St. Patrick's Day Parades in Ohio
Parade Schedules for Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Dublin
Saint Patrick's Day is a celebration with parades, green beer, leprechauns and friendly people gathering together. Here are some St. Pat's events in Ohio.
St. Patrick's Day is an Irish holiday, honoring Saint Patrick, who lived nearly 1,600 years ago. The Catholic Church observed the holiday for many years as a religious observance. Irish immigrants in America started marching in parades across the land on St. Patrick's day, showing the voting power of the Irish "Green Machine." Today 's St. Pat's parades draw people of all religious and political affiliations. People of all types turn up for the Irish party, featuring shamrocks and leprechauns.
The Irish party is celebrated with frivolity, green beer, plates of corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, Irish whiskey, dancing and music. Parades are the centerpiece of the celebrations.. Following are some Saint Patrick's Day Parades in Ohio.
- Cleveland Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 1:04 pm: This is the 141st parade in Cleveland, making it one of the oldest St. Pat's events in America. The first Cleveland parade first marched in around 1867. it was probably the ancient Order of Hibernians that organized the Irish event . The majority of the Irish population of immigrants settled on the west side from the Flats to about 67th Street. The Cleveland St. Pats events were always held on the west side. The 2008 Parade theme is "Famous Women of Irish Descent." The United Irish Societies of Greater Cleveland sponsors the parade. Approximately 10,000 participants in 125 units march in the event. There is a new parade route, which starts at the intersections of Superior Avenue and east 18th St. The parade will travel southwest on Superior Ave to East Roadway, where it will head northwest one block, then head Northeast on Rockwell. The parade will end at Rockwell Ave and East 6th Street.
- Cincinnati Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Saturday, March 15: This is the 42nd St. Pat's parade held in Cincinnati.
- Columbus, OH St. Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 11:45 AM: The Irish Parade event in Columbus will step off at Nationwide Blvd. and John H. McConnell Blvd., and disband at Veteran's Memorial. Irish Family Reunion will be held at Vet's Memorial. Advance tickets $8, adults, $1 17 and under. Tickets at the door;: $10 adults, $1 children. Tickets can be purchased in advance at several outlets, including Fado's Irish Pub, Byrne's Pub, Patrick J's, TT Murphs, The Jury Room and O'Shaughnessy's Public House.
- Dublin, OH Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Saturday, March 15, 11 am: The parade is being called the "Greenest, Grandest St. Patrick's Day Parade Ever!" The parade in Dublin draws about 19,000 spectators for the 90 minute parade. Marchers include local dignitaries and the 2008 Grand Leprechaun. There is a full day of St. Pat's events in Dublin; including a Lion's Club Pancake Breakfast, 4 mile run, and music and dancing at the pubs and taverns . The Brazenhead will feature Cap City Pipes and Drums. Mary Kelley's Pub & Restaurant will feature Dave O'Smith and a special Irish menu and drink specials. Crowne Plaza Hotel Dublin features the Green with Envy Special with deluxe overnight accommodations.
- Portsmouth Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Saturday, March 15, 3:00 pm: This is the first ever parade in Portsmouth, Ohio. The theme is "Live the Dream,. Make it Happen. Walk the Line!"
Information is subject to change. If you plan to visit the pubs for green beer, please choose a designated driver in advance, for everybody's safety.
Read about St. Patrick's Parades in: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minnesota. New York and Chicago.
