After a two-year hiatus, the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin and Westown Association are excited to announce the 54th Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to downtown Milwaukee on March 12.

Presented by Miller Lite, the Parade steps off at North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (formerly Old World Third Street) and West Wisconsin Avenue ending at Water Street and Highland Avenue.

The Parade was cancelled just two days before it was scheduled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and postponed again in 2021 due to the City of Milwaukee’s public gathering restrictions at the time.

“We are thrilled to bring the St. Patrick’s Day Parade back to downtown’s streets and celebrate our city’s rich Irish heritage,” said Mike Boyle, Shamrock Club of Wisconsin Parade Director. “After a few years away, we are planning a very special event and know families will be delighted to see the return of one of Milwaukee’s favorite traditions.”

“The Parade is Milwaukee’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration that attracts thousands of visitors to the Westown neighborhood, driving traffic to the many local businesses that were heavily impacted by the pandemic. Our shops, bars and restaurants depend on important community events like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and look forward to seeing parade-goers support our businesses,” said Stacie Callies, Executive Director of Westown Association.

The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies are set to perform at the Parade, where they will be honored along with other victims of the Waukesha tragedy. First responders will also be honored for their dedicated service throughout the pandemic. Additionally, the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin will recognize their 2022 honorees: Irishman of the Year Pete Fleming, Irish Rose Maureen McGarry Konkol and Parade Marshalls former Alderman Bob Donovan and Kathy Donovan.

“This will also be the first parade in the city since the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade,” added Boyle. “Our hearts go out to the victims of the Waukesha Christmas Parade. It is our intention to stage a safe event for our performers and guests, and we are working closely with city officials to review safety procedures for the event.”

The Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the oldest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the nation, dating back to 1843. The event features over 120 units including Irish dance groups, pipe and drum corps, local celebrities, and dignitaries.

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Lee Matz

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