We’re Marching on…
Friends of the St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C,
First, thank you all for your years of support! The St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C. would not exist without your support, whether at our fundraisers throughout the year or along the Parade route every March. With St. Patrick’s Day being a little over a month away, the Committee would like to provide an update on the status of the Committee and plans for “Parade Day.”
The question on everyone’s mind is– What is the status of the Parade?
The St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C. has become prohibitively expensive. Whether along Constitution Avenue, or another location throughout the city, the overall costs throughout the years have exceeded $200,000. The increase in cost has resulted in cancellations and postponements in recent years, esp. where the estimates would exceed $200,000 for the Committee and over $1,000 in insurance requirements for participants. Although difficult, the Committee has taken this as an opportunity to reflect and pivot as an organization.
In 1971, the first St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C. was a march along Massachusetts Avenue in Dupont Circle. In 2022, we made the pivot from a formal parade to a “march.” While a march has its own unique set of limitations, the Committee’s Board of Directors have voted to officially move forward in hosting a First Amendment March in 2023. We hope to one day return to Constitution Avenue, but in the meantime, we will use this as an opportunity to celebrate Irish culture in our Nation’s Capital in a new way.
On Sunday, March 12th, the Committee will host a First Amendment March at 12 PM starting near the Peace Monument. All are welcome, and we need your help to make this event a success! For questions about volunteering, accessibility, or group participation, please reach out directly at Chair@dcstpatsparade.com.
While we will not be hosting a Parade along Constitution Avenue, we will still work to support and fundraise for Irish organizations and businesses in our community. Updates will be posted on our website and social media with all future event and fundraiser information throughout the year.
We thank you again for your support and are excited to see you on March 12th!
2020 St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C. Honorees
Although the 2020 St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C. was postponed due to COVID-19, the Parade Committee continues to celebrate the work of the Irish American leaders who were our Parade Honorees.
How can you get involved?
The St. Patrick’s Parade Committee of Washington, D.C., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is staffed by a dedicated group of volunteers who invest many hours year-round to raise funds and manage the myriad of logistics to produce the Parade each year. You can learn more about what it takes to put on the parade by visiting our FAQ page.
The Parade Committee welcomes sponsors or individuals interested in helping to support and promote the DC’s largest Irish celebration. If you are interested in learning more about how you or your organization can help, please email chair@dcstpatsparade.com.