The parade, which is sponsored by the Tonganoxie Chamber of Commerce, will begin at 10 a.m. March 11 at the swimming pool and head west down Fourth Street to Church Street.

Again this year, elementary school students will decorate windows of downtown businesses. Chamber members will judge the students’ work and will award prizes.

John McCaffrey, one of the parade organizers, said he’s hopeful that additional parade entries are received.

“They’re coming in,” McCaffrey said. “If the weather holds out, we’ll be all right.”

Everyone whose birthday is on St. Patrick’s Day is invited to ride on the birthday float. According to Harold Denholm, anyone wanting to ride on the float should meet at 9:30 a.m. at the swimming pool.

Sweatshirts and T-shirts have been printed to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day 2000. Proceeds from the sale of shirts will be donated to the band for its trip next year. Long-sleeved T-shirts will sell for $12, and sweatshirts will sell for $15 at Community National Bank and The Mirror office.

At the conclusion of the parade, chapter AT of P.E.O. will host a lunch of corned-beef and cabbage or stew from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Congregational Church, 303 E. Fourth. Tickets are available at the door or for $5 at local banks, at Evans Real Estate or from any AT member.

For information or to enter the parade, call McCaffrey, 845-2172, or Debbie Breuer, 369-3715 or 369-0100.