THIS year's St Patrick's Day Parade in Dundalk festival promises to be all things green and entertaining and remind us of what a great place Dundalk is to live, work, visit and invest in.
It has been organised by the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce and the St. Patrick's Day Committee.
And will include street theatre, music, outdoor spectaculars, dance and visual arts.
The parade which will start at 1pm at Patrick Street, turning rig
ht onto Clanbrassil Street in the traditional manner.
Bands will include Northern Ireland Friendship Band, Gortaclare Pipe Band from Omagh, Clontibret and O'Neill Pipe Band from Monaghan and the Drogheda Samba Band.
Local participants will include The Grace Fellowship, Dundalk FC, KobraKan Kickboxing, Louth County Camogie Club, numerous youth and drama groups as well as local schools, GAA and soccer clubs.
"The parade goes ahead rain, hail or shine," said Senator Mark Dearey, chairman of the St Patrick's Day Committee.
"A great deal of interest has been expressed in this years' parade. Given the tough economic times in the past year, the people of Dundalk have been very proactive and supportive in bringing together local community, some in a voluntary capacity.
"We very much appreciate this as well as the sponsorship that we have received from local businesses and we look forward to what is going to be a great celebration on March 17 ."
As well as the impressive list of participants in the parade, the town is offering entertainment for all ages straight after the parade.
Local bands will perform live at the Courthouse from 2pm with The Northern Ireland Friendship band kicking off the afternoons' entertainment.
After this there will be performances by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Dún Dealgan, The Fontanels, The Curtain Thieves and RedTwelve.
Family entertainment will provided with a bouncy castle village and marquee in the Demesne area.
The Marshes Shopping Centre will also provide fun and entertainment all day after the parade. This will consist of DJ entertainment and face painters in the centre, a funfair and big wheel outside at O'Brien's entrance, set dancers and traditional musicians promising a real festive atmosphere.
