Presented by The Law Firm of Kelley/Uustal
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – The Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival organizing committee (www.stpatsftl.com) is proud to announce that Mark Trouba has been named Grand Marshal for the 2019 St. Patrick’s Parade presented by The Law Firm of Kelley/Uustal. The free St. Patrick’s Parade takes place on Saturday, March 16 at noon along Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Mark Trouba serves as General Manager of The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, one of South Florida’s premier shopping destinations with more than 100 fashion retailers including Neiman Marcus, Macy’s and Dillard’s. In his current position, Mark is responsible for providing strategic direction for leasing, operations, security, construction and overseeing sponsorship income.
An accomplished professional, Mark’s unwavering commitment to The Galleria has contributed greatly to its overall success. His leadership, insight and vision serve as an inspiration to the employees and tenants at the center.
Mark has worked in the shopping center industry for four decades. He began his career in 1975 as a part time housekeeper for a local mall in the Midwest and continued to work his way up the ranks advancing to his present position with The Galleria.
As a true community partner, Mark has provided invaluable assistance and support for numerous events throughout Fort Lauderdale including the St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival, Great American Beach Party, Fort Lauderdale Air Show, Tortuga Music Festival, and others. He currently serves as a member of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).
Mark received his Certified Shopping Center Manager (CSM) certification from the ICSC in 1999 and his Senior Certified Shopping Center Manager (SCSM) designation in 2002.
Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival Presented by The Law Firm of Kelley/Uustal starts at noon and travels west along Las Olas Boulevard from S.E. 5 Avenue through the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. The colorful cavalcade will include more than 100 decorative floats, pipe and drum corps, classic automobiles, bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, street performers, scout troops, local sports teams, Veterans groups, and much more.
Following the parade, stick around for the St. Patrick’s Festival, which runs until 7 p.m. at Huizenga Plaza and along the Riverwalk. Highlights will include live bands, Irish dancers, interactive entertainment, cultural attractions and an expanded Kids Zone featuring bounce houses, gigantic slides, pony rides, a trackless train, face painting, a petting zoo and mechanical rides. Featured performers will include the Celtic Sounds with Johnnie D, Kelly Academy of Irish Dance, the Fenians, Aranmore Academy of Irish Dance, Celtic Bridge, Drake School of Irish Dance and more.
At 6 p.m., get ready for the ultimate U2 experience as the City of Fort Lauderdale welcomes U2BYUV to the St. Patrick’s Festival for a return engagement! Led by front man Michael Schmidt, this nationally acclaimed group will leave fans speechless with their honest, authentic performances. The band’s intense, action-packed sets feature U2 favorites ranging from the early days of “Boy” to “Songs of Innocence” and everything in between.
Highlights of the day’s festivities will also include exhibitor booths, arts and crafts, souvenirs, and plenty of Irish food and beverages.
Finally, don’t miss the best kickoff celebration in town as the City of Fort Lauderdale presents the “Irish Party in Park” on Friday, March 15 from 4 – 7 pm at Huizenga Plaza. The free kickoff event will feature an Irish Happy Hour, live bands, the official introduction of Mark Trouba as the St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshal, an event preview, line dancing, the legendary striping of the street, and special appearances by a bagpiper and the “World’s Tallest Leprechaun!” So make plans to arrive early, grab a great viewing spot, and enjoy the best Irish celebration in town! For more information, visit www.stpatsftl.com
ABOUT FORT LAUDERDALE ST. PATRICK’S PARADE AND FESTIVAL
Established in 2010, the Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The event organizing committee consists of volunteers from neighborhood, business, and civic entities who are dedicated to presenting an authentic, exciting and family-friendly annual parade and festival. Hosting the celebration on the Saturday before March 17, provides downtown Fort Lauderdale businesses with an added economic boost from thousands of residents, locals, and tourists, who enjoy the festivities while supporting local shops, restaurants, retail, cultural and entertainment venues. For more information on how to participate in the Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival, visit www.stpatsftl.com
ABOUT KELLEY/UUSTAL:
With law offices in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Miami and the Florida Keys, the law firm of Kelley/Uustal is a leading personal injury practice and trial law practice serving clients throughout the state of Florida. The firm boasts 325 years of combined experience and has earned significant jury verdicts and legal settlements in the areas of tobacco litigation, automobile accidents, workplace injuries, product liability and medical malpractice cases. Kelley/Uustal’s track record of success includes more than a quarter of a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements, including hundreds of millions of dollars earned for clients. For more information, please visit www.JusticeForAll.com or call 954-522-6601.