St. Patrick's Day Parades in America's Southwest

St. Patrick's Day parades and celebrations are springing up all over. Here are parades in the southwestern states of Arizona, Nevada, California and Colorado.

Phoenix St. Patrick's Day Parade
Phoenix, Arizonza
Saturday, March 17
10 am
This year's Grand Marshall is Sandra Day O'Connor, who served as the first female Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of teh United States. he first St. Patrick's Days Parade in Phoenix was in 1984. The purpose of the parade is to preserve and enhance the heritage and traditions of the Irish Culture.
The parade has marching bands, Irish step dancers, bagpipers, police ad fire vehicles, government dignitaries,floats the 2007 Arizona Irish Colleen and more. The theme for this years parade is the legend of "Tir na Nog" which means "Land of Eternal Youth".

Annual St. Patrick's Day Faire
Phoenix, Arizona
Saturday, March 17
10 am to 5 pm
The St. Patrick's Day Faire is entering its 24th year. Festivities include 2 stages of Irish music, Irish step dancing, Bagpipers, Food & Beverages, Irish crafts and children's area. Admission $10.

Tucson St. Patrick's Day Parade
Tucson, Arizona
Saturday, March 17
10 am
This year's theme is :20 Years O'Growin'.

Sedona St. Patrick's Day Parade
Sedona, Arizona
Saturday, March 17
10:30 am
2007 Parade Theme: Irish Myths & Melodies

27'th Annual San Diego St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival
San Diego, California
Saturday, March 17
Parade 11 am
Festival until 5 pm
The parade's teme is "Celebrating Culinary Arts". The event will take place at Balboa Park. The festival features entertainment including: San Diego Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, music and dancing, food and beer.

155th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade - San Francisco
San Francisco, California
Saturday, March 17
11:30 am
The largest west of the Mississippi. The parade attracts more than a million spectators. Dancers, musicians, and others celebrate this Irish tradition. The parade is billed as one of the most fashionable parades in the country.