The History of the Grand Ledge St. Patrick's Day Parade

In March 2002, four Grand Ledge neighbors of varying Irish descent hatched a scheme to turn their two-block neighborhood into a modest St. Patrick's Day parade route. Flyers were handed out, makeshift floats were hastily built, children decorated their bikes, and neighbors who had been shut in from the cold winter came outdoors to share a drink, share a laugh, and enjoy the spectacle of children and adults marching through the neighborhood to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

The same tradition carried over into 2003, when more than 120 neighbors turned out for the March parade. In 2004, local businesses and city government asked the neighbors to bring the parade "downtown," and so was born the city-wide St. Patrick's Day parade celebration. The inaugural March 2004 downtown parade was enjoyed by thousands, and Grand Ledge earned its claim as the home of Mid-Michigan's only St. Patrick's Day parade.

From those first makeshift floats, the celebration has grown to include a queen's court, a float-judging contest, live Irish music, and a full weekend of events. What has not changed is the spirit: neighbors coming together in the last stretch of winter to celebrate their community.