Ireland’s ambassador to U.S. named grand marshal of Charlotte’s St. Patrick’s Day parade

Anne Anderson, Ireland’s ambassador to the United States, has been named grand marshal of the 20th Annual Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 19.

Anderson is Ireland’s 17th ambassador to the United States and the first woman to be ambassador from Ireland to the U.S.

Thousands are expected to watch the uptown parade, which is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. at North Tryon and Ninth streets, then travel south to Third Street and then to Caldwell Street.

The accompanying Charlotte Goes Green Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on South Tryon between Third and Stonewall streets. The festival features Irish music, Irish dancers, bagpipers, Irish/Celtic and other vendors, children’s amusements and food and beverages. Admission is free.

Parade details: www.charlottestpatsday.com.

Joe Marusak

This story was originally published February 9, 2016 at 9:38 AM with the headline "Ireland’s ambassador to U.S. named grand marshal of Charlotte’s St. Patrick’s Day parade."