A St. Paul Tradition Turns 60: The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Returns March 17
Miss Shamrock 2025 Mary Fischer
ST. PAUL, Minn.March 2026 — The streets of downtown St. Paul will turn green once again as the Saint Patrick’s Association celebrates a major milestone: the 60th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at noon. Thousands are expected to gather for one of the city’s most cherished traditions, celebrating Irish heritage, community spirit, and six decades of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Minnesota’s capital city.
The parade will step off at noon and follow the long-standing route used for many years prior to 2020, beginning at Mears Park, traveling along 5th Street, and concluding at Rice Park.
Organized by the Saint Patrick’s Association, a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit, the parade has been bringing Irish cheer and a sea of green to downtown St. Paul since 1967. What began as a grassroots celebration of Irish culture has grown into a beloved annual event that draws families, businesses, and visitors from across the region.
“For sixty years, this parade has been a joyful way for our community to come together and celebrate Irish heritage,” said Rochelle Roche, President of the Saint Patrick’s Association. “There’s nothing quite like seeing downtown St. Paul filled with music, laughter, and a sea of green every St. Patrick’s Day.”
Parade Details
Event: 60th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Time: Noon
Location: Downtown St. Paul
Route: The parade will begin at Mears Park, travel west along 5th Street, and conclude at Rice Park.
Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead for downtown traffic changes.
Recommended parking: Parking ramps and lots along Kellogg Boulevard and north of East 6th Street.
Street closures:
• The parade staging area typically closes around 10:00 AM
• 5th Street East and intersecting roads between 6th St E and 4th St E close at approximately 11:00 AM
2026 Parade Dignitaries
Each year, the parade honors community leaders and ambassadors who help represent the spirit of St. Paul’s Irish celebration.
Miss Shamrock 2026: Gabe Morcomb
Miss Shamrock serves as the queen of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and an ambassador for St. Paul’s Irish community. Gabe is a Community Engagement Manager with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota who leads volunteer initiatives supporting youth and families across the state and is active in Scouts BSA mentoring young women in leadership and service.
Mr. Pat 2026: Tim Flynn
Mr. Pat is the kingly figure of the parade and the counterpart to Miss Shamrock, selected each year as a respected leader within St. Paul’s Irish community. Tim is a longtime musician and frontman of the Irish band Paddy Wagon, bringing Irish music and spirit to the community for decades.
Grand Marshal: Mayor Kaohly Her
The Grand Marshal leads the parade procession each year. Elected in 2025, Kaohly Her is St. Paul’s first woman and first Asian American mayor and brings experience across public service, nonprofit leadership, and finance to her role leading Minnesota’s capital city.
Celebrity Grand Marshal: The Minnesota Wild’s Nordy & Team
The Celebrity Grand Marshal spotlights a beloved figure from sports or entertainment who helps bring extra excitement to the parade. This year, Nordy, the Minnesota Wild’s energetic mascot, will bring his “up north-y” spirit, hockey hair, and Wild enthusiasm to downtown St. Paul.
Distinguished Irish Woman 2026: Shannon Masera
Each year, the Distinguished Irish Woman honor recognizes an Irish woman who has made outstanding contributions in her field and in the community. Sharron Masera, Director of Partnerships & Engagement at O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co., is recognized for her leadership and dedication to promoting Irish culture and community engagement in the region.
Honorary Irish Person 2026: Bill Kozlak
Each year, the Saint Patrick’s Association names an Honorary Irish Person to recognize a member of the community who, regardless of heritage, embodies the spirit and character of the Irish. Bill Kozlak, owner of the historic Jax Cafe, is honored for his generosity, hospitality, and longtime support of the St. Paul community.
Start the Day Early: Pre-Parade Ballpark Hooley
Before the parade begins, attendees can kick off the celebration at the free Pre-Parade Ballpark Hooley, sponsored by Guinness.
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: CHS Field
The Hooley features live music, drinks for purchase, and free Baileys samples, giving parade-goers a lively place to gather before heading to the parade at noon.
Sponsors
The Saint Patrick’s Association extends special thanks to this year’s leading supporters:
Emerald Sponsors: Guinness, Baileys, St. Paul Fire Fighters Local 21, and Michael Birawer, the artist behind the 2026 commemorative St. Patrick’s Day button
Gold Sponsor: Alary’s Bar & BBQ
About the Saint Patrick’s Association, Inc.
Founded in 1967, the Saint Patrick’s Association is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that organizes and funds the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown St. Paul through fundraising efforts that also support local charities. The Association works year-round to promote Irish culture, support community initiatives, and keep one of the city’s most beloved traditions marching forward.
For more information, visitwww.stpatsmn.org
Media Contact:
Saint Patrick’s Association
Media Team
Rachel Farr, Natalie Zeyen, & Grace Veeder
stpatsmnmedia@gmail.com
