Guide To Royal Oak's St. Patrick's Day Parade
The annual Oakland County St. Patrick's Day Parade in Royal Oak celebrates and honors Irish family tradition, pride and heritage. The Norman O'Brien Division of the Ancient Order of Hiberians hosted the parade, which is set to kick off at Royal Oak Middle School's parking lot on March 10th at 11:30 a.m.
Parade Fun Facts
Number of Floats - Over 35 parade units
Participants - Approximately 300 people marching
Attendance - 2,500-3,500
Cost - Free for all spectators
Who's Who
2012 Grand Marshall - Dan Reedy of Danny's Irish Pub
Honorary Grand Marshalls - Don Reid of Royal Oak and Malenida Sutton
2011 Mrs. Michigan winner Annette Kelly is also expected to attend.
This Year's Participants
Irish clans from all across Michigan will be competing against each other for the best float. Judges will pick winners based off of who portrays the best example of Irish pride. Other participants will be dressed in costumes celebrating their Irish heritage and bagpipers will be on hand playing Irish tunes.
Post Parade Festivities
When the parade concludes around 12:30 p.m., spectators can head to the Royal Canadian Legion Hall off of 11. Mile Rd for food and drinks. Corned beef and cabbage or hot dog meals will be available for purchase.
Parade Route
The parade starts at Royal Oak Middle School and heads south towards Washington. The route passes the announcer reviewing stand at the intersection of Sixth and Washington, turns west onto Seventh and ends at the St. Mary Church parking lot.
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