The low 20s temperature didn’t prevent hundreds from showing their love for the Irish at the 17th annual St. Patrick’s Day in Kalamazoo.
KALAMAZOO, MI — There was lots of green in downtown Kalamazoo Saturday morning for the 17th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade , and also lots of red cheeks.
The low 20s temperature didn’t prevent hundreds from showing their love for the Irish as the parade stepped off at 11 a.m. on the Kalamazoo Mall at Michigan Avenue.
“My grandmother was a proud Irish woman,” said Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley. “She would be proud of me. ”
Hadley said that he was thankful to be asked to be the Grand Marshall of this year’s parade. “It’s a great way to celebrate community,” Hadley said.
And, why not celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
“It’s such a wonder heritage,” said Peggy Hopkins, a parade organizer. “We love the history, and we get this day. ”
“He brought the Christianity to Ireland,” said Liam the extra large Leprechaun, about the Patron Saint, St. Patrick.
“He used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity,” Liam said. “He drove the snakes out of Ireland — that was one of his miracles. ”
Heading south down the mall and Burdick Street then west on Cedar Street, the parade ending at the 200 block of Cedar near the former Knights of Columbus hall.
Nearly 40 units participated, including Sons of Norway, Despierta of Kalamazoo, Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, the Kalamazoo Wings, the Notre Dame Club, Scottish Fest of Kalamazoo, Quinn School of Irish Dance, West Michigan Mayhem and more.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th and for more Irish celebration, Bell’s Brewery’s St. Patty’s Day Pub Run is slated for Wednesday, March 15.
The run, in its fifth year , is a 5k fun run that starts and ends at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave and begins at 6 p.m. The $40 registration includes a shirt and one beer ticket. A costume contest also will be held, and everyone who registers has an opportunity to win several prizes.
Proceeds from the event go toward Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Registration is available online, and late registration is available at packet pickup. Packet pickup is from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 14 at Gazelle sports and from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 15 at Bell’s.
