KALAMAZOO ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
The 8th annual Kalamazoo St. Patrick's Day parade was held on Saturday, March 15, 2008. The parade began at 11:00 a.m. at the corner of Michigan and Burdick Streets, traveled down Burdick to Cedar Street and ended at the Knights of Columbus Hall where corned beef and cabbage was served. This years parade broke all prior year's attendace records on the fine sunny 50 degee day.
The parade attracted over 70 local groups, families, schools, organizations and businesses. Several thousand folks lined the streets of downtown Kalamazoo to watch and celebrate along with several hundred participants. Green was the color of the day with shamrocks and Irish flags adorning the Burdick Street Mall.
Retired dentist and a former Hacket coach, Ed Hartmann served as Grand Marshall. With a strong Irish background and a love for Ireland, Ed has been involved with the parade since day one and is both a loyal supporter and member of the Irish American Club of Kalamazoo.
New this year was a featured appearance of the "NBA on ESPN Tour RV". The RV made a stop in Kalamazoo on the way to Detroit for the Sunday NBA game. Fans had the opportunity to see the RV in the parade and watch the Loy Norix Men's Basketball Team shoot baskets and give out ESPN novilities all the way down the Burdick Street Mall. Following the parade the ESPN folks parked by the K of C Hall and let parade goers view the RV and shoot some baskets.
Additional highlights of the 2008 parade included the Western Michigan ROTC participating as color guards, a military hummer pulling "boomer" (the large WMU mobile cannon). Putting a little "Kilt Rock" on the mall were our hometown favorites, the Kalamazoo Pipe Band. Irish eyes were smiling as the Hackett Band kept in step playing some of our favorite Irish tunes.
Proving that you don't have to be Irish but share a love for Ireland, The German American club and The Kalamazoo Scottish Festival joined in our celebration. Local celebrities from television and radio, "heroes" from our local fire departments and several local sport teams participated. Families, proud of their Irish heritage rode in decorated vehicles or marched proudly behind banners etched with their family name or crest. Irish Stepdancers kept the beat, local scouting troupes, nonprofit agencies, businesses and restaurants all contributed to the fun and success of the parade by passing out treats to the onlookers. To top off such a fine day, St. Patrick, himself was present.
The Kalamazoo St. Patrick's Day Parade is organized by the Irish American Club Of Kalamazoo.
Parade Application
To find out more about our club or being a 2009 parade sponsor,
please call 269-372-7332 or 269-372-7501.
May good luck be always your friend
through life in all that you do,
And may trouble be alway a stranger to you. |
