Enterprise keeps smallest St. Patty parade record

Enterprise will keep its “World’s Smallest St. Patrick’s Day parade” bragging rights for another year.

When the clock struck noon Monday, sole parade participant Kathleen Sauer stepped off the Coffee County Courthouse lawn and marched down College Street bedecked in green while waving the Irish national flag.

Nearly 100 spectators dotted the sidewalks and cheered as Sauer trekked the single city block, circled the Boll Weevil Monument on Main Street and returned to the courthouse.
Enterprise claimed the world record for having the smallest St. Patrick’s Day parade when Sauer initated the idea in 1993. She served as the first parade participant that year as well.

“Ever since then, we have had unique people in our community who have taken up the challenge,” Sauer said.

Mayor Kenneth Boswell, who dropped by to watch this 16th annual event, noted the late Pat Donohue was the longest-serving parader, donning the green hat and costume eight consecutive years. Boswell said the parade is one of the city’s great traditions.

“To me, it is very important for people to have traditions and to come and have a little fun with those traditions,” Sauer said. “This has turned into a real cute tradition.”

This little parade has received big media attention in years past. Sauer said the “Good Morning America” television show covered it one year, and Chamber President Phil Thomas said media as far away as Ireland have gotten in on the fun.

Until this year, Sauer said the parade has been “a bit o’ fun,” but the tradition will be modified for 2009. She said the privilege of being the single parade participant next year will go to the highest bidder.

Sauer said community members will be encouraged to raise money for charity through the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce office, and whoever raises the most by next year can march in the parade or assign the privilege to someone of their choosing. Sauer kicked the tradition off Monday by donating $100 to Family Service Centers.