The 30th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival will kick off at 10 a.m. March 13 with a flag raising at Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street in Balboa Park. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. The Irish Congress of Southern California is again sponsor of the event which promises a day of family-friendly entertainment come rain or shine. “You hear St. Patrick’s Day and think ‘beer, beer, beer,’” said Claudia Jack, board chair. “This is a family event. There will be kids in the parade doing Irish dancing. It’s charming to see them with curly hair and dressed in costumes sent from Ireland.” Musical entertainment will be provided by marching bands, bag pipers and folk singers. With free admission, Jack said the event provides welcomed relief in today’s recession. Highlights include a patriot zone to give special thanks to local military personnel and their families. An authentic Celtic Village will provide insight into daily living in Ireland with demonstrations throughout the day of Irish swords and cooking. A fun zone will feature face painting, an inflatable bouncy jump, llama rides and carnival rides and games. A shuttle will operate from the Prado in Balboa Park to the hub of activities at Sixth and Laurel. The festival ends at 6 p.m.