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Thursday, May 2, 2024

Ocala high schools participate in St. Patrick’s Day Parade in NYC

Students from two local high schools were selected to participate in this year’s New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, which drew an estimated crowd of over two million people.

Forest High School at this year's NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade
Forest High School at this year’s NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Photo: The NYC Walking Show)

The marching bands of Forest High School and Lake Weir High School represented Marion County in the 263rd running of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which took place on Saturday, March 16 in Manhattan.

The combined marching bands walked through the streets of Manhattan at around 3 p.m. during the multi-hour parade.

Lake Weir High School participated in the 2024 NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade
Lake Weir High School participated in the 2024 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Over the course of several weeks, students learned music en route to their preparation for the parade, which featured nearly 300 participants, including multiple high school marching bands from around the nation.

Students and administrators of marching bands at Forest High School and Lake Weir High School in New York City
Students and administrators of marching bands at Forest High School and Lake Weir High School visiting New York City.

The Forest High School marching band is directed by David Jones, while the Lake Weir High School marching band is directed by Michael Jennings. Both instructors have been at the helm of their respective positions for over a decade.

Watch the full parade by visiting The NYC Walking Show on YouTube.