KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – After a two year hiatus, the Irish American Club of Kalamazoo is bringing back its 20th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade this Saturday in downtown Kalamazoo.
The parade steps off at 11:00 a.m. on the Burdick Street Mall at Michigan Avenue and will march south down Burdick Street, turn right on Cedar Street, and end on the corner of Rose Street and Cedar Street
This year’s Grand Marshal is State Representative Julie M. Rogers, who is also a member of the Irish American Club of Kalamazoo.
“I am thrilled to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Irish American Club of Kalamazoo’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” Rep. Rogers said. “As the spouse of a dual citizen, with both Irish and U.S. citizenship, it is an honor to serve in this role. The Irish American community has contributed greatly to our society throughout the years, and I am looking forward to celebrating on March 12.”
As in parades of the past, there will be a diverse group of participants. This year includes the Sons of Norway and the El Concilio/Hispanic American Council, which proves that everyone loves to celebrate the Irish. This year will also include the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Pipe and Drum Corp, which consists of a bagpiper and 3 drums. This is a newly formed organization, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be its first parade.
The Kalamazoo Pipe band, Quinn School of Irish Dance, Kalamazoo Rugby football club, Shamrock Montessori Center, and Slappy and the Kalamazoo Wings, among others, will also be joining the St. Patrick’s Day Parade again this year.
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