St. Patrick’s Day returned in full form to Enniskillen last Friday afternoon (March 17), after smaller-scale celebrations last year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the helm of this year’s festivities were the Project St. Patrick team, who made it a day to remember for all.

The celebrations began early in the day with water-themed activities as well as activities for children including face-painting, balloon modelling and the chance to meet some dragons.

The main man himself, St. Patrick arrived in style in a classic DeLorean car driven by none other than ‘Back to the Future’ star character Doc ‘Emmett’ Brown, but he was not the only special guest in Enniskillen on the day, as Superman as well as a number of leprechauns amazed the crowds as they sped across the surface of Lough Erne on wakeboards and water hovercrafts.

The sun came out as the parade began and thousands of locals and tourists flooded into the town centre for the day’s parade.

They enjoyed music from a number of marching bands including the Highland Dragon Pipe Band, visiting all the way from Germany, and Fermanagh favourites including Cavanaleck Pipe Band, Coa Pipe Band, Ballyreagh Silver Band and Enniskillen Pipe Band.

All the talents and creativity of the people of Fermanagh was on show as highly-decorated floats travelled through the town centre, including floats from local sports teams with youth members in full voice shouting their team chants.

Teams taking part included Enniskillen Gaels, Coa O’Dwyers GFC, Enniskillen Town United and Tempo Maguires GFC.

Impressive parade

Also included in the impressive parade was a Scouting and bushcraft-themed float from 14th Fermanagh Scouts from Derrylin, as well as a full band playing live music as part of the Rock the Lough float.

A number of colourful dragons were also present in the parade, as well as a delightful selection of vintage cars and tractors which were gleaming as they passed by.

Some impressive feats of strength were also on display with some parade participants carrying along what appeared to be very heavy objects, with everything from a lone cow to a tall stack of washing machines being carried through the streets.

The eyes of the world were on Enniskillen as people from countries all across the planet tuned in to the Impartial Reporter’s livestream on Facebook from the parade.

Viewers tuned in from England, Germany, and all across America, to name but some distant observers’ countries, with many wishing they were in Enniskillen for the festivities.

It was all a welcome return to the colour, happiness and good memories of previous St. Patrick’s Day parades and events.

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