OptiMystics holding St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17

MONTE VISTA — Citizen action group the OptiMystics is putting together a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Monte Vista on March 17. The parade will start at 5:30 p.m.

For the parade route participants marching or driving in the parade will line up at the Stars and Strikes bowling alley and go from 2nd Street up north on Adams, then they will turn west onto 1st Avenue, and then go down Washington as they return to the Stars and Strikes bowling alley.

The group has already received over 12 parade entries for the celebration, and are still taking more. The deadline for parade entries is March 12. Late entries maybe accepted if they still have openings.

Prizes will be given to the best parade entries/floats with first, second, and third places for the parade participants. Prizes have been donated for the parade by FaeMoon Wolf Designs, Quincy’s, and Rancho de Animales.

The OptiMystics are asking for a $10 donation to be in the parade. The money will go to the group’s beautification and revitalization projects is appreciated and requested.

Some local businesses will also have an assortment of St. Patrick’s Day themed novelty hats and tiaras available for purchase in the days leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. These hats and tiaras are available for purchase at FaeMoon Wolf Designs and the Polished Bean. Proceeds from purchasing the festive gear goes to fund the OptiMystic’s beautification and revitalization projects.

The Polished Bean will be having special St. Patrick Day drinks, and the Polished Edge will be running a sale that day. Rain Brews will also be serving some traditional St. Patrick’s Day food on its menu. Other businesses like FaeMoon Wolf Designs will be open for the parade. The Vali-3 Theater will also be open for concessions.