39th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade to honor the late Dr. Lyons

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)- Alltech founder Dr. Pearse Lyon’s will be honored at this year’s Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s parade.

Dr. Lyon’s passed away on March 8 in Lexington and was a long-time supporter of the Bluegrass Irish Society.

Alltech as well as the Lyon’s family have supported the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration for decades.

The parade will begin at 1 PM on Saturday, March 17 in downtown Lexington with a tribute to Dr. Lyons.

The event is put on by the Lexington Division of Parks and Recreation along with support from local businesses and organizations.

The St. Patrick’s Day celebration lasts all day and starts at 8 AM with the 12th annual Shamrock Shuffle, which benefits the Lexington Habitat for Humanity.

The festival kicks off with the annual blessing of the Kentucky Ale keg at the Alltech tents at 10:45 AM.

There will also be local Irish dancers, musicians, and pipe bands.

Civic activist Ginny Ramsey will serve as grand marshal this year.