HOUSTON’S SAINT PATRICK’S DAY PARADE ROLLS INTO DOWNTOWN ON SATURDAY, MARCH 12

61st EDITION OF BELOVED ANNUAL PARADE ADDS BLOCK PARTY AT HISTORIC MARKET SQUARE PARK WITH LIVE MUSIC, GAMES AND DRINK SPECIALS GALORE

Sláinte! Downtown Houston will soon be awash in emerald green with the return of the 61st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 12. The parade route will run through Houston’s most historic neighborhood starting at 12 p.m. and will be immediately followed by live music, food, fun and games at Historic Market Square Park. Surrounding Downtown bars and restaurants will open early for the celebration and feature specials throughout the day.

Presented by the Houston St. Patrick’s Parade Commission, the annual event is returning after a brief hiatus caused by the pandemic. The community-focused parade will feature dozens of floats and walking groups while drawing thousands of spectators. This year’s parade route will begin at Congress and Franklin Streets, then meander along major Downtown thoroughfares past Historic Market Square Park and Wortham Theater before winding back down to its starting point at Post Houston. For a map of the entire parade route, visit http://hsppc.org/parade-info/.

”St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most colorful holidays of the year and a great opportunity to experience Downtown Houston at its best,” said Angie Bertinot, Director of Marketing and Communications for Houston Downtown Management District. She added, ”Whether it’s taking in the sights and sounds of the parade, visiting Historic Market Square Park or enjoying food & beverage offerings at one of the many fantastic area bars or restaurants, there is something for everyone. We are thrilled to have Houston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade back in Downtown Houston.”

Following the parade, the party will continue at Historic Market Square Park with live music by Los Vertigos playing traditional Irish music, green beer at Niko Niko’s and games from 12 to 3 p.m. The day’s festivities include the St. Patrick’s Day Downtown Block Party with surrounding restaurants and bars opening early to serve patron’s St. Pat’s specials throughout the day. Participating businesses include McIntyre’s, El Big Bad, Dean’s, Craft Beer Cellar, Cherry Bar, Cru, Notsuoh, Little Dipper Bar, BurgerIM, Flying Saucer, Bovine & Barley, High & Dry Rum Bar, Angel Share HTX, Lilly & Bloom and Day Six Coffee.

The 2022 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal is Jack Law, Vice President of Brand Development for Faust Distributing Company. Jack and his wife, Ann, are residents of Kingwood and have participated in many Houston St. Patrick’s Day Parades, Irish Stew Cook-offs and various other events and activities promoting Irish heritage. In 1992, Faust Distributing Company acquired the rights to distribute and sell the Guinness portfolio, eventually garnering recognition as Faust’s Guinness Brand Ambassador for the past 28 years.

“I am deeply honored to serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2022 Houston Saint Patrick’s Day Parade,” Law said. “Over the years I have been blessed to meet and become friends with so many people over a pint of Guinness and look forward to meeting and sharing a pint with many more.”

Those who wish to participate in the parade may do so by filling out an application at  http://hsppc.org/parade-info/. Volunteers are also needed and may sign up by emailing [email protected] or visiting http://hsppc.org/contact/volunteers.

Photos: Courtesy Houston Downtown Management District