Detroit’s St. Patrick’s Parade Canceled Due to Covid-19
It's going to be another year without green beer in the D. For the second year in a row, COVID-19 has forced organizers to cancel Detroit’s annual St. Patrick’s Parade in Corktown.
On Thursday, The United Irish Societies (UIS) announced that the 63rd annual Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade that was scheduled for Sunday, March 14, 2021, has been canceled. UIS President Michael Kelly said,
“As we continue to follow the COVID-19 safety protocols, it became very clear that it would be difficult to promote and host the 2021 Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade in a way that maintained safety for our sponsors, members, participants and viewers. Therefore, with heartfelt disappointment, the UIS and Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade Committee have decided to cancel the 2021 Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade this year".
He went on to comment on the future saying,
“We’re looking forward to the biggest and most successful Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade in our history on Sunday, March 13, 2022. We’ll transform Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, and Michigan Avenue, home to industry, dreamers, entrepreneurs and more, into a celebration of Irish history, culture and opportunity.”
In 1958, the United Irish Societies (UIS) hosted the very first St. Patrick’s Parade in Dearborn. The parade route follows along Michigan Avenue through Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood. Attendees come from all across the state to attend what's considered one of the biggest celebrations in Detroit attracting 80,000-100,000 people making it one of the largest St. Patrick’s parades in the country. After attending my first year, it became tradition to head to Detroit to celebrate with a few thousand close "Irish relatives".
Also, the parade is more than just a celebration of Irish heritage. The event adds support to many local charities. Since 2018, UIS also donated more than $32,500 of its sponsorship proceeds to metro Detroit charities including The Capuchin Soup Kitchen and the St. Patrick's Senior Center.