25 Years of Green: Wilmington set to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Parade Milestone

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The sound of bagpipes can mean only one thing in Wilmington: St. Patrick’s Day is near.

This year, the Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day Parade marks its 25th anniversary, with thousands of spectators expected to line downtown streets for one of the region’s biggest Irish cultural celebrations.

“It’s a celebration of Irish heritage and culture,” one organizer said. “Originally it was designed to commemorate St. Patrick, and today it’s celebrated across the world,” said Frank Groome, the Consul General of Ireland in Atlanta.

In Wilmington, the parade has taken on a life of its own, growing from a small community event into a signature tradition driven largely by volunteers.

“These are often volunteer groups — the Irish community and the American community here in Wilmington — driving this forward, working hard to celebrate their rich Irish heritage and culture,” another organizer said. “And we take pride in that. It gives me great pride to see that,” said Groome.

Organizers’ work was recognized last month during the Hooley Under the Bridge celebration, when New Hanover County Commissioner Rob Zapple honored those who have helped keep the parade thriving.

Frank Groome, the Consul General of Ireland in Atlanta, is recognizing Wilmington’s commitment to celebrating Irish heritage.

“It’s a wonderful achievement, and it’s an honor for us to recognize their work,” Groome said.

Saturday’s parade is expected to feature marching bands, Irish dancers, local organizations and decorated floats moving through downtown.

The parade will be hosted by WECT’s Gabe Ross and Daniella Hankey.

All of the fun is set to take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, in downtown Wilmington.

The parade will start on North Front Street at Hanover Street and travel down Front Street to Dock Street and end near 2nd Street.

Road closures will be in place as early as 8 a.m.

To learn more about the parade, you can visit here.