The GO Group, LLC Says Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day

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Feb 18, 2014, 04:46 ET

CHICAGO, Feb. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- You don't have to be lucky to enjoy a St. Patrick's Day celebration. Grab your green sweater and "Kiss Me I'm Irish" button and head to these festive events, compiled by the travel experts at The GO Group, LLC, the nation's largest ground transportation company.

On Monday, March 17 New York City will host the country's largest and oldest parade. Now in its 253^rd year, the parade is led by soldiers of the Irish 165^th Infantry and includes members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the 30 Irish county societies. The parade starts at 44th Street at 11 a.m. EST and heads up Fifth Avenue to 79th Street and the Irish Historical Society. No floats, automobiles or other commercial aspects are allowed to participate; instead the parade boasts of 150,000-250,000 marchers including bands; bagpipes, and politicians entertaining the expected 2 million spectators.

The South Boston Parade, held on Sunday, March 16, is the second largest parade hosted by what is possibly the most Irish city in the United States. Held annually since 1901, the parade features floats, marching bands and plenty of Irish music. Up to one million spectators are expected to attend this year's parade, which starts at East Broadway at 1 p.m. EST, and ends up at Dorchester.

The Chicago Saint Patrick's Day parade takes place on Saturday, March 15 at noon, CST. Early revelers can view the official green dyeing of the Chicago River at 10:45 a.m. near Michigan Ave. before heading to the parade kick off at Balbo and Columbus Drive; from there it will head north until it reaches Buckingham Fountain. Grand Marshall John McDonough, president and CEO of Stanley Cup Winners Chicago Blackhawks, will lead the procession which includes floats, bands and Irish dancers.

Those visiting warmer climes can enjoy the San Diego ShamRock on March 15, 4 p.m. – midnight, PST. Streets will transform into Ireland with more than 80,000 square feet of Astroturf! The city will host the largest outdoor party on the West Coast with an estimated 20,000 attendees in the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter and will feature live entertainment, music, a lighting "extravaganza" and creation of a 150-foot Irish "pub" along the streets. Tickets range from $30 to $65.

The Toronto St. Patrick's Day Parade steps off at noon at Bloor and St. George and finishes on Queen Street at Nathan Philips Square. Serving as this year's Grand Marshall is 27-year-old Olympic gold medalist Katie Taylor, the current Irish, European, World and Olympic boxing champion. The parade will feature Irish music, floats, and marchers.

The GO Group serves all the airports in the cities above. For a complete list, visit the website: www.GOAirportShuttle.com.

The GO Group, LLC is a one-stop source for door-to-door airport shuttle services. Its members transport some 13 million passengers to and from 70 airports in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Europe annually. Travelers can book ground through GO's website, www.goairportshuttle.com.

SOURCE The GO Group, LLC