You can expect a few more military floats than usual in next month’s 17th annual Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade — supporters are dedicating the parade to those in the U.S. military.

The Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Committee is encouraging veterans, military personnel and their families to participate in the parade, which will be on March 17.

Those interested in participating may call 785-749-6677 and leave their names and contact numbers.

The parade committee has picked Brian McRae, a former major league baseball player, as this year’s grand Marshal.

McRae, who works in media in the Kansas City area, has been very active the local parade fund-raising activities.

The committee has also named Erv and Shirley Hodges as the parade’s senior king and queen. Erv Hodges, a Lawrence native, is a past city commissioner.

The parade’s queen candidates are Breanne Patton, Erin Adams, Erin McNeese, Jenny Hohman and Heidi Nelson. This year’s parade queen will be announced March 14.

Miss Kansas Angelea Busby, Overland Park, will also be in the parade.

Proceeds from the parade will go to the Crown Casting Club, an organization for children ages 4-16 that teaches fishing and boating safety skills and environmental awareness. The club will have its first meeting of the year at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at Crown Chevrolet.