Missoula Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

The Missoula AOH has sponsored the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade since 1994 but 2008 marks the 28th year the parade has been organized.  This event grows every year and includes 30 to 40 entries.  AOH fundraises this event and garners the generous support of local businesses to put on the parade.  Irish Man and Woman of the Year: Outstanding Irish men and woman are honored at the parade with this award.

  Parade Entry Application

This application must be returned to the Missoula Chamber of Commerce by March 13.

HOW TO HAVE A GREAT SAINT PATRICK’S DAY ENTRY:

The Saint Patrick’s Parade is a celebration of the Irish culture. The best of the Irish heritage encourages great wit, a good nature and strong family relationships. Irish tales are often fanciful and clever. And for a few days in March, the Irish comes out in all of us.

We ask, then, that the message of your entry is centered on St. Patrick’s Day or Irish culture in general. Be clever, be reflective or be silly… but above all be Irish.

If you are looking for some guidelines...

• The colors of the Irish flag are green, white and orange.
• Shamrocks, of course, are very symbolic of Ireland. Also check out Celtic knots.
• Music has a phenomenal effect on any parade. If you can manage it, figure out a way to play some Irish music. You might want to go traditional with the Clancy Brothers or an instrumental bagpipe. Celtic rock might be another way to go with Gaelic Storm.
• If you are a political candidate, having your name displayed is appropriate as long as signs don’t include words like VOTE or ELECT.

If your float has a message or theme that is clearly unrelated to Saint Patrick’s Day or the Irish culture, you may be excluded from the parade.