Frequently Asked Questions

  • The parade is traditionally held every year on the Sunday following St. Patrick’s Day. This year the parade will be held Sunday March 17, 2024

  • The parade will kick off earlier this year at 11:10am from Kmart Plaza on Rt. 5 – Northampton Street and ends on High Street. Road closures typically begin around about an hour prior, so we recommend planning ahead and arriving with enough time to get to your location for viewing. Interstate 91 exits 15 and 16 are controlled by the Massachusetts State Police and are closed as conditions require.

  • North on Northampton Street to Beech Street; East on Beech Street to Appleton Street; Southeast on Appleton Street to High Street; North on High Street to Hampden Street.

  • There are spots to park on the side streets along the Parade route, but there is absolutely no parking along the parade route. In addition, there is parking available in the municipal lots downtown on Suffolk and Dwight streets for a flat rate of $10 a day. Parking lots are near the City Hall.

  • The parade is 2.65 miles long and can take up to 3 hours to pass by any one spot along the route.

  • The parade line-up will be featured on on WWLP.com during the week prior to the Parade. It is also posted on our Parade Line-up page when it is finalized.

  • Participation in the parade is by invitation only. Interested groups should indicate their desire to be considered using the “Contact” tab on this web site.

  • Floats are an important part of our parade and they distinguish us a premier parade. If you wish to obtain a copy of our Float Standards / Regulations, or other information please notify us by using the “Contact” tab on this web site.

  • YES! We always need sign carriers to help us recognize sponsors. Each participant will receive $20, so it’s a really easy way to fundraise for a team or organization. Email holyokeparadesigncarriers@gmail.com to get involved.

  • We’re proud to say that this parade happens regardless of the weather- come rain, come sleet, come snow…the parade will make its way down the streets of Holyoke and we hope you will join us!

  • The parade will be broadcast live starting at noon on WWLP-22news, which may be viewed over-the-air on channel 22.1, on Comcast channels 5 & 822, on Charter channels 9 & 787, and on DirecTV channel 22.

  • Sorry, but spectators are not allowed to save seats along the parade route prior to 7AM on the Saturday of Parade Weekend as required by city ordinance.

  • The Parade Committee is not responsible for issuing any of the permits for outside vendors on parade weekend- they are all issued through the City.

    Potential vendors should contact the DPW at 322-5645 and the Board of Health at 322-5595. Anyone interested in obtaining a liquor license must contact the License Board at 322-5599.

  • Each year it costs approximately a half a million dollars to produce a parade of this caliber, complete with spectacular special events and renowned award winners. Without the support of our sponsors, this incredible annual celebration and homecoming event would not be possible. Click here for more information about sponsorship opportunities.

    If you would like information about how to join this amazing group of supporters, please contact Sheila Moreau 617.839.2217, sheila.moreau@gmail.com or Kelly McGiverin 413.561.5966 KellyMcGiverin@yahoo.com questions, inquiries or to request a customized proposal for your business or organization.

  • Our members propose and sponsor individuals who are interested in joining our organization You can contact any member for an application or let us know of your interest using the “Contact Us” on this web site. The parade committee is comprised of a dedicated and passionate group of volunteers who devote their time and energy to organizing our Road Race as well as the parade. Many sub-committees produce events for our various awards, fundraisers, leading up to Parade Weekend and year round.

  • Our organization is led by a President, who is guided by a Board of Directors and by our membership. You can address any concerns or comments to the President and/or the Chair of our Board using the “Contact” tab on this web site.