St Patrick's Day Parade

Our allotment group walking behind our colourful 'float' in the village of Blarney for the St Patrick's Day parade AND it won the 2nd of 3 prizes!!
Blarney held its first parade last year after a lapse of about 25 years and this was our first time taking part. I was amazed at the huge turnout along the main street, there must have been a few thousand people clapping and cheering.There was a farmer's & craft market set up in the village square with bouncy castles etc for the children. The weather was bright and dry despite a mixed weather forecast.

This morning early in the Hydro farm barn it was all hands on deck to get the float prepared.As it was representing a garden most of the produce had to be bought fresh and only arranged at the last minute.I say bought because at this time of year we don't have fresh produce ourselves, but the idea was to show people what can be grown locally either at home or on an allotment
Zwena had lots of photos of produce and events which have taken place on the allotments over the past year, she had them blown up and laminated to fix to the 'rustic' structure over the square raised bed.We had 2 scarecrows, a Mr & Mrs!

The final touches were put in place once the 'float' was lined up at the start of the parade.
Sinead,Aoife & Kevin lined up waiting for the 'off'

Zwena still doing some final 'tweaking'! There were garden implements, a wheelbarrow, a watering can and even a horse collar since the days of horse powered farming.A cloche tunnel,gloves,sowing guides and in fact anything that would be used on a plot.
In keeping with tradition I felt we should have some potatoes in today, so 3 drills of Home Guard went in before we left for the parade.In the background the tidied up lavender plants can be seen in front of the greenhouse and Kevin having his break after his mornings work in the barn.
Waiting in line in front of us were some modes of transport, a beautifully restored horse drawn caravan and 2 gleaming vintage cars.
A happy group of plotters suitably decked out in gardening gear.
Walking past the reviewing stand, the huge crowds in the background and on the back of the trailer a colourful 'rustic' garden gate with bucket hanging which Zwena sourced for the float.

Something I look out for in Blarney every year.The private entrance to the castle is lined with hordes of daffodils which my photograph does not do justice to.
I hope where ever you are you had a great St Patrick's Day.day