Springfield St. Patrick's Day Parade
Springfield's St. Patrick's Day parade is on March 14, with dual grand marshals and a theme of “A Bridge Across Centuries” [https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/local/2026/03/09/st-patricks-day-everything-to-know-about-springfields-parade/88966986007/]. San Francisco’s Sunset Mercantile and Chicago’s South Side Irish Parade also offer festive options [https://sf.funcheap.com/sunset-mercantile-st-patricks-day-parade-and-festival-sf/, http://patch.com/illinois/beverly-mtgreenwood/your-2026-south-side-irish-parade-survival-guide-know-you-go]. Who are the grand marshals for Springfield's parade?
The 2026 Springfield parade's grand marshals are Mary Alice Davis and Father Kevin Laughery. Davis is a local historian and author, while Laughery is the pastor of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. The "Bridge Across Centuries" theme celebrates Springfield's history and its connection to Ireland. The parade route starts at 13th and Capitol, proceeding to Second Street, then to Washington Street, and ending at Fourth Street. Springfield's first St. Patrick's Day parade was held in 1970. The parade was initially organized by a group of Irish-American business owners. Chicago's South Side Irish Parade, one of the largest in the US, steps off at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 16, 2026. San Francisco's Sunset Mercantile features a smaller, family-friendly celebration with live music and craft vendors.
