See below for photos in order of description.
Angel and Michael Nagen showed up with their English bulldogs Elsa and Jackson (left to right) for the 2021 St Patrick’s Day Parade held on Saturday, March 20 in Columbia Heights. The event, traditionally held in Downtown Minneapolis, was moved to Heights due to COVID-19 restrictions on gathering, and safety concerns relating to the Derek Chauvin trial.
Jim Sherman with the Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band, played the Hyland bagpipe at Huset Park East to welcome participants. Cars drove by the parked parade units.
“Kelley – Uncle Kels” from Tasty Pizza was the Grand Marshal. Sean and Judy Clerkin of Columbia Heights coordinate the parade, so it was a natural to bring it to Columbia Heights.
Dan Ganley of St. Anthony holds up an issue of the Irish Gazette. “I just think it’s a great way to come out of this pandemic and a great way to build community, not just to recognize the Irish but everybody’s journey and a way to celebrate the coming of Spring. I think this is a great tradition-in-the-making here in Heights. I think it’s a great idea and it’s going to build.”
Sean and Judy Clerkin, and the Grand Marshal with Heights police officers.
Gloria Parnell and daughter Gisele of Woodbury participated in the March 20 St Patrick’s Day Parade in Columbia Heights. Gisele is the reigning Little Miss Earth USA. When asked how she felt about this year’s parade Gloria Parnell replied, “I think it was a really creative idea to be able to celebrate in the joy of St. Patrick’s Day and do something safely.”
Todd Murray showed up as the Mandalorian holding Grogu. Murray and other members Star Wars costuming organization, the 501st Legion came out to bring some cheer to event goers.
Ondrach, Mulhern Geraghty School of Irish Dance performed.
Proving there’s a mask for every occasion.
(Photos by Mike Madison)
