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The worlds fastest growing St. Patricks Day parade
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Ready, set, go! Gary Burch, co-owner of the Celtic Tavern, Main Street Program Director Monica Coffin, and Rockdale Rotary Community Outreach coordinator Gary Bridgewater practice for the festivities and 0.1 mile run on St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and what’s been dubbed the "World’s Fastest Growing St. Patrick’s Day Parade" is living up to its name with two additional events to help celebrate.

In addition to the parade, which is sponsored by Main Street Conyers and starts at 4:30 p.m. at Evans Pharmacy, there will be a 0.1 mile "endurance" run at 5 p.m. and a block party at 7:30 p.m. with live music.

"Our St. Patrick’s Day offers something for everyone," said Main Street Director Monica Coffin. The parade is a family friendly event, open to everyone, and the run and block party offers adult friendly fun as well.

The parade, a Conyers tradition since 1985, will be led by Grand Marshal Mayor Randy Mills and Honorary Grand Marshals Bill Rogers, Bill Spivey and Charles Walker, former city councilmen and former mayor, respectively, and a bagpiper playing Irish tunes along with local businesses and school groups.

As the parade concludes, live Irish entertainment will be on hand in the Olde Town Pavilion, the crowning of a king and queen for the day’s festivities will take place, and complimentary refreshments will be served.

Anyone who wishes to participate in the two-block walking parade should meet at the corner of Main and Center Streets prior to 4:30 p.m. For more information call the Conyers Welcome Center, 770-602-2606.

The Rockdale Rotary club and the Pointe are teaming up to sponsor the first ever "World’s Shortest Endurance Run," a 0.1 mile race from the Olde Town Depot to The Pointe. The race is expected to start around 5 p.m. and end around 5:01 p.m.

The entry fee is $20, with proceeds going to various Rotary sponsored charities and projects and can be paid at The Pointe. The first 100 registered runners will receive a commemorative T-shirt and a watering station will be available midway to refresh thirsty runners.

The idea was something the club had wanted to try for a while and came from a similar celebration in South Carolina witnessed by a Rotary member, said organizer Gary Bridgewater. For more information, call (770) 598-0850.

Several Olde Town businesses will also be coming together to throw a block party after the parade and run. Offering discounts, food and drink specials for parade attendees. Live music and traditional Irish dishes will be available in select restaurants from 7:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. Commercial Street will be closed from 3 p.m.-midnight for the festivities.