Parade Philosophy

Our goal is to provide a community activity for all to enjoy and/or in which to participate.  We delight in having children’s groups, community organizations, and musical activities in the parade.  We do not wish to provide incentive for organizations to invest in expensive, elaborate floats.  Rather we suggest donating that money to an available charity and come down Main Street with a flat bed or truck decorated with green cardboard and crepe paper and play some music and wave to the kids.

The Irish Government approved the Irish Army Pipe Band to lead the parade in 2007.  It was a great honor for them to choose Lexington from all the invitations they receive.  We were in competition with major cities where they have performed in the past such as Boston, Chicago, New York and Savannah.

While the parade honors the contributions that the Irish people have made to Lexington and Kentucky in general, it is not just for the Irish.  In each of the previous years we have made a point of inviting all groups of every race, nationality and religion to come and celebrate their roots with the Irish.

The parade has helped turn St. Patrick’s Day into a community wide celebration that has been both fun and beneficial to the business community including restaurants, bars, clothing stores, beverage distribution companies, etc.  In 1980, there were no St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the city other than the parade.  Along with the Sister Cities Organization and other activities, the parade has boosted cultural exchanges and tourism for both Ireland and Central Kentucky. 

Volunteer Activities

Bluegrass Irish Society volunteers maintain all parade records, print and mail all invitations, confirmations, organize the line of march, provide portable toilets for parade participants, provide parade marshals for crowd control and coordination with police, reviewing stand volunteers, refreshments and master of ceremonies.  These activities are done with funds provided by our generous sponsors and parade entry fees.  Club members provide their own communications and parade transportation.