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St. Patricks Day Parade and World's Shortest Endurance Run returns
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Councilman Chris Bowen and attorney Jorge Flores become Irish twins for a day at the 2010 parade.

The self-dubbed World's Fastest Growing St. Patrick's Day Parade returns to Olde Town Conyers to ring in the holiday on March 17, 4:30 p.m., along with the second annual 0.1 mile World's Shortest Endurance Run at 5:15 p.m.

The two-block parade, a Conyers tradition since 1985, will be led by Grand Marshal Mayor Randy Mills, Honorary Grand Marshals and former city councilmen Bill Rogers and Bill Spivey and former mayor Charles Walker, and a bagpiper playing Irish tunes. Commercial Street will be closed from 3 p.m.- midnight for the festivities.

Live Irish entertainment and complimentary refreshments will be on hand in the Olde Town Pavilion, where the crowning of a parade king and queen will take place.

Shortly after the parade, the Rockdale Rotary Club continues its grand tradition of events with questionable athletic value for a good cause with the World's Shortest Endurance Run.

The event, inspired by a similar one in South Carolina, will go for 0.1 miles from the Olde Town Depot on Railroad Street and end at the Pointe bar. A watering station will be set up midway at the 0.05 marker.

Race co-chair Tim Baker said this was a truly inclusive race that everyone should be able to participate in. "You always hear of a 1-mile ‘fun run.' There's no fun in running a mile. This is a true fun run," he said.

Commemorative T-shirts are available for $20 for sizes up to XL and $25 for larger sizes from any Rockdale Rotary Club member. Deadline for orders is March 11. Proceed will go for Rotary-supported charities and events such as the annual Empty Stocking event.

Anyone who wishes to participate in the two-block walking parade, sponsored by the Conyers Main Street Program, is encouraged to meet at the corner of Main and Center Streets prior to 4:30 p.m.

Stores and restaurants in the Olde Town district will be open late into the night and offering discounts, food and drink specials for parade attendees. Live music and traditional Irish dishes will be available in select restaurants until 11 p.m.

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