Rain or shine: 2017 Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade set for March 26

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The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade painting of the green shamrock on Elm Street, 2016.

MANCHESTER, NH – The city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is set for Sunday March 26 starting at noon on Elm Street, rain or shine. The parade will begin at Salmon Street and head south to Central Street. 

According to the parade website, Manchester’s parade is traditionally not held on March 17 as it’s “hard to compete with the likes of Boston and New York” when it comes to attracting quality bands, marching units and floats on the actual holiday.

This year’s special guests include the Tournament of Roses President, Lance Tibbet, and his wife Amelia, attending with the Londonderry Lancers Marching Band. Londonderry will be participating in the Rose Parade in Pasadena California on January 1, 2018.

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Al Heidenreich, grand marshal of the 2017 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

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Fionnuala Quinlan

Also in attendance will be Ireland’s Consul General, Fionnuala Quinlan, and New Hampshire dignitaries including Gov. Chris Sununu, U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, and Mayor Ted Gatsas.

This year’s grand marshal is Manchester native Alan “Al” Heidenreich, a longtime community advocate who has served as a Scoutmaster, Little League coach and volunteered for every job that comes along with raising a family. He and his wife Barbara have been volunteer ushers at the Palace Theatre for 25 years. He is also an active member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Rev. William Sheehan Division 1 in Manchester, and a past vice-president. He was instrumental in reviving the annual Communion Breakfast at St. Raphael Parish held on a Sunday in the month of October.

Click here for all things St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!