Green-spirited

Sage Merritt / News Virginian
Published: March 12, 2008

"Shamrocks and Leprechauns," a day of Irish-themed festivities including a children's parade, pony rides, face painting, crafts, food and dance, will bring the St. Patty's Day spirit to the Willow Oaks Shopping Center parking lot this Saturday. Proceeds go to the Wayne Theatre Alliance's fundraising efforts.

This Saturday's event is a great opportunity for young families and folks with children of any age to enjoy an afternoon of socializing and kid-oriented fun that benefits a worthwhile cause, according to organizers.

"Since most of our fundraising events have been geared toward adults, we wanted something specifically for children," said Tracy Straight, chairwoman of "Shamrocks and Leprechauns." "That's how we came up with the idea of doing a parade."

Saturday's festivities begin at 11 a.m. with Dixie Pony Rides, which is donating its services to the Wayne Theatre Alliance for the day. At 12:30 p.m., the children's parade will begin, led by Duane Hahn and June Hall as the king and queen. The entrance fee is $1 per child, and kids (and their parents) are encouraged to decorate their bikes, tricycles, wagons, walkers and strollers - and themselves - in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day.

After the parade, kids can take part in face painting and a craft table with supplies donated by Ben Franklin's Crafts, get temporary tattoos and watch a dance performance by the Shenandoah Irish Dance Arts group.

All children must be supervised - childcare will not be provided. The Alliance is seeking volunteers, particularly teenagers, to help with the event.

"It should be fun and relaxed," said Adrienne Wager, assistant director of the Wayne Theatre Alliance. "It will be a nice afternoon - a way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with family and get involved with the Wayne Theatre."

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