The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce has decided to reschedule the popular Hermosa Beach St. Patrick’s Day parade to Saturday, March 24 because of stormy weather predicted for the weekend.
The parade was originally scheduled to take place this Saturday, March 17. The National Weather Service has predicted heavy rainfall and wind at the scheduled 11 a.m. start time for the parade and throughout the day on Saturday. The chance of rain forecast has been listed as high as 90 percent.
“The parade is listed as taking place ‘Rain or Shine,’ but safety concerns are the biggest factor in our decision to reschedule the parade to March 24,” said Chamber Executive Director Maureen Hunt.
Parade and public safety officials have been monitoring the weather forecasts throughout the week and have decided that for the safety and comfort of parade participants and spectators that the best course of action is to postpone the parade.
Chamber officials said any additional updates could be found at HBChamber.net.
Parade entrants are being contacted regarding arrangements for the new date of the parade.
The 18-year-old parade was rained out entirely in 2003, when police requested its cancellation for safety reasons.
Nearly 100 local businesses, civic organizations and school marching bands, bagpipers, floats, vintage autos, step dancers and Irish setters were scheduled to take part in the seven block parade.
This marks the second year the chamber has organized the event. Sponsors including Athens Services, Chevron, Consolidated Disposal Service, South Bay Yellow Cab, Scotty’s On the Strand and Crown Disposal contributed about $6,500.
