Joshua Murrell, left, and Parker MCDonald make sure the right amount of dye is used to make the water fountain at New Iberia Civic Center the perfect shade of green. 

A lime green fountain flowing in New Iberia’s Civic Center can mean only one thing … it’s the time of year to spread a little Irish cheer.  

The Irish Marching Men of New Iberia once again hosted their kickoff event to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the dyeing of the fountain at City Hall. 

“It’s more or less us trying to turn everything green for St. Patrick’s Day this would be like us trying to turn the bayou green but this fountain is more easy to control,” Tyler Young, one of the Marching Men captains, said..

The fountain that was the focal point of about a 50-person crowd Saturday was repaired with donations from the Marching Men and put to use for St. Patrick’s Day week for the first time last year.

Organizers said there’s a reason the fountain goes green early. 

“It’s to make everyone say, Hey the Irish are here and St. Patrick’s Day is coming,’ and they can think about it,” Jody McDonald said.  

The Marching Men said one of the things to think about is the Irish culture’s influence on South Louisiana. 

“Irish culture has touched everyone here in Louisiana. You would be surprised how many people you talk to have Irish or Scottish heritage. We celebrate the French during Mardi Gras,why not celebrate the Irish,” Young said.

As part of a weeklong effort to celebrate the culture, the group of men dress according to Irish custom and visit local nursing homes to talk to residents and share history. 

“I love it. It’s one of the best things we do,” David Munnerlyn said.

The group has taken on other philanthropic efforts by adopting the Special Olympics as their organization to support.

The Marching Men are selling raffle tickets for $5 to help send a Special Olympics team to compete out of state. 

The cost of the trip will be $1,000 for every student, volunteer, and teacher who travels. 

 The Marching Men donation is sure to help.

“This year we’re raffling two rifles, an ADCC mini monster motorcycle, a Yeti ice chest and an NRA knife.”, Munnerlyn said.

The raffle will be held at 7pm. at Nila’s Bourbon Hall in New Iberia. Earlier St Patrick’s Day the Marching Men will walk Main Street to Bouligny Plaza for their annual parade.

 This year’s grand marshal is local photographer Lee Ball.

 “I’m very honored. It was a surprise. I hope everyone can come out and bring the family,” Ball said. 

Also, special to the St Patrick’s Day parade is the celebration of the New Iberia Fire Department’s 150th year anniversary. The department will walk in the parade with special green anniversary shirts made special for the occasion. 

The parade will begin at  5 p.m. Saturday.