News Summary
Lexington came alive with vibrant festivities on March 9, 2025, for the 10th Annual Shamrock Parade, sponsored by the Lexington County Blowfish. The parade showcased Irish heritage with attendees donning shamrock attire as it marched down Main Street. A special appearance by Congressman Joe Wilson and fun-filled floats created an exciting atmosphere. Grand Marshall Maj. General Daryl Hood led the parade, while local organizations ensured a safe and joyful celebration for all. This year’s event reminded attendees of the rich community spirit in Lexington.
10th Annual Shamrock Parade Brings Festive Celebration to Lexington
Lexington was alive with excitement and vibrant green on Sunday, March 9, 2025, as the city celebrated the 10th Annual Shamrock Parade! Sponsoring the event was none other than the beloved Lexington County Blowfish baseball team, who always bring their trademark community spirit to such festivities. As St. Patrick’s Day draws near, this wonderful parade made for a perfect celebration of Irish heritage.
Parade Details
The parade kicked off at the Ice House Amphitheatre promptly at 3 p.m. and marched down Main Street, delighting all who gathered. Even with a few overcast skies above, the mood was infectious; attendees were dressed to impress in their best St. Patty’s attire. Folks donned everything from classic shamrock hats to vibrant green shirts, showing remarkable enthusiasm and spirit.
A Star-Studded Lineup
As the parade rolled through, many notable faces joined the fun. Congressman Joe Wilson made a special appearance and delighted spectators as he waved from a float. The Ancient Order of Hibernians was present, alongside local officials. Adding to the excitement, the lively Blowie the Blowfish made his first of two appearances, sharing a float with none other than the superhero, Captain America! Talk about a dynamic duo for the day!
Further adding to the parade’s thrill were the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the enthusiastic members from the Fire Department, ensuring everyone was safe while enjoying the festivities. The auditory feast was enhanced by the lively 282nd Army Band, whose music filled the air with energy. And let’s not forget about the beauty queens, as several Palmetto State pageant winners graced the parade route, bringing their charm to the proceedings.
Honoring the Grand Marshall
Leading the parade was none other than the Fork Jackson Commanding General, Maj. General Daryl Hood, serving as the Grand Marshall for this jubilant occasion. It’s not every day you get to celebrate under the watchful eye of a military leader. In a delightful twist, O’Hara’s Public House’s own Matt and Michele O’Hara received the honor of being crowned “Mister and Misses Shamrock,” a title that surely brought smiles to their faces!
Planning for the Big Day
To ensure the success and safety of the parade, road closures and detours began as early as 1:30 p.m. Roads affected included West Butler Street, Haygood Street, and parts of Meetze Street. The parade route was set, traveling from Haygood Street right onto West Main Street/US-1 and finally to North Lake Drive. Motorists were prompted to seek alternative routes to avoid delays, and West Main Street was scheduled to close to traffic by 2:45 p.m.
A Safe and Joyful Celebration
With thousands gathering to witness the vibrant display, the Lexington community came together beautifully for this grand occasion. As the marching bands played, families cheered, and smiles lit up the streets, it was a heartwarming reminder of what community spirit looks like. West Main Street was expected to reopen around 4:30 p.m. once the celebrations concluded, allowing people to reflect on the joy they experienced.
This year’s Shamrock Parade encapsulated the essence of community, heritage, and celebration. From the lively music to the colorful floats, it was indeed a day to remember in Lexington. Bring on the next one!
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Additional Resources
- Columbia Daily: Shamrock Parade Returns
- WISTV: 10th Annual Shamrock Parade
- ABC Columbia: Road Closures for Shamrock Parade
- Wikipedia: St. Patrick’s Day
- Visit Lex: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
