Spring has sprung when Emerald Isle Parade brings treasures to downtown Lee’s Summit

Janice Phelan
·2 min read

Despite near freezing temperatures and drizzly rain, the Emerald Isle Parade made its journey through downtown Lee’s Summit on March 11. Entries included floats, historic vehicles, bands and green-clad walkers braving the weather.

The parade — hosted by Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street and presented by ReeceNichols Lee’s Summit — has been popular in the city since the first festivity brought music, dance and fun to the streets in 2004. The parade was canceled because of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, but the annual tradition returned last year. The event is held on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day each year.

“This has been a fun and popular community event for several years,” said Nick Parker, Link 2 Lee’s Summit publisher and Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street Board member.

“The Emerald Isle Parade serves as a nice spring kick-off event for both the downtown district and the community at large. I’ve had the pleasure of driving the mayor’s vehicle a few times and it’s so cool to see everyone out and excited to see the floats, grab some candy and just enjoy a fun day in this district, which truly is the heart of our community.”

Soggy young dancers perform on a float during the Emerald Isle Parde March 11.
Soggy young dancers perform on a float during the Emerald Isle Parde March 11.

The Emerald Isle Parade featured grand marshal Hubert Neth, a longtime Lee’s Summit resident and Methodist minister who served both Summit Park and Grace United Methodist churches within the community. Neth is also known as a prolific poet, with his poems featured for many years initially in the Lee’s Summit Journal and currently in Link 2 Lee’s Summit.

“Hubert has been a friend since I first met him during my time at the Journal,” Parker said. “He is one of the most genuine and kind people I have ever met..”

The parade was among three events held in downtown Lee’s Summit on March 11. Just before the parade’s kick-off, children were invited to participate in Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street’s Bits O’ Gold Coin Hunt.

The Strother District’s Emerald Isle Pub Crawl, for adults 21 and older, was held after the parade, starting in the afternoon and continuing into the evening hours.

After the parade, awards were presented to four winning entries: Heartland Irish Dancers, Best Use of Parade Theme; MAR Building Solutions, Best Float; Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic High School, Best Musical Entry; and Summit Pet Care, Most Unique.

“Lee’s Summit is all about community,” said Liesl Hays, owner of Aligned Talent Consulting and a Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street Board member. “This event is designed to engage a wide variety of Lee’s Summit residents and showcase our beautiful downtown district.”

For more information about Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street and upcoming downtown events, visit the organization’s webpage.