St. Patrick’s parade puts a spring in everyone’s step
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade always draws a good crowd along Blackhawk Avenue in downtown Prairie du Chien.
By Ted Pennekamp and Correne Martin
As usual, a large turnout is expected for the annual Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 12.
Parade participants are asked to assemble at 9 a.m. on St. Feriole Island and the parade will begin at approximately 10 a.m.
“Just as robins are a welcome harbinger of spring, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a sure indication that the seasons are ready to change and we can start to say farewell to winter,” said City Administrator Aaron Kramer. “It is a real positive for the city and especially the downtown, and the chamber does a real nice job putting it all together and drawing visitors from all around the area.”
The parade will start from St. Feriole Island and proceed east on Blackhawk Avenue, north on Michigan Street, west on Washington Street and then back to St. Feriole Island.
“I am looking forward to the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade as a sign of spring coming soon after,” said Mayor Dave Hemmer. “It is always a great event for young and old alike to come to our downtown and enjoy the day. The chamber does a great job sponsoring the event for our city and I look forward to seeing everyone there.”
The community’s own St. Patrick will lead the parade, followed by this year’s royalty. The 2016 King and Queen are Tom and Cathie Nelson. Denny Fuller, longtime owner of the Sawmill Saloon, will be the parade’s Grand Marshall.
Following the parade, many area businesses will join the festivities by serving corned beef and cabbage, green beer and other traditional Irish specialties. Live Irish music will also be played by bagpiper Jimmy Sherman, from the Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band, of St. Paul, at the following venues: The Blackhawk, Fort Mulligan’s, Sawmill Saloon, Stark’s Sport Shop, Jim’s Bar, Bob’s Bar, Eddie’s Irish Pub, Leisure Time Bar and Bowl and the Eagles Club.
After lunch, residents and visitors are also invited to stick around town and shop the retail specials at area businesses.
Early morning events
For anyone who is up early on Saturday, and ready to start celebrating, the third annual Shamrock Shuffle 5K Fun Run/Walk starts at Hoffman Hall at 8 a.m., with registration at 7 a.m. Individuals and families are encouraged to start the day off at the run/walk for a small monetary and non-perishable food donation per person or family. For more details, find the PdC Shamrock Shuffle on Facebook.
Also, for those who wish to start the day off with a good breakfast, Hardee’s is hosting a fundraiser for the Prairie du Chien Public Library renovation project. From 7 to 10 a.m., biscuits and gravy, cinnamon and raisin biscuits, pancakes, omelet eggs, bacon, hash rounds, coffee, milk and orange juice will be served, buffet style. All ticket sales will benefit the library project.
Make Prairie du Chien your St. Patrick’s Day destination this Saturday.
For more information, call the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce at 326-8555.
