St. Patrick’s Day is this Tuesday, but Troy University will celebrate the Irish holiday long into the weekend in conjunction with the university’s Spring Reunion Weekend.

The university will host the Irish Celebration Cooking Contest at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Trojan Center and then host the St. Patrick’s Day Parade down University Avenue at noon on March 21.

The parade will begin at Luther Street and end at the Green Davis Tailgate area. Everyone is invited to join the celebration by entering the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. However, those who choose not to enter, are encouraged to be a part of the fun by lining University Avenue as spectators.

“The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a fun parade and anyone can participate,” said Buddy Starling, Troy University dean of enrollment management. “We just ask that the entries adhere to the St. Patrick’s Day theme. This parade is an excellent opportunity for local businesses to advertise and promote who they are and what they offer the community. Because the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held in conjunction with the university’s Reunion Weekend, there are typically a thousand or more prospective students and their families on campus and this is a good time to let them know about our business community.”

Starling said there is no charge to enter the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, so it’s also a good opportunity to put faces on civic groups in the community.

“The Troy University St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Alabama’s Official St. Patrick’s Day Parade and we are proud of that distinction,” Starling said. “Troy University has a global presence and our reach extends around the world. St. Patrick’s Day coincides with the time of year that students are beginning to venture out and have some fun.

“We offer lectures on Ireland and its culture in order to provide students with exposure to the Irish culture. Troy University has a global vision that encourages our students to look beyond themselves and into the world so they will be able to compete in the world economy, not just locally or regionally.”

To place an entry in the 2009 Troy University St. Patrick’s Day Parade, call 670-3243.

The deadline for entry is March 18.

Reunion activities get under way at 4:30 p.m. on March 20 with an alumni cookout at the University Alumni House on the corner of George Wallace and Highland Ave.

The Trojan baseball team will host Western Kentucky at Riddle-Pace Field at 6 p.m.

On Saturday, a noon luncheon for former athletic letter winners will be at the Stadium Tower followed by the spring football scrimmage at 2 p.m. at the stadium.

The annual Reunion Banquet will be at 6 p.m. at the Trojan Center Ballroom.

Tickets are $25. Reservation deadline for the banquet is March 17.

For more information or for alumni reunion banquet tickets, call the Office of Alumni Affairs at 334-670-3318.