Put together your finest green outfit and venture to downtown Muskegon on Saturday, March 12, 2022 to the 9th annual Muskegon St. Patrick's Day Parade, which is returning after a two-year hiatus. The family-friendly event, which is sponsored by JCI Greater Muskegon and Unruly Brewing Co., steps off at 11 a.m. from 6th Street along Western Avenue to 2nd Street, and will celebrate Muskegon's rich Irish Heritage.
The parade welcomes Jackie Green, Mrs. America and co-host of The Gray and Green Show on 105.3 HOT FM, as Grand Marshal. In addition to coming out to enjoy the festivities, all marchers and attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food donations for Mission for Area People's food pantry.
"We are thrilled to welcome back the Muskegon St. Patrick's Day Parade after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19," said Emily Morgenstern, President of JCI Greater Muskegon. "The parade has been a staple in Muskegon's St. Patrick's Day celebrations and we are excited to expand the tradition with even more activities this year."
Following the parade from 12 - 4 p.m., Shamrockin' In Your Shanty will return to Western Avenue for its second year. Participants are invited to set up a shanty or tent and spend the day drinking and eating with friends from establishments in the Downtown Muskegon Social District. Live Irish music will be presented by the Michigan Irish Music Festival on the Olthoff Stage at Western Avenue and 3rd Street. Registration is required and costs $15 per shanty, with a portion of sales benefitting Mission for Area People.
Additional events taking place in downtown Muskegon that day include: The Shamrock Shuffle 5K organized by Run Muskegon, Go-Green!; a Scavenger Hunt organized by 4-H Muskegon; a Michigan Makers Market at the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center; music and entertainment at Unruly Brewing Co.; and a Muskegon Lumberjacks game at Mercy Health Arena.
Learn more about the parade at JCI Greater Muskegon.
For more information on additional St. Patrick's Day events happening in the Grand Rapids area, see Experience Grand Rapids.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
