Ready for St. Patrick's Day parade in Peoria? Here's what you need to know
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
The time of year has come to grab a pint of Guinness to wash down a plate of corned beef and cabbage in honor of our favorite Irish saint.
That's right. St. Patrick's Day is nearly here.
According to history.com, Saint Patrick is known for returning to Ireland and bringing Christianity to the people despite the Roman Britain native escaping from capivity after he was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Ireland at the age of 16.
Records also indicate the first official St. Patrick's Day parade actually took place in America, according to history.com. A Spanish colony now known as St. Augustine, Fla., held a parade in honor of Saint Patrick on March 17, 1601. The Spanish colony's Irish vicar, Ricardo Artur, organized the parade, as well as a celebration that took place one year prior.
Things to do in Peoria:Comedy, concerts and comic conventions coming in March
Here's what you need to know about the St. Patrick's Day parade in Peoria:
When is the 2023 St. Patrick's Day parade in Peoria?
The parade will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 17.
What is the St. Patrick's Day parade route in Peoria?
The parade steps off at the corner of William Kumpf Boulevard and Monroe Street in downtown Peoria, following Monroe to Main Street, Main Street to Jefferson Avenue, Jefferson to Liberty Street, Liberty to Adams Street and ending at Adams and Hamilton.
Who is the St. Patrick's Day grand marshal for Peoria's parade?
Ed Monroe will serve as the parade's grand marshal, according to the St. Patrick Society of Peoria.
Monroe serves on the Society Board of Directors and has spent many years volunteering for the organization. His efforts were especially noted the longtime work with the Peoria Park District and the Peoria Irish Fest.
Monroe will ride at the front of the parade on Friday. A chat with city officials to change Monroe Street to "Ed Monroe Street" for the parade was unfruitful.
Who is the 2023 Irish Mother of the Year?
The St. Patrick Society of Peoria announced Rita Loyd as this year's winner, recognizing her many years of volunteering for the parade and the Peoria Irish Fest.
If you're a fan of the baked potatoes that get tossed from the parade, you have Loyd and her family to thank, as they provide the treats year after year.
Can I still volunteer for Peoria's St. Patrick's Day parade?
Absolutely. Anyone interested in volunteering in the staging area and along the route during the parade should reach out to the St. Patrick Society of Peoria or contact event chairman KC Murphy directly.
Click here to visit the St. Patrick Society of Peoria website to sign up.
Chris Sims is a digital producer for Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: St. Patrick's Day parade 2023: What to know from route to start time
