The Vankleek Hill Wee Irish Fest takes place on Sunday, March 15, 2020. Local businesses are the focus — and a special invitation was extended to local businesses to participate in the Wee Irish Fest Parade.

Melissa Caltagirone, the newest member of the Excellent Events team, is sending a message, loud and clear: “The Wee Irish Fest is here to promote small businesses within and around the Vankleek Hill areas as well as pay tribute to our fellow Irish community because, as Phil Arber use to say, “Everyone is Irish at the Vankleek Hill Wee Irish Fest”.

“We know as a small community how vital our businesses are and we could not be more ecstatic to have your presence and business join us for this wonderful once-a-year festivity,” says Caltagirone. “ Not only will you be able to create the perfect showstopper for this parade and let your creative juices flow, but it is an opportunity to freely promote your hard work and all, while being able to expand your reach to potential new customers.”

First up on Sunday, March 15, beginning at 1 p.m. 50 Proof will be playing on the porch of the Vankleek Hill Museum for the Wee Irish Fest and Parade. It’s going to be rock, Celtic, country, Irish rock and Catherine Picard will join 50 Proof to add a little Cranberries to the Irish mix.

After the parade, participants with a float are invited to Creating Centre de créativité at the corner of Main Street and High Street (Hwy 34) to meet each other at the post-parade, pot-luck, free party for families and parade fans.

“This is your perfect opportunity to highlight your unique business and collaborate with fellow business owners,” says Caltagirone. “And to meet potential customers and tell them why you care about adding vibrance to the Village of Vankleek Hill.”

Parade floats gather at the Vankleek Hill arena parking lot at 36 Mill Street before 12:30 for registration. The parade leaves at 1:15 pm,  proceeds East on Wall Street, North on Union, West on Main Street, ending at Kirklane at Creating Centre de créativité , where the party begins at 12 Main Street, intersection with High Street (Highway 34).

More details about parties and special happenings is available on Facebook and at www.excellentevents.ca. To be included in the festivities and to pre-register for your free float entry for the parade, please call Samme Putzel at (613) 678-2873 or email: excellenteventsvkh@ gmail.com.