St. Patrick’s Day remains one of the nation’s most celebrated holidays 250 years after the first American parade took place in New York City. Atlantic City has followed that tradition for over a quarter of a century.

The 27th annual Atlantic City St. Patrick's Day parade is set for Saturday, March 10.  Beginning at 1 p.m. at States Avenue, marchers will travel on the Atlantic City Boardwalk to Albany Avenue, led by District 2 Assemblyman Chris Brown as grand marshal.

“This year, I am proud to announce that the 2012 parade will be marched in honor of ALL American veterans – from every branch of service and from every war or conflict. Please join us as we honor, recognize and celebrate the brave men and women of America's Armed Forces,” Brown said in a news release.

The parade will feature marching bands from area high schools, string bands, Irish step dancers, bagpipers and floats. Local organizations will be marching to show their green pride, including business owners from taverns, restaurants and bars such as Maynard’s Café, Ducktown Tavern, Kelly’s Corner and McGettigan’s 19th Hole. Volunteers and participants are still welcome.

The public is welcome at three events leading up to the parade: the installation of Brown as grand marshal 4 p.m. Saturday, March 3 at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Roman Catholic Church, Tennessee and Pacific avenues in Atlantic City; a fundraiser featuring music and a bit of blarney 4-7 p.m. Sunday, March 4 at Maynard's Café in Margate; and the raising of the Irish flag 1 p.m. Friday, March 9 at the Police and Firemen's Memorial Plaza on Bacharach Boulevard at City Hall, Tennessee and Atlantic avenues.

For information call the parade committee at (609) 742-9092 or see http://acstpatricksdayparade.com/.