Newport’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrates its 70th anniversary Saturday, March 14, with thousands expected to line the streets of downtown for the annual tradition.
The parade steps off promptly at 11 a.m. in front of City Hall, rain, snow or shine, winding through Washington Square, down America’s Cup Avenue and Thames Street before finishing at Carroll Avenue at St. Augustin’s Church in the heart of the Fifth Ward. City public services crews have been working to clear snow from the route ahead of the event. Parking restrictions and traffic detours will be in place around the parade route.
This year’s parade is dedicated to the memory of Dennis Reddy and Donald Mosher. Tish Curtis Behan and Michael Behan will serve as grand marshals.
Named one of the best St. Patrick’s Day parades in New England by USA Today and Yankee Magazine, the roughly two-hour event features pipe and marching bands, fife and drum corps, clown units, reenactment units and a host of local, state and regional organizations including police and fire units, scouts, schools and nonprofits.
Parade participants are reminded that items must be handed to spectators along the sidewalks — not thrown — and that public drinking is prohibited along the route, carrying a $1,000 fine.
Families looking to extend the celebration after the parade can head to The Hut — the Martin Recreation Center at 35 Golden Hill St. — for the 18th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Family Celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. The free event features bagpipers, Irish step dancers, face painting and prize giveaways. The event is alcohol-free.
For those arriving from Jamestown, express ferry service aboard the Coastal Princess will run between Jamestown Village and Perrotti Park, just steps from the parade route, with departures beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Festivities surrounding the parade span several weeks. A Grand Marshal Roast was held March 7, and events continue Friday, March 13, with the Big Daddy Award Ceremony and pre-parade party at Hibernian Hall from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and a Turas concert at Jane Pickens Film + Event Center at 6 p.m.
For more information, visit newportirish.com.