Martin City’s St. Patrick’s Parade highlights entrepreneurial spirit
By Kathy Feist
The 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Parade will be held on Sunday, March 10, from 2 to 3:30 pm. This year’s theme “Be Inspired: Martin City’s Entrepreneurial Spirit” reflects the creative individuality that makes up the small community.
Leading the parade this year will be Grand Marshall Matt Moore, owner of Martin City Brewing Company, the Martin Event Space, Martin City Pizza, Martin City Brew Pub, and, soon, the Ice Cream Station.
“Matt definitely has the Martin City mindset,” says Nick Lewman, vice president of the Martin City Business Community Association (MCBCA). Moore is also the grandson of Martin City entrepreneur R.C. VanNoy who started the parade in 1987.
“There are so many different entrepreneurs in Martin City–FishTech, Jess and Jim’s, RCs, Martin City Brewing Company….” Here, Lewman trails off because the majority of the 85 businesses in Martin City are individually owned. Lewman, owner of Matai Services, LLC, understands the attraction. “Martin City has an energy and excitement,” he says. “The community is tightnet. It’s a great place.”
The MCBCA is looking for those with an entrepreneurial spirit and fierce individuality to participate in the parade. They’ve made it easy: there is no fee to enter a group or float in the parade. This year, they have even incorporated a simple electronic submission on the website martincity.org.
Cash prizes for a winning parade entry range from $600 to $100.
The parade departs from the State Line Point Shopping Center at Washington Street and 135th Street and proceeds east down 135th Street.
Sponsorships are available. The parade is supported in part by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund.
For more information, call 816-228-8000 or contact@mcbca.org.