Slainte Sharon St. Patrick's Day Parade focusing on animal charities

At the first Slainte Sharon St. Patrick's Day Parade in Sharon, spectators will be able to see pets dressed in costume and donate to the animal shelters.

Four animal nonprofits were invited to the event to judge the parade, but they will also be collecting donations to take back to the shelters for animals in need.

As the parade passes through, a Banjak Heating & Cooling van will collect the donations.

The shelters are looking for pet food, cat litter, pee pads, peanut butter, gently used bedding and towels, garbage bags, cleaning products, and paper towels, according to the release.

The items will go to The Shenango Valley Animal Shelter, StrayHaven Animal Shelter, Animal Protection League, and Tails of Hope.

RELATED COVERAGE: City of Sharon prepares for first ever St. Patrick's Day parade

Parade Itinerary:

• 4:30 - 6:45 P.M.: DJ to play St. Patrick's Day music on their patio stage
• 5:30 P.M. Parade Kick’s off on Shenango Avenue, behind Penn State Shenango campus
• 6:30 P.M. End time (approx.) at Quaker Steak & Lube, Sharon (101 Chestnut Ave)
• 6:45 - 6:50 P.M.: Piper Ross Williams will perform a couple songs on his bagpipes on or in front of the stage
• 6:50 - 7:05 P.M.: Father Adam Trambley will provide a Pet Blessing (from stage and then he'll also walk around and bless pets individually)
• 7:05 – 7:15 P.M.: Parade Winners will be announced.
• 7:15 - 7:30 PM: Burke's School of Irish Dance will perform in/on patio stage
• 7:30 P.M. Fireworks set off over Shenango River by Pyrotecnico