The Wolfe County High School March Band, sidelined last year because of tornados that damaged the school, this year will be back in the 34th annual Alltech St. Patrick's Parade in Lexington.

Impressed by their hard work and perseverance, the Bluegrass Irish Society named the band as the Honor Band for the parade, which will be held Saturday, March 16, in downtown Lexington.

The band has marched in the annual parade for three out of the last four years, said band director Hugh Hale. "It's become a tradition for us," he said.

Last year, the tornados that hit the area put that tradition on hold. "Of course, we didn't get the devastation that Morgan and Menifee counties did," Hale said,"but our school was severely damaged."

"Wolfe County High's building suffered roof damage and we were closed for several days to mop and clean up. We lost some things, but the worst part was that we had to vacate the band room, library and some other classrooms," Hale added.

Band instruments and equipment were moved to the nearby middle school and students trekked up there for class. Spring events, including the band's appearance in the St. Patrick's Parade were canceled.

"We're getting back to normal," Hale said, "and we are pleased to be marching again in Lexington this month."

The St. Patrick's festival will kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 16, with the "Blessing of the Keg" at the Alltech tents in CentrePointe in downtown Lexington.

The parade will begin at 1 p.m and the festival will be held until 7 p.m featuring Irish entertainment, singers, dancers, pipers, story tellers and more. There will be food and drink vendors and all-day children's and family activities.