Charlotte goes green for St. Patrick's Day

It's that time again, time to celebrate one of the more recognized patron saints of Ireland - St. Patrick.

And this year, there's plenty to do if you're a kid. Families can start their St. Patrick's Day just before noon uptown on Saturday at the 16th annual Charlotte Goes Green Festival.

The day will kick off with a parade at 11 a.m. at Tryon and 9th street and will stretch south to Tryon St. and 3rd. Street.

Following the parade of shamrocks, leprechauns and bagpipers, youth can head over to the Kids Zone at 3rd Street, where rides and inflatables will be set up. There will also be balloon artists and hands-on crafts. For those a bit older, the festival will offer Eurobungy.

Below is a list of the day's entertainment schedule. In the meantime, do you know of any St.Patrick's Day events that you would like to share? Leave them here in a comment to let others know about more Irish fun!

Entertainment schedule:
12 p.m. – 12:20 p.m.
Rince Na’ Eireann Dance School

12:30 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.
Grandfather Mountain Pipe & Drums

1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Federal Clan Kings

1:45 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
Announce Parade winners

1:50 p.m. – 2:10 p.m.
Walsh - Kelley School of Irish Dance

2:20 p.m. – 3:05 p.m.
Belfast Boys

3:10 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Rince Na’ Eireann Dance School

3:40 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Federal Clan Kings

4:35 p.m. – 4:55 p.m.
Walsh - Kelley School of Irish Dance

5:05 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Belfast Boys

Photo: Female members of the Charlotte Irish Dancers parade down Tryon Street as part of the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 3, 2010. By Laura-Chase McGehee.