CROWN POINT | Crown Point's going green as it readies for what's expected to be an annual St. Patrick's Day parade.

Plans are ambitious for the evening parade, which will feature emergency vehicles, 32 entries - one for each of the counties in Ireland -- the Lake County Pipes and Drums, Grand Marshal Mayor David Uran and a Junior Grand Marshal.

The parade steps off at 5:45 p.m. March 9, rain or shine, leaving from Solon Robinson School. It will travel to Wells Street to Main, and head north around the square to Court Street and out to Walnut Street.

Applications are available in the foyer of City Hall, 101 N. East St. or stopping by the Mayor's Office of Special Events. Beginning today, applications are available at www.crownpoint.in.gov/stpatsparade or the city's Web site, www.crownpoint.in.gov. All applications must be received by Feb. 16. They will then be reviewed and selected.

Because of time constraints, the parade will consist of the 32 entries. Each entry must have at least 150 lights incorporated into the themed display. Band entries are not required to be lighted, but they are encouraged to do so.