St. Patrick’s Parade Updated Information

We are just four days away from the start of the 27th Annual St. Patrick's Parade so I thought I would give everyone a little update on where we are and what is going to happen. The parade as of this writing has 85 entries and it may set a record for the most entries ever (which is 92).  

I predicted on March 1st a parade time temperature of 52 degrees and partly sunny and right now they are calling for it to be 51 and partly sunny.  Maybe I am in the wrong profession.  The lineup will take place between 10 and 10:30 with all entries needing to be ready to start by 10:30 am.  We always lineup the parade in reverse order so those in the parade can actually see the parade as well as it goes by them in the staging area. So the front of the parade (or number one) will be lined up near 24th street and the end of the parade will be near 12th street. The parade lineup will be available for viewing on Friday on this website.

The parade will start at 11 am SHARP and will proceed from 12th to 5th streets and should take about an hour to an hour and a half to complete so we should be done with the parade around 12 or 12:30.  Candy is allowed to be tossed but NOT thrown.  Please make sure you toss it away from your vehicle to prevent parade watching kids from jumping out near your car or truck.

Once the parade concludes everyone is invited to join Y101 in Washington Park for our first after parade party.  The party will feature food from Hy-Vee and non-alcoholic beverages and music from the Mobile Mania DJ's.  Y101 Radio will also be selling commemorative parade and party t-shirts during the parade and also in the park as well.  The cost is $10 for short sleeve and $18 for long sleeve shirts.

Remember for those in the parade you MUST have some green on you or your entry.  It's hard to believe I started this parade along with Dennis Oliver 27 years ago.  That's a story for another time (maybe in a few days).

There is still time to get in the parade.  It is free to enter.  We have families walking, people walking there pets, businesses showcasing their goods, organizations publicizing future events, and individuals who just want to be a part of it.  Just call 223-5292 to sign up or click on "parade" at the top of the page. If you decide Saturday you want to be in the parade just come to the Morrison Plaza and we will get you in at the last minute.

We want everyone to be safe and have fun Saturday as we all enjoy "Ushering in Spring".