(L to R) Derrick Kane, Pawin Pettrakul, GM of Alcazar Cabaret Show
Pattaya, Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and Father Ray Foundation acting
president, Rev. Peter Pattarapong Srivorakul.
Vittaya Yoondorn
Pattaya-Irish residents want to make this year’s St.
Patrick’s Day the biggest in Southeast Asia.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and Derrick Kane, grand
master of the parade, outlined this year’s March 17 festivities at a
city hall press conference March 5. The event will include not only the
parade, but a St. Patrick’s celebration featuring Irish food and music.
Festivities kick off at 11 a.m. outside the Alcazar
Theater on Second Road. Booths offering food and various merchandise
will be available, as will exhibits of Irish culture and music from
Irish residents of Pattaya.
Floats and marchers for the parade are asked to by on
site at the Alcazar by 1 p.m. Speeches begin at 1:30 p.m., and the
parade is scheduled to set off by 2 p.m.
The parade leaves Alcazar, down Soi 4 to Beach Road,
continuing to Walking Street and finishing on Second Road at Pattaya
School No. 8. Festivities will continue there until 5 p.m.
Of course, any floats entering the parade would be
decked out in the requisite green for the occasion, Kane said. He added
that he was sure the event will entertain and that those participating
will remember the work of St. Patrick, who helped found many schools and
churches in Ireland.
The saint’s legacy is one reason the Father Ray
Foundation is helping sponsor this year’s parade. Profits from the
festival will go to help the charity.