NAPLES, FL. – The Fifth Avenue South Business Improvement District (BID) will host the annual Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 12^th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Naples’ tradition, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is on par with some of the largest in the nation, attracting some 40,000 people to Naples’ historic main street for the day.

The parade starts at the corner of Third Street South and 10^th Avenue South. It turns east onto Fifth Avenue South and then south on Eighth Street South to finish in front of Naples City Hall. Fifth Avenue South will be closed off to traffic between Third Street and Eighth Street South, allowing for a variety of viewing options up and down the street.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade was started a little over 40 years ago by a group of fun-loving Neapolitans who got together and decided to have a local parade to celebrate Irish heritage and culture. Through the hard work of many volunteers and the generous support of the community, the parade has prospered in the four decades since the first event.

“The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is sponsored through generous donations from local businesses and ranks by far as the largest privately-funded parade in Florida,” said Bruce Barone, Jr., executive director of the Fifth Avenue South BID. “Proceeds of the event go right back into the community, including local high school bands and scholarships.”

The Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade is organized by the Naples St. Patrick Foundation Inc. For additional information or to become a sponsor, visit www.naplesparade.com.

Featuring more than 220 businesses, including high-end shops, world-class dining, unique boutiques and galleries, and exciting entertainment options, Fifth Avenue South is the vibrant heart of Naples.