The 69th Annual Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, beginning at 11:00 a.m. from Newport City Hall. The parade, which will proceed to Carroll Avenue at Saint Augustin’s Church in the Fifth Ward, is expected to last approximately two hours.
This year’s celebration honors Michael Henlyshyn as Grand Marshal and is dedicated to Jack Kane. The parade will feature a variety of participants including pipe bands, marching bands, fife and drum corps, clown units, reenactment units, and numerous local, state, and regional organizations.
“The parade this year is estimated to last 2 hours and will include Pipe Bands, Marching Bands, Fife & Drum Corps, Clown Units, reenactment units, and a host of local, state, and regional organizations including police and fire units, social/fraternal organizations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Schools, and non-profits,” according to parade organizers.
The Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade traditionally takes place on the Saturday before March 17, unless St. Patrick’s Day itself falls on a Saturday, in which case the parade is held on that day.
This year’s commemorative button design celebrates Grand Marshal Michael Henlyshyn’s life and passions, incorporating symbolic elements that reflect his heritage and personal interests.
The button prominently features the Irish Tree of Life (Crann Bethadh), a Celtic symbol representing balance, harmony, and the cyclical nature of life. This symbol holds special significance for Henlyshyn, who served for many years as the Administrator of Island Cemetery.
“The Irish Tree of Life serves as a reminder of the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. This symbol holds special significance for our Grand Marshal, who dedicated many years to serving as the Administrator of Island Cemetery—a historic site rooted in the early Garden Cemetery Movement,” the button description explains.
In his role at the cemetery, Henlyshyn “compassionately guided families through life’s final chapter for their loved ones.” The design includes a subtle heart formed by the tree’s branches for those with a keen eye.
The button also pays tribute to Henlyshyn’s love for his dogs by featuring Irish Wolfhounds, which symbolize his Golden Retrievers, Tessa and Willow. Irish Wolfhounds are an ancient breed known for their calm demeanor and loyalty, revered in Irish culture as both hunters and guardians.
“The Irish Wolfhound is also the official mascot of the 69th Regiment, an army unit renowned for its rich Irish heritage, with some estimates suggesting that during the American Civil War 85% of its members were of Irish descent,” notes the button description.
The choice of Irish Wolfhounds is particularly fitting as Henlyshyn is a proud veteran, and his year as Grand Marshal coincides with the 69th anniversary of the parade.
In connection with the parade festivities, a “Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast” will be held on March 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the AOH Hall on Wellington Avenue. Tickets are $15 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The breakfast offers community members an opportunity to support the parade while enjoying a festive meal in the weeks leading up to the main event.
