Murphys Irish Day 2012 - Saturday, March 17, 2012 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Parade - 11 a.m.

Presented by the Murphys Business Association
P.O. Box 2034,  Murphys CA 95247
murphysirishdays.org

It's coming! The parade that makes the town so famous. A parade that is a highlight of the Murphy Irish Day celebration that will be held in the historic Mother Lode town.

The Murphys Irish Day parade makes it way down the picturesque Main Street with marching bands from Bret Harte High School and Avery Middle School, the White Hackle Pipe Band, Ripon Police & Fire Irish Pipe Band, and trumpeter Jay Grimstead. The circus wagon of Jamestown's Al Lehr with its authentic calliope will also serenade the crowd. An invitation has also been extended to Calaveras High School. Musical groups add much to the parade and additional groups may appear.

Other entries that have signed up include the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Posse, area preschools, all levels of scouting, classic cars, and various community organizations.

There is no entry fee to be in the parade and no awards are bestowed. Strictly commercial entries are restricted to major sponsors of Murphys Irish Day. Murphys Irish Day, one of the Mother Lode's most popular festivals, is presented each year by the Murphys Business Association with proceeds making it possible for the association to fulfill its goals of sponsoring projects that enhance the community and beautify the business district.

Bursting with jubilance and proud of its fine Irish roots, the tiny village of Murphys personifies all that is green. Each year, as if by magic, a huge green shamrock appears at the town's only 4-way intersection. Tiny Main Street - all .8 miles of it - is brimming with merrymakers clad in their finest and funniest Irish greenery. Irish music, storytellers, food, and an authentic hometown parade make this a memorable event. To alleviate the traffic congestion, free parking and a shuttle are available at Ironstone Vineyards.

While honing your green spirit, nearby Irish Vineyards is a must. Their award-winning green wine, Slaite - Gaelic for welcome - is available for tasting during this fete. But only as long as supplies last and supplies are very (very) limited! On Murphys Irish Day, the Irish family (yes, that's their name) offers all things green including hot pepper-jelly cheesecake, cupcakes and shamrock cookies, and Celtic music...and it's all free, so forget about the green!