Saint Patrick's Parade
On Saturday March 11, the tenth annual St. Patrick's Day parade will meander through downtown La Crosse. The parade starts at noon . It will begin at the northwest corner of Vine Street and 2nd Street and follow Main Street, finishing at the corner of 9th Street and Main.
Due to the river and railroad access, the La Crosse area was an attractive area for early settlers from numerous nations immigrating to the United States including the Irish.
Fast forward, the city's modern emphasis on German tradition with autumn's Oktoberfest, brought Patrick Stephens, president and founder of Irishfest La Crosse, to wonder about what more could be done to salute those with Irish roots, along with being inclusive to all in the local area. In partnership with The Shamrock Club of La Crosse, established in 1973, he developed the first Irishfest in August of 2004 and a St. Patrick's Day parade in March of 2007. To preside over club activities throughout the year, the Shamrock Club nominates royalty, the Irish Man and Irish Rose annually. For the 2017 reign, Char Barton, a Viterbo University nursing alum ('95) and Patrick Barton assume the duties of representing and promoting Irish heritage. The royalty attend various parades, travel on St. Patrick's Day to local nursing homes and schools, assist in Irishfest ceremonies and attend other festivals in the area.
Char Barton, the Irish Rose, on receiving the honor, says, “We [Char and Patrick Barton] have volunteered for both Irishfest and Shamrock Club activities for many years and assisted at other events to help promote the great family atmosphere of Irish celebrations."
On Irishfest's inclusion of all backgrounds. Patrick Barton says, "You do not need to be from Ireland to appreciate this great family celebration," adding, "The day is great because there is something for everyone regardless of age." The celebration is open to anyone looking to enjoy Irish cuisine, music and dance.
In agreement, Irishfest founder Stephens believes St. Patrick's Day should be a holiday for everyone, but especially in the United States, he explains, "Depending on your source, there are about sixty-five million Americans with Irish roots. US Presidents, famous authors, actors, great entertainers, poets, scientists and others [of Irish heritage] from all walks of life have contributed to American culture. When we say 'Everybody is Irish on St. Patrick's Day,' it is really a way to thank the Irish for the difference they have made in our way of life." He regards La Crosse's parade as smaller than others around the country, but he believes the quaintness gives the attendees a closer and more personal experience. The event will bring sham-rocking with the Pinski Brothers, kicking it with Clog Jam's Irish dancers and snacking on gourmet Reuben sandwiches among other events .
First-year Viterbo student Grace Thurnau, who is of Irish descent, remarks, "I always look forward to March because of this holiday; sometimes it feels overlooked among others, but I think it is a beneficial day to connect with others and remember where we come from, whether it is Ireland or elsewhere. Plus green can be anyone's color!"
This parade, rain, shine, or blizzard is sure to bring plenty of green.