Downtown Muskegon transformed into a festive sea of green for annual St. Patrick’s Day parade
Revelers decked out in everything from shamrocks and sparkly green wigs to leprechaun costumes and emerald tutus filled downtown Muskegon for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 16.
Festive marchers representing local businesses, nonprofits, and more made their way down a Clay Avenue lined with families for the celebration of Muskegon County’s Irish heritage.
The event is sponsored by Hennessy’s Irish Pub and Restaurant and the Greater Muskegon Jaycees.
Below are photos of the day’s festivities.
Marchers throw candy to children lining the parade route. Photo by Pat ApPaul
Hennessy’s Irish Pub and Restaurant and the Greater Muskegon Jaycees sponsored the parade. Photo by Pat ApPaul
The Greater Muskegon Jaycees, one of the parade sponsors, march. Photo by Anna Gustafson
Marchers deck themselves out in their most festive green attire. Photo by Pat ApPaul
Even chickens like celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Photo by Pat ApPaul
A family gathers for the parade. Photo by Pat ApPaul
The Clarke family participates in the parade each year. Photo by Pat ApPaul
Photo by Pat ApPaul
The Muskegon Irish American Society marches. Photo by Anna Gustafson
Parade Grand Marshals Mickey Knight, left, and his daughter, Stacy Idema. Knight, a former state legislator who represented Muskegon, was part of the city’s first-ever St. Patrick’s Day parade in the mid-1970s. Photo by Anna Gustafson
A pup feels the St. Patty’s Day love during the parade. Photo by Pat ApPaul
The Lumbertown Beard Barons sport their renowned facial hair. Photo by Pat ApPaul
More of the Lumbertown Beard Barons. Photo by ApPaul
Denise Sabo, left, and State Rep. Terry Sabo, second from left, join marchers from the Kids’ Food Basket. Photo by Pat ApPaul
Marchers show their Irish and American spirit. Photo by Pat ApPaul
A marcher prepares to throw candy along the parade route. Photo by Pat ApPaul
Embrace Books marches in the parade.
Members of the Muskegon Regional Police Pipes & Drums perform. Photo by Pat ApPaul
The Muskegon Regional Police Pipes & Drums. Photo by Pat ApPaul
Leprechauns abound in the parade. Photo by Pat ApPaul
The parade captivates an Irish wolfhound. Photo by Pat ApPaul
Honestly, we could’ve done an entire slideshow of the cute dogs who showed us their St. Patrick’s Day best. Photo by Pat ApPaul
The Fruitport Fire Department. Photo by Pat ApPaul
Dancers show off their moves during the parade. Photo by Pat ApPaul
Marchers throw candy to parade watchers.
Judy Chandonnet is all smiles while marching. Photo by Pat ApPaul
John Chandonnet and Roman. Photo by Pat ApPaul
Marchers sport the colors of Ireland’s flag. Photo by Pat ApPaul
Veterans march during the parade. Photo by Pat ApPaul
The Lumberjacks mascots entertain the crowd. Photo by Pat ApPaul
The parade drew four-footed marchers as well. Photo by Anna Gustafson
The Only Cannoli brings their sweetness to the event. Photo by Anna Gustafson
A troll leaves its bridge for the parade. Photo by Anna Gustafson
Roots to Boots members had one of the parade’s most popular marchers: a goat. Photo by Anna Gustafson
One of the stars of the parade lands some love. Photo by Anna Gustafson
Parade marchers. Photo by Anna Gustafson
Members of the Ardan Academy of Irish Dance. Photo by Anna Gustafson
The Michigan Irish Music Festival representatives wave to the crowd. Photo by Anna Gustafson
Marchers make their way down Clay Avenue. Photo by Anna Gustafson
Marchers in their best green attire. Photo by Anna Gustafson
Parade watchers line Clay Avenue. Photo by Anna Gustafson
This rockin’ pup had many a parade watcher clapping their hands. Photo by Anna Gustafson
The Lakeshore Brewers Guild. Photo by Anna Gustafson
Festively clad marchers throw candy to parade goers. Photo by Anna Gustafson
The crowd at the parade. Photo by Anna Gustafson
Photos by Pat ApPaul and Anna Gustafson. A documentary photographer from South Wales, United Kingdom, Pat is now based in Muskegon. Pat’s work can be found at www.PatApPaul.com, and he can be contacted by emailing Pat.ApPaul@gmail.com. Anna is the publisher and editor of the Muskegon Times. Reach her by emailing MuskegonTimes@gmail.com.