All those who are Irish - or Irish at heart - are invited to attend the World's Fastest Growing St. Patrick's Day Parade on Tuesday, March 17, starting 4:30 p.m. in Olde Town Conyers, sponsored by the Conyers Main Street Program.

The parade, a Conyers tradition since 1985, will be led by Grand Marshal Mayor Randy Mills and invited 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.

The annual crowning of children's St. Patrick's Day Parade king and queen and winner of the Leprechaun Lookalike Contest will take place while attendees enjoy complimentary Irish-themed refreshments at the Olde Town Pavilion. All guests are encouraged to dress in their best and most creative Irish attire.

Following the parade is the 6th 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.

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 have 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 at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 for a pre-St. Patrick's Day event dubbed "St. Practice Day" sponsored by the Celtic Tavern with live entertainment starting at 6 p.m. Following the parade and fun run on Monday, Commercial Street will be closed again for festivities that evening.

"The one-of-a-kind events like the parade and fun run truly make St. Patrick's Day in Olde Town the place to be," said Main Street Manager Brittany Evans. "We look forward to a great crowd ready to celebrate the Irish in our community's unique way."

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