Springfield’s most festive tradition is back! On Saturday, March 14th at the crack o’ noon, the 42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will bring a whole lot of fun to the heart of downtown.
And this year, the celebration gets an extra spark: 98.7 WNNS’s Lacey & Rocki from The Morning Routine will serve as the official emcees! Expect laughs, energy, and plenty of parade‑day magic as they guide the city through one of its most beloved events.
Parade Route: Where to Watch
The parade winds through several Springfield landmarks, offering plenty of great viewing spots. Here’s the full route:
- Start: Jefferson & 6th Street
- Heads west to 5th Street
- Turns south on 5th to Capitol Avenue
- Moves north on 6th Street to the reviewing stand
- Then proceeds to Washington Street, heading east
- Ends back at the starting point in the Horace Mann Parking Lot
Family‑Friendly Viewing Area:
If you’re bringing kids or just want a calmer environment, the best spot is near the reviewing stand, where you’ll find a welcoming, family‑focused zone.
This year’s parade honors Court & Karen Conn as Grand Marshals. One of the special privileges of serving as Grand Marshals is selecting a charity to receive proceeds from the parade. Their charity of choice is the The Downtown Springfield Heritage Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the city’s historic architecture and cultural legacy.
This year’s theme: A Bridge Across Centuries, beautifully honors the many historical threads that tie Springfield, the U.S., and Ireland together.According to Miranda Bailey-Peetz, Communications Director for the parade:
“We picked that because it’s the 250th anniversary for America, and it’s also the 100th anniversary for Route 66, and we felt that would symbolize our connection back to Ireland over the centuries with immigration, and how much the Irish diaspora has really affected not just the United States but especially in Illinois and in Springfield.”
The theme not only celebrates two major national milestones but also honors the enduring influence of Irish heritage—an influence seen throughout local history, culture, and community.
