Boasted as the only interstate St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the nation, the Quad Cities Grand Parade travels through downtown Rock Island, Illinois, to the Centennial Bridge, then crosses the bridge over the Mississippi River and marches into downtown Davenport, Iowa.
Crowds line the streets to watch the bands, Irish dancers, floats, groups, and family clans. This annual parade, organized by the St. Patrick Society of the Quad Cities, starts at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 12. CASI’s 29th annual St. Patrick’s Day Race takes place before the parade.
Immediately following the Grand Parade XXVI, a Post Parade Bash is held at the historic Col Ballroom in downtown Davenport. The doors open at 1:00 p.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. Entry to the Post Parade Bash is by membership, with $15 memberships available at the door. The Bash includes food, drink, and entertainment.
Make a weekend out of the Irish celebration starting at a kickoff Gathering of the Clan luncheon on the Friday, March 11 from 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. also at the Col Ballroom in Davenport.
Located on the Mississippi River in the Midwest, the Quad Cities is comprised of Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa; Rock Island and Moline/East Moline, Illinois; and surrounding communities. The population of the area is nearly a half-million people. The Quad Cities is an easy 2½-hour drive west from Chicago, Illinois.
For more information about top events in Iowa take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Iowa.
For more information about top events in Illinois take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Illinois.
For more information on the St. Patrick Society’s Grand Parade XXVI visit www.stpatsqc.com.