Returning to downtown Lexington on Saturday, March 16, the 2024 Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival promises a day full of music, dancing and fun. Entries for the parade and festival opened in December and deadlines for applications are approaching.
“We’re beyond thrilled to welcome the community to share St. Patrick’s weekend with us,” says Megan Moloney, president of the Bluegrass Irish Society and parade chair. “We’re ready to turn the Bluegrass green, showcasing the best of Irish culture, music and dance.”
Sandra Reid will be honored as the parade grand marshal. Reid serves as pipe major of the William Sutherland Reid Pipes and Drums, which has led the parade every year since it was founded in 1980.
This year’s celebration begins at 10:45 a.m. with the “Blessing of the Keg” at Henry A. Tandy Centennial Plaza, which kicks off a free festival with entertainment from regional bands, local Irish dancers and food and craft vendors from throughout the region. The parade begins at 1 p.m. on Main Street.
Whether you’re a marching band, a community or school group, a local business, or just a bunch of friends with a shared love of all things green, join us to celebrate St. Patrick’s in Lexington. Applications are open through March 1 for all types of parade participants. Food and craft vendors have until Jan. 17 to sign up for the festival.
Visit lexingtonstpatsparade.org to submit your parade participant or vendor application before the deadlines:
- Parade Unit Entry Forms: Due by March 1, 2024
- Festival Vendor Applications: Due by January 17, 2024
The Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade is one of the city’s longest-running civic festivals. This year will be the 42nd time the parade has marched down Main Street.