A St. Patrick’s Day to Remember

The lucky winners of our Sedona St. Patrick’s Day Parade Trolley Ride.

Some parade stories are just meant to be told.

When Kim Copeland entered the Sedona Center contest to win a ride on the Sedona Trolley during this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade, she wasn't just hoping for a fun experience. She was hoping for something extra special. That’s because for her family, St. Patrick's Day isn't just a holiday. It's a birthday.

Kim’s grandson Rylan turns 10 this week, and he was born right on St. Patrick's Day. So when she found out they'd won, the excitement was next level.

"Very, very excited," she said with a big smile, "since my grandson's birthday is on St. Patrick's Day."

Originally from London and now living in Rimrock, Kim knows a thing or two about St. Patrick's Day celebrations. She's been to Ireland for the real deal ("a little crazier," she laughs) and has celebrated at big parades in New Orleans and St. Louis. 

But this year, the Sedona parade held something none of those could offer: a trolley ride with her grandson on his birthday.

For Rylan, the whole thing was almost impossible to believe. Asked if he ever thought he'd be riding through a parade on a trolley, his answer was immediate: "Never."

But was he excited? Absolutely. And what was he most looking forward to? "Getting to see the crowd and handing out candy and stuff." Spoken like a true 10-year-old.

As for what both Kim and Rylan had to say to anyone who didn't make it out to the parade this year? Their message was unanimous: "You're missing out."

We couldn't agree more. Moments like these—a grandmother and her birthday grandson riding through the red rocks of Sedona on a crisp St. Patrick's Day morning—are exactly what make this community so special.

Happy 10th birthday, Rylan. And happy St. Patrick's Day from all of us at Sedona Center!