Conyers-Rockdale celebrates all things Irish with the World's Fastest Growing St. Patrick's Day Parade and 0.1 mile World's Shortest Endurance Run on Friday, March. 15, in Olde Town Conyers.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which starts at 4:30 p.m., is sponsored by the Conyers Main Street Program. The parade is a light hearted Conyers tradition since 1985 and will be led by Grand Marshal Mayor Randy Mills and Honorary Grand Marshals Bill Rogers, Bill Spivey, Marty Jones and Charles Walker, former city councilmen and former mayor, respectively, accompanied by bagpiper, Robert Harwell, playing classic Irish tunes.  Local businesses and school groups will also participate in this year’s parade. Anyone who wishes to participate in the two-block walking parade is encouraged to meet at the corner of Main and Center Streets prior to 4:30 p.m. There are no vehicles allowed in the parade. 

Live Irish entertainment will be on hand in the Olde Town Pavilion following the parade. The annual crowning of a St. Patrick’s Day Parade king and queen will take place while attendees enjoy complimentary Irish-themed refreshments at the Olde Town Pavilion. New this year, a Leprechaun Lookalike Contest for adults will also be held following the parade. All guests are encouraged to dress in their best and most creative Irish attire.  

Following the parade is the 4th Annual World’s Shortest Endurance Run sponsored by the Rotary Club of Rockdale County. The run, 0.1 mile in length from the Conyers Welcome Center to The Pointe on Railroad Street, begins with a shotgun start at 5 p.m. and participants who enter will receive a T-shirt.

For such a short run, the participation continues to grow each year, said organizer Tim Baker. "Hopefully it's becoming as much a tradition as the parade," said Baker. He added that he appreciated the participation of local businesses and sponsors.

And, while participants might have to train for months for other runs, this is one "athletic event" that all can participate in and even receive a T-shirt. "It's the best way to participate in a running event without having to train for it.".

The run is the main fundraiser for the Rockdale Rotary Club, which supports charities such as the Barksdale Boys and Girls Club, Rockdale Emergency Relief, the Empty Stocking Fund for Christmas gifts for children in need, and more.

Registration is still open for those interested in participating. For more information, visit www.rockdalerotary.org or contact Tim Baker at 678-614-7374 or timuga@gmail.com.

Businesses in Olde Town will be showcasing great deals on merchandise as well as food and drink specials for parade attendees. Live music and traditional Irish dishes will be available in select restaurants until midnight. Commercial Street will be closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 6 p.m.-midnight for live entertainment and Irish fare. Olde Town restaurants including The Whistle Post, Celtic Tavern, The Pointe and Las Flores will have specials all weekend long to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

“The one-of-a-kind events like the parade and fun run truly make St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Olde Town the place to be,” said Main Street Manager Monica Coffin. “We look forward to a great weekend saluting the Irish in our community’s unique way.”

For additional information, call the Conyers Welcome Center at 770-602-2606.