CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Iowa's News Now) — Preparations for the much-anticipated 2025 St. Patrick's Day Parade are well underway. This year marks the 50th Annual SaPaDaPaSo St. Patrick's Day Parade, organized by the non-profit group SaPaDaPaSo, which is run entirely by volunteers. On Monday, March 17, downtown Cedar Rapids will transform as community members gather to celebrate Irish heritage and culture.
Prior to the parade, those interested can attend the SaPaDaPaSo Hooley Fundraiser on Saturday, March 1, at Cliff's Dive Bar & Grill from 4 to 9 p.m. Attendees will enjoy live Irish music from the local party band Wylde Nept and have the chance to win a trip to Ireland. “Enjoy live Irish music from the local party band Wylde Nept and a chance to win a trip to Ireland,” representatives from Iowa's News Now mentioned, emphasizing the event's festive nature.
Meanwhile, the excitement doesn't end with Cedar Rapids. Over on Anna Maria Island, preparations are being made for yet another joyous St. Patrick's Day celebration. The annual parade, set for March 16, promises to be special this year, particularly following the challenges faced by the community after the recent hurricane season. The Center of Anna Maria Island invites residents to participate by registering floats, golf carts, and decorated cars to make this year’s parade bigger and more vibrant than ever. “The enduring community spirit of Anna Maria Island will manifest itself at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” they stated, showcasing the resilience and spirit of the locals.
For those planning to attend the celebrations on the mainland, don't miss out on the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade, slated for March 17 as well. This year, Jay Burke III has been selected as the Grand Marshal, adding personal significance to the event. He follows in the footsteps of his father, Jimmy Burke, Jr., who was deeply involved with the parade committee dating back to the 1970s and even served as Grand Marshal himself in 1992. “My whole life has been around the parade committee. They've become my second family,” Burke shared, capturing the essence of community and familial pride woven throughout these festivities.
Jay Burke III has held several positions on the Savannah Parade Committee, including General Chairman and Adjutant, making his selection feel like both an honor and fulfillment of his father's legacy. “I want to be like my dad, you know? And it's worked out. So, it's sort of just following in his footsteps,” he reflected respectfully. This year will see the completion of the 201st St. Patrick’s Day Parade, affirming the deep-rooted traditions of the area and the importance of such community gatherings.
Both events—whether it be the festivities on Anna Maria Island or the long-standing celebrations of Savannah—is reflective of the broader community spirit encountered during St. Patrick’s Day. They represent more than just parades; they encapsulate cultural pride, community resilience, and familial ties. Individuals interested in participating, be it through the Hooley Fundraiser or the fun at the parades, should mark their calendars and prepare for vibrant displays of Irish culture, traditional music, food, and lively camaraderie.
Whether it’s organizing floats, attending fundraisers, or simply being part of the crowd to cheer on participants, every act of participation helps strengthen the ties within the community, creating meaningful memories for all. For more information on specific events, interested attendees are encouraged to visit the relevant websites at centerami.org/events for Anna Maria Island or SaPaDaPaSo’s webpage for more details as the dates draw closer.
The preparations for the 2025 St. Patrick's Day parades not only showcase cultural traditions but also the enduring spirit and vitality of these communities, ensuring celebrations are not just events, but cherished experiences shared among friends and families alike.