How to March in a St. Patrick's Day Parade

While parades celebrate Christmas, New Year's, Thanksgiving and other occasions, no holiday seems to bring about parade revelry like St. Patrick's Day. The St. Patrick's Day parades in Chicago and New York are legendary, and attract their share of rowdy participants. You don't have to be Irish to march in a St. Patrick's Day parade, but you do have to wear something green. Read on to learn how to march in a St. Patrick's Day parade.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consult organizations that normally enter bands, floats or marchers in your local St. Patrick's Day Parade. For a list of participants in past parades, check your town's official St. Patrick's Parade website. If your town has a parade committee, ask them how you or your organization can march in the parade.

2. Think about becoming a parade sponsor. Many companies offer sponsorship in St. Patrick's parades, so if you own or work for a company that wants publicity on this festive day, contact your town's St. Patrick's Day committee.

3. Learn about particularities of each parade. The Chicago River turns green during the St. Patrick's Parade. In Boston, walk along the Irish Heritage Trail that commemorates Irish history in the city.

4. Wear green. You don't need to dress like a leprechaun, but get in the spirit. Many companies have a theme for their marchers, so check with your group about dress or accessories.

5. Sing Irish songs. Learn "Danny Boy," "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" and other famous Irish tunes.

Resources

• St. Patrick's Day Parade
• More About Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade