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

Comments

Catherine said…
Hi Peggy,
Congrats on your group's float winning prizes - not surprised. Hope you had a lovely day. I didn't even go to a parade as we decided to stay home and clean up in the garden and had a bbq this evening after all the work of clearing beds and grass cutting! Time for blogging now!
Catherine
Kathleen said…
All roads led to Blarney so today!That was a great idea to enter the parade,the kids must have been delighted,love your wellies and that digging fork looks familiar!
cathy@home said…
Happy St Patricks day
PeggyR said…
Happy St. Patrick's Day. It looks like it was a lot of fun!
Kelli said…
Well done on the float and the prize. Bet that was a fun day. Lucky with the weather too.
Anonymous said…
Happy St Patrick's Day Peggy, how lovely to come in second place...and the first time the parade held in 25 years. Quite a handsome looking float...certainly an inspiration to garden!

So some potatoes are in...now I'll be waiting to see how they do!
Jason Dingley said…
Love the float. My best bit is that it is edible. So how many of you snacked from it while in the parade? My family takes part in our local Christmas parade it is always allot of fun. My arm gets tired though :-)
Anonymous said…
What a great float, no wonder you got a prize. Love the daffodils down the drive they always look amazing in big drifts.
Greenside Up said…
Your float is lovely! What a great idea. I'll have to remember that for next year!
Ann said…
Just caught up with all you recent posts, Peggy. You really are getting on well with your allotment and your enthusiasm is catching, must get outside myself. Loved seeing the duck and goose eggs, should be an interesting time seeing the hatchlings.

What a fab float that was, really showed what goes on at an allotment.
Betty said…
Your float was beautiful and it looks like Everyone was haivng fun. Your garden looks great too. Have a nice weekend.
Barbarapc said…
Peggy,
Great float - I think you and your gang captured the essense of the allotment. No doubt you'll be planning next year's entry in the weeks ahead in order to take that first prize in the parade. Beautiful daffs in the gardens - wish more folks with lots of property would do that here.
The parade looks like a whole lot of fun, and congrats on your second place for the float.
Linda said…
An allotment float is an inspired idea - I'm not surprised you won a prize.
Happy belated St Patrick's Day! There were plenty of people celebrating it in Edinburgh.
littlekarstar said…
What an AWESOME float! Congrats girlie! :) Those masses of daffodils are so wonderful.

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