure the customers don’t notice. They should just have a fun time and I think that’s what happens and why they come back to watch every year.”
Someone who has seen her share of St. Patrick’s parades is Mayor Sandy Moriarty, who moved to Sedona in the early 1970s.
“The St. Patrick’s Parade is a chance for locals to get together and have some fun, dress in green costumes of all sorts, bring their dogs and kids and just generally celebrate community,” she said. “I love seeing friends and neighbors and having the opportunity to walk the parade route and hand out candy to kids of all ages, with smiles all around.”
