The Bluegrass State might not be the first place you think of in terms of the Irish, but every spring, Kentuckians don green and embrace the luck ‘o the Irish for a day during the Lexington St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival! Lexington’s longest running civic event, this massive festival is the best way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Kentucky.
Each year, the streets of downtown Lexington are painted green and orange in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival/Facebook
For over 40 years, this parade has been a beloved tradition in the Bluegrass State; it’s the way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Kentucky!
Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival/Facebook
The Lexington St. Patrick’s Day parade is the longest running citywide civic event in the city, and it’s truly a spectacle you must experience.
Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival/Facebook
All sorts of green-tinged fun awaits at this event and festival, sure to get you in the proper Irish spirit.
Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival/Facebook
The parade was conceived of by William Enright and a small group of Lexingtonians who founded the Bluegrass Irish Society in 1980, organizing the city’s first St. Patrick’s Parade that year.
Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival/Facebook
In fact, for his numerous contributions and commitment to celebrating Irish culture in Kentucky, Enright, pictured below on the left, was honored as “Irish Person of the Year” in 2016.
Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival/Facebook
And in 2019, Enright served as the grand marshal of the parade, an honor he happily accepted!
Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival/Facebook
Of course, the Bluegrass is no stranger to epic parades; the Pegasus Parade, part of Kentucky’s Derby Day festivities, is one of the largest in the country!
Kentucky Derby Festival/Facebook
And with regard to horses, you can bet there’ll be horses in the Lexington St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Because, Kentucky.
Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival/Facebook
This year’s 2022 Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival happens Saturday, March 12 – and it’s kind of a big deal.
Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival/Facebook
Because for the past two years, the Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival didn’t happen, due to the larger events plaguing the country.
Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival/Facebook
We’re so happy it’s back, giving Kentuckians a great reason to wear green and go Irish for a day. Who knows? You might even be convinced to swap your Bluegrass bourbon for a big, ole Irish pale ale!
Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival/Facebook
Have you been to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival in Kentucky before? How do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Kentucky? This parade is definitely the funnest way to go green in Kentucky! Visit the Lexington St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade website and Facebook page to learn more.
Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival/Facebook
Kentucky Derby Festival/Facebook
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Address: Lexington, KY, USA
