The major fundraiser for the Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade raised $33,500 for children’s charities over the weekend.

The auction was Saturday evening at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Auction chairwoman Deb Drummet said the total did not reach some of the auction’s best years, but it was in line with others.

“It’s nice to know that people can still help charity even in this economy,” she said.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee events this week include the 5K Shamrock Shuffle at 8 a.m. Saturday at Johnny’s Tavern, 401 N. Second St., followed by a dart tournament and chili cook-off at 1 p.m. at Red Lyon Tavern, 944 Mass.

The St. Patrick’s Day Queen Coronation will be at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Flamingo Club, 501 N. Ninth St.

Money raised in conjunction with the March 17 parade, the auction and other events will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of New York School, Lawrence Parents as Teachers, GaDuGi Safe Center and Lawrence High School’s Positive Support Team.