McKeown’s generous “pot of gold” donation to the parade earned him this coveted position. “This is a good event and brings a lot of people out. It’s a fun way to get involved in the community,” McKeown said.
In addition to leading the parade on Saturday, March 15, McKeown will head up the judging committee who will select the 2008 best parade entry. He will also be the Master of Ceremonies for the activities that will be held at Monument Square following the parade.
McKeown is of Irish decent. His great-great-grandfather and great-great-grandmother were both born in Ireland and immigrated to the United States in the late 1800’s. Congratulations to Jeff McKeown for celebrating St. Paddy’s Day…the Downtown Racine way!
ORIGINAL POST:
Details of Racine's St. Patrick's Day Parade and post-parade celebration have been finalized, and the more than 50 parade participants have been announced.
The city's St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 15, will start at noon at the corner of State and Main Streets and head south on Main to 8th Street. Parade marshal is Jeff McKeown, president of Express Personnel, joned by his wife, Meredith, and daughters Reagan, 6, and Georgia, 2. McKeown's great-great-grandparents were born in Ireland and immigrated to the United States in the late 1800’s.
Other participants include the Piper of the Glen, the Racine Scouts Drum & Bugle Corp, Irish troubador Bernie Brewer, Irish dancers, men in kilts, a pipe band, Star Wars characters and more.
Guests are invited to arrive in Downtown Racine early for some pre-parade activities at Monument Square, including a live remote broadcast from WRJN, entertainment and refreshments, including green beer!
Following the parade, Monument Square activities will continue with more live entertainment, costumed characters, fun contests and an awards presentation. Contests will be held to determine:
* The child with the reddest hair
* The child with the most freckles
* The best Irish-dressed dog
* The youngest Irish-dressed guest
* The oldest Irish-dressed guest
* The best pair of legs in kilts
Winners in each of these categories will receive a $25 Downtown gift certificate. In addition, the $500 award for the best parade entry will be presented.
After the break, the complete parade line-up.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Line-Up
SE Wisconsin Racine H.O.G. Chapter #5624
Agerholm-Gross Detachment #346-Marine Corps League Color Guard
Grand Marshal Jeff McKeown and family
Bagpiper Gary Anderson, Piper of the Glen
Mayor Gary Becker
Alderman Jeff Coe
Junior Miss Racine, Wisconsin Dream Girls USA Hi-Point Champion
Academy of Dance
Rita Kelley and her Irish Wolfhounds
Leprechauns
Robert W. Baird
Racine Scouts Drum & Bugle Corp. Troop 203
Bruce Boeselager on his unicycle
Rent this Truck / Four Seasons Lawn Care
99.1 WMYX
Wisconsin Solstice Enthusiasts
Bernie Brewer and the Brewers Mascot van
Irish Troubadour, David HB Drake
Shillings Irish Pub
First Friends Animal Rescue
Brownies Girl Scout Troop #5781
Kinsella Irish Dance Academy
Racine Montessori School
Sons of Erin
DeRose Children’s Dental
Captain Racine
Henry & Wanda’s Men in Kilts
Casablanca de Mexico Restaurant and Lounge
Hispanic Business Alliance
Ricky’s Place
Uncorkt
WRJN / Lite Rock 92.1
Mr. Racine
Trinity Irish Dancers
Karen Norton, School Board Candidate
Horlick High School Student Government
Milwaukee MINIS
Star Wars characters
Billy Mitchell Pipe Band
Matador Scooter Club
Racine Zoological Society
CNH (Case New Holland)
Racine Studio of Performing Arts
American Professional Driving School
Harbor Lite Yacht Club
McAuliffe’s Pub and McAuliffe’s on the Square
Racine Neighborhood Watch
Timothy York’s Bistro
Mr. Jelly Belly
Designated Drivers LLC
Century 21 Savaglio & Cape
Nutritional Designs & Pharmacy, LLC
The Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery
Downtown Racine Corporation
Leprechaun on Segway
Downtown’s Mr. Bear
DARE Van
I wonder if the mayor will be drunk?
ReplyDeleteI smoked pot with the mayor. blew my mind!!
ReplyDelete