On the Street

ST. PAT'S DAY

It may just be February, but it's time for interested parties to sign up for the 23rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, which will begin at 2 p.m. March 15 at the intersection of Commercial Street and Benton Avenue. There is no fee to enter, and participating floats will compete for prize money. The parade will travel down Boonville Avenue, around the square and end near Harpo's on Walnut Street. Prizes will be awarded in several categories, including best-dressed group, best Irish float, best Irish pet, best out-of-town entry, best out-of-state entry and best new entry. For more information call Erin Beckrich at 417-869-8558.

TOURISM FOR ARTS

Tickets are on sale now for the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau's Third Annual Salute to Travel & Tourism, a banquet and benefit that will help the Springfield Regional Arts Council. The event will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. Feb. 28, followed by dinner at 7 p.m., at the University Plaza Convention Center. It is being held in conjunction with the Arts Council's annual Ozzie Award. Broadway star and Springfield native Kim Crosby and "The Bachelor" Aaron Buerge will provide entertainment for the evening. Travel and tourism awards will be presented in five categories: The Ambassador Award, Hospitality Award, Diplomat Award, Spotlight Award and Pinnacle Award. Tickets are $45 per person or $425 for a table of 10. For tickets or more information, call 417-881-5300, ext. 108.

VICTIM ADVOCATES

The Victim Center, a nonprofit agency that offers crisis intervention and related services for sexual assault victims of all ages, is accepting applications from volunteers who will serve as advocates. Victim advocates are on call twice a month, at night or on weekends, to respond to hotline telephone calls to 417-864-SAFE, the center's around-the-clock hotline. Most calls require only telephone response, but occasionally, advocates are summoned to local hospitals or crime scenes to help victims. Advocate training will be held in May; applications are available by calling Paula Tindell, victim advocate/volunteer coordinator, at 417-863-7273.

SLICE OF NICE

Manoli's Jewelers will present Diamond Night at Chardonnay, 1620 E. Republic Road, beginning at 6 p.m. Feb. 6, to benefit Boys & Girls Town of Missouri. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m., and an auction for $5,000 worth of jewelry will follow. Adams' Fine Jewelry, Cornerstone Fine Jewelry, The Diamond Shoppe, Hocklander Jewelry and Wand's Jewelry are among the companies providing the pieces for the auction. Tom Trtan is serving as the emcee and Kirk Elmquist is the auctioneer. Tickets are $150 per couple or $100 per person and are available by calling Manoli's Jewelers at 417-882-0394.