Post updated at 5:24 p.m. Thursday, March 14:
The Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a fundraiser for local nonprofit children’s organizations, will return to Mass Street Sunday afternoon.
“Many might not know this about the organization, but fundraising for kids is a significant part of what we do and is dear to all of our hearts,” Angie Evers, chair of the parade committee, told Lawrence city commissioners during their meeting last week.
“We are immensely grateful for the support and contributions from local businesses and individuals in Lawrence and the surrounding areas,” Evers continued. “Your kindness has allowed us not only to organize a parade but also make a real impact on the lives of the children in our community.”
The 37th annual parade is set to begin at 1 p.m. at 11th and Massachusetts streets. The route will take it north on Mass, across the Kansas River bridge, and then east along Locust Street to Ninth Street in North Lawrence.
The National Weather Service in Topeka forecasts a high of 57° Sunday with mostly sunny and clear skies. It will be breezy, with gusts up to 30 mph, according to the forecast as of Thursday afternoon.
This year’s beneficiaries, announced in a fall news release from the parade committee, are:
• Baby Jay’s Legacy of Hope, which assists families during their child’s battle with pediatric cancer;
• Lawrence Community Nursery School, which provides low-cost and inclusive education for little ones;
• Lawrence Unchained Bicycle Co-op, which provides low-cost or free bicycles, parts, helmets, and more for kids and adults who might not otherwise be able to afford them;
• Positive Bright Start, an early childhood education center that provides therapy services and financial aid for students and families; and
• River City Rock Camp, which helps young musicians foster self-confidence through an immersive music education program.
This year’s parade queen is Carrie Mandigo, and Curtis Marsh (“Mr. KU”) will serve as grand marshal. The 2024 senior king and queen are Ric and Jeanne Averill, and the queen’s court includes Griffin Jacobson and Morgan Leslie.
The parade has raised more than $1.2 million for Douglas County-area children’s charities over 36 parade seasons, according to the release.
As of Thursday morning, the parade was still seeking volunteers to stand at each intersection and be corner marshals. “These are the best views of the parade by far,” organizers wrote in a Facebook post. Find out more or sign up to help at this link.
Find out more about the event at lawrencestpatricksdayparade.com.
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