For nearly 50 years, the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade has illuminated downtown Naples with green lights and leprechauns, but this year it is coming to a halt. The Naples St. Patrick Foundation announced it’s officially canceling its annual event, citing skyrocketing costs that have made it financially impossible to continue.
Just months before what would have been its 50th anniversary, organizers say city fees have transformed the volunteer-run celebration into a financial burden.
WATCH AS PEOPLE IN DOWNTOWN NAPLES REACT TO THE ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE BEING CANCELED:
‘We can’t afford it’: Naples St. Patrick’s Day parade canceled just before 50th anniversary
“It’s entirely volunteer-run. We are a small group of committed volunteers. No one receives compensation, and we do not charge the public to attend or enjoy the event” a foundation representative said at a Wednesday city council meeting…