Community AMI St. Patrick's Day Parade Returns Sunday for 16th Year

HOLMES BEACH – 14 years ago, Sean Murphy loaded up his kids and their neighborhood friends into an old green lawn trailer, armed with a permit and a boombox. They paraded down the middle of Gulf Drive, to the amusement of somewhat perplexed onlookers. What began as a lark has grown into an annual tradition including floats, beads, thousands of onlookers and even an elephant and camel!

Today, the local restaurateur jokingly claims, “The parade is now the largest St. Paddy’s Day Parade South and East of Savannah. It may also be the only St. Paddy’s Day Parade South and East of Savannah.”

This Sunday, the Beach Bistro and Eat Here will again proudly host the 16th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Anna Maria Island. The parade is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. Parade participants should assemble at 2 p.m. at Eat Here, located at 5315 Gulf Drive.

Anyone interested in participating should contact Eat Here for information at 941-778-0411. 

The parade is free and open to the public, and Anna Maria Island residents (Irish or otherwise) are invited to participate. The slow-strolling parade attracts upwards of 15,000 celebrants each year and features area marching bands, pipe bands, musicians and colorful floats as well as charming wee folk dressed as leprechauns.