The streets of Downtown Ventura burst into a kaleidoscope of color and cheer as the annual County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade rolled out in all its glory on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Hosted by the Ventura Elks Lodge #1430, this beloved event has been a staple since 1984, bringing together the community in a vibrant celebration of Irish culture and local pride. Record numbers of attendees came out to take part in this annual fun-filled Irish parade.
The theme this year was shamrocks and shenanigans with 66 entries that featured spectacular floats, marching bands, dancers, horseback riders, decorated cars and, of course, a whole lot of green. Families, friends, and visitors lined Main Street, their faces painted with shamrocks and smiles as wide as the parade route itself.
Totally Local VC and The Local Love Project Take Home the Gold!
We are thrilled to announce that the Totally Local VC and Local Love Project float emerged victorious, clinching not one, but two esteemed awards: the Non-Profit Clubs & Organizations award and the prestigious Mayor’s Trophy!
As always, Totally Local VC’s own Shennigators brought on the shenanigans as Kelly Zirbes and her band, Kelly’s Lot, rocked the crowds as we rolled by. Kelly wrote a special Irish song just for the parade and it was featured throughout the day.
Totally Local VC and the Local Love Project would like to thank our team of Shenanigators for all their hard work. A huge shout out goes to McCarthy’s Towing, Dan Harbold for driving, and heartfelt thanks to the very talented Kelly Zirbes, Perry Don Robertson and Kelly’s Lot for rocking the float and helping us take home the wins!
And the Winners Are…
Arnold Hubbard Memorial Trophy
(for Best in Parade)
The Master Gardeners of Ventura County
Mayor’s Trophy
Totally Local VC and the Local Love Project
Color Guard (tie)
Blue Knights CA XVII
Mike Ward
High School Band
Oxnard High School Marching Swarm
Junior High School Band
Cabrillo Middle School Jazz Band
Adult Band
Gold Coast Pipe Band and Ventura Fire Pipe & Drums
Families
Organ Donation: Donate to Life
Walking Entry
Kelyla’s Performing Arts Center
Environmental (tie)
Agromin
E.J. Harrison
Most Irish
Claddagh School of Irish Dance
Restaurants & Pubs
Santa Cruz Market & Taqueria Tepatitlan
Antique Cars
Ventura County Model “A” Ford Club
Classic Cars – 1950 or later
Southern California Corvair Club
Special Interest Auto
Ventura County Corvette Club
Tractors
Topa Topa Fly Wheelers
Individual Vehicle
Kirby Auto Group
Fire Truck
J.W. Enterprises
Commercial/Retail
Surf Rodeo Music & Surf Festival
Media
Lazer Broadcasting
Youth Clubs & Organizations
Way of Orient martial Arts & Ventura Krav Maga
Adult Clubs & Organizations
VELP: Ventura Electric Light Parade
Non-Profit Clubs & Organizations
Totally Local VC and the Local Love Project
Government Agencies
Ventura County Public Works
Judges for the parade were Blake Kreutz representing Citizens Business Bank, Rhonda Catron, Elk’s Lodge #1430; Clint Garman representing Supervisor Matt Lavere; Celina Zacarias representing California State University at Channel Islands and James Lockwood, St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.
