ST. LOUIS – Thousands of people are converging on Dogtown this weekend to attend the Irish Festival and the Ancient Order of Hibernians St. Patrick’s Day parade.
There will be more than 90 floats, music, and St. Louis Irish marching under their family crests and banners. The annual parade honors Irish heritage, culture, and faith, with the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales leading the parade.
Remember: coolers, glass containers, and cans are not allowed. While there are paid parking lots in the neighborhood, parking will be a challenge. Vehicles parked illegally will be ticketed or even towed. Organizers say there will be plenty of security on hand.
“You can expect to see on St. Patrick’s Day a strong police presence by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department,” Jim Mohan, co-founder of the parade, said.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of the parade. It steps off Sunday morning, March 17 at 11 a.m., just east of the Tamm Avenue overpass at Oakland.
The route turns south on Tamm Avenue, runs past the historic St. James the Greater Catholic Church and continues to Manchester.
This year’s parade is dedicated to the founders of the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1984. Of that group, the three remaining founders, Jim Mohan, Jim Sheerin, and Tim Wiese, will be honored as Grand Marshals.
