By Kady Cramer
St. Patrick’s Day is March 17. Here’s what you can expect from local parades.
Martin City Shamrocks and Smiles Parade
Martin City will be packed with parade-goers and local businesses on Sunday, March 10 at 2 p.m. for the Shamrocks and Smiles Parade. The parade starts at the corner of Washington Street and 135th Street, with entries lining up as early as 11:30 a.m. in front of the State Line Point Shopping Center. It will then proceed east down 135th where it will end at Holmes Road.
First put on in 1987, the event brings in about 20,000 residents, participants, and businesses from all around the South Kansas City area with anywhere from 45 to 60 parade entries.
“Our largest family-fun event of the year in Martin City is the St. Patrick’s Day parade,” says Vickie Wolverton who manages the Martin City Community Improvement District (CID), which sponsors the event. “It’s exciting to see such a big crown patronize the restaurants and shops before and after the parade.”
Former Kansas City Chiefs player Bobby Bell will act as Grand Marshal for the parade while Fox4’s own John Holt will be the MC. Rumor has it, Mayor Quinton Lucas will be making an appearance at the festivities as well as some familiar judges that are yet to be confirmed.
New this year will be an after party at The Martin Event Space, located at 135th and Holmes. Open during and after the parade, the venue will offer drinks, brats, games, and fun for both kids and adults.
Parade entry prizes include a $300 award for first place, a $200 award for second place, and a $100 award for third place. There is no fee to participate. Find more information and registration form at Martincity.org/st-patricks-parade/. For questions, call (816) 308-1023 or email manager@martincity.org.
Brookside St. Patrick’s Day Warm-Up Parade, March Magic
The annual Brookside St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade is a fun, family-oriented event kicking off Saturday, March 16 at 2 p.m. at 65th & Wornall. The theme for this year is March Magic. Hosted in the heart of the historic Brookside Shops, the parade is sponsored by the Brookside Business Association and Community Improvement District.
The event draws approximately 15,000 participants and spectators from around the metro with over 100 organizations and businesses entering the parade. Whether marching, dancing, walking or riding – entries include bands, drill teams, Irish dancers, bagpipers, and dogs of all shapes and sizes including Basset Hounds, Great Danes and of course, Irish Setters.
“The parade is one of our favorite events each year,” says Jennifer Gamble, parade coordinator for over 25 years. “It’s just so fun seeing groups that have done it for years as well as so many new entries.”
Association and CID Executive Director, Sean Ackerson says the parade is also a reunion for many. “So many people have lived, worked, grown up or just enjoyed time in Brookside, and the parade brings many of them back together.
2024 entries will include returning favorites such as 2023 Grand Prize Winner Livers Bronze, Brookside/KC Spirit Award Noah’s Ark Animal Clinic and Best Music, Paseo Cheer and Dance Team, as well as classic cars. Expect appearances by Mayor Quinton Lucas and Mayor Pro-Tem Parks-Shaw as well as other dignitaries.
The parade also continues the tradition of honoring a Brookside merchant who’s made a significant contribution to the Brookside Shops as the honorary Irish. This year’s honoree is Jerri Brandon, owner of Brookside Party Warehouse, 103 W 63rd. Brandon is one of Brookside’s most prolific volunteers and tireless supporters.
For more information and route map, visit at www.brooksidekc.org.
Belton St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Rain or shine, Belton’s Main Street will hold their St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 16 at 5 p.m. Previously known as the Wendell T. Ivers parade, entries will line up on 2nd Street behind City Hall, starting at 4 pm.
In 1984 Wendell Ivers worked to launch the parade after closing his business, Dryden’s Drug Store, in Belton. Ivers went door-to-door to local businesses recruiting for an impromptu St. Patrick’s Day parade. Over a dozen businesses lined up to walk down the street, and the tradition has been going ever since.
For over a decade, co-organizer and committee lead Darin Jones has ensured the event continues on. Hundreds of spectators join Main Street every year as 40-80 (depending on the weather) entries drive through.
“I was in high school the day Ivers started the parade,” says Jones. “In keeping with the original spirit of the parade, any and everyone is encouraged to join.”
Grand Marshals for the parade will be Allen and Laurie Edmonds, owners of the North Cass Herald. There are no entry fees, categories, winners, or official line up. Food will be provided onsite by Chef Aristos Food Truck.
The parade solicits donations for local charities. For more information, call Darin Jones at 816-419-6508 or visit their Facebook Group, Belton St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
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