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 16, the Martin City St. Patrick’s Day parade will mark its 21st Anniversary. The event this year will be much more than the popular traditional parade. In fact, a full day of Irish family fun is planned for downtown Martin City. From late morning until well after the parade will be food and beverage booths, musical and other performance-related entertainment, merchant displays, 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 over 100 entries once again marching down 135th Street to celebrate a great Irish tradition. This year’s theme is IDOLIZE THE IRISH and our new event this year is Irish Idol..

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 portion of the proceeds from the 2008 parade will go to the Ozanam Home, a Martin City resident.

So, make plans for Martin City on March 16 and BE SURE TO WEAR YOUR GREEN!

COME BACK FOR FURTHER UPDATES ON PARADE-DAY ACTIVITIES AS MARCH 16TH NEARS!