What started out as little more than a whim has come a long way in 23 years ...

On a frigid St. Patrick’s Day in 1987, three Martin Citians grabbed another friend, two cars and a horse & buggy, holding an impromptu St. Patrick’s Day “parade” down 135th Street.  The rest, they say, is history.

On March 14, 2010, the Martin City St. Patrick’s Day parade will mark its 23rd  Anniversary.  The event this year will build on the major expansion of parade-day activities initiated in 2007 that became known as IRISHPALOOZA (meaning an Irish extravaganza).  In fact, a full day of Irish family fun is again planned for downtown Martin City. From 11 a.m. until the parade concludes at 4 p.m., there will be food and beverage booths, musical and other performance-related entertainment, and games and contests for the kids, including a pre-parade Prince and Princess Contest.  Whether you’re a past participant or a potential new one, the Martin City Business and Community Association (MCBCA) would like to invite you to take part in this ever-growing tradition.

Our event has long been known as “the biggest little fun parade in Kansas City.”  The parade itself will kickoff at 2 p.m. with almost 100 entries once again marching down 135th Street to celebrate a great Irish tradition.  This year’s theme is WE’RE ALL GREEN FOR THE DAY! 

The uniqueness of the Martin City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a source of pride for the merchants and many of its citizens.  With the addition of a full day of family fun, we hope that you, your family and friends will come and rediscover what Martin City is all about.  In the spirit of the related holiday, a percentage of the proceeds from the 2010 parade will again go to the Ozanam Home, a Martin City resident.

So, make plans for Martin City on March 14, 2010, and be sure to wear your green.

COME BACK FOR FURTHER UPDATES ON PARADE-DAY ACTIVITIES AS IRISHPALOOZA NEARS!