2026 Parade Music and Float Award Winners
Top bands, performers, and float designers recognized for excellence and creativity at the 73rd Annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade
The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke is proud to announce the 2026 Parade Music and Float Award winners, recognizing the outstanding units that brought energy, creativity, and tradition to the 73rd Annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.
Each year, these awards celebrate the performers, designers, and community groups whose dedication and talent help make Holyoke’s parade one of the largest and most beloved St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country.
“From the incredible musical performances to the creativity and craftsmanship of this year’s floats, our participants once again made this parade truly special,” said Jim Wildman, Parade President. “We are grateful for the pride and passion each group brings to Holyoke.”
2026 PARADE MUSIC AWARD WINNERS
Most Outstanding Unit in the Line of March
Presented by Kinvara Literary Society
Tian Guo Marching Band
Best Pipe Band
Presented by Devin Sheehan & Dr. Michael Dodge
Holyoke Caledonian Pipe Band
Best Brass Band
Presented by Kathryn & George Dulchinos
Bombyx Brass Collaborative
Best String Band
In Loving Memory of Heather McMahon
Fralinger String Band
Best Band Captain
Presented by Westfield Parade Committee
Aqua String Band
Best High School Marching Band
William H. Burns Memorial Award
Chicopee Comprehensive High School Marching Band
Best Drum & Bugle Corps
In Memory of Sara Mutch
St. Peter’s Drum & Bugle Corps
Best Flag Corps
Presented by Kathleen Krisak
South Hadley High School
Best Drumline
Presented by Mass Surgical Supply
Libertas Academy Charter School Drumline
Spirit of the Parade
In Loving Memory of Uncle Jamie Feyre
Hot Tamales
People’s Choice Award (More than 17,400 votes submitted!)
In Memory of Monsignor David Joyce
Westfield High School Marching Band
2026 PARADE FLOAT AWARD WINNERS
Grand Prize
Dr. Elmer J. Harrington Memorial Award
West Springfield - “Prosperity”
Best Colleen Float
Daniel E. Tierney Memorial Award
Springfield - “Dublinia”
1st Prize - Irish Theme
William C. Lunney Memorial Award
Sons of Erin - “Coming to the Shores of America”
2nd Prize - Irish Theme
John T. Sheehan Memorial Award
John Boyle O’Reilly Club - “Woven in Irish Spirits”
3rd Prize - Irish Theme
Shaun Ferriter Memorial Award
Agawam - “Walk the Board to Blarney”
1st Prize - Patriotic Theme
William “Buck” Ford Memorial Award
Springfield Lodge of Elks - “Taste the Freedom - 250 Years of Sweet Independence”
2nd Prize - Patriotic Theme
Henry P. Dowd Memorial Award
Unity Dance Spectrum - “Celebrating 30 Years and 250 Years of the USA”
3rd Prize - Patriotic Theme
Vincent Brown Memorial Award
South Hadley - “Let Freedom Be”
1st Prize - Open Theme
John E. Dowd Memorial Award
Smith Vocational and Agricultural Float
2nd Prize - Open Theme
John T. Sheehan Memorial Award
Dean Career & Technical Education
3rd Prize - Open Theme
Mary Sheehan Memorial Award
Springfield Puerto Rican Parade Committee
1st Prize - Religious Theme
John K. Bowler Memorial Award
Mater Dolorosa - “Celebrating 120 Years”
2nd Prize - Religious Theme
Lila Courtney Memorial Award
AOH/LAOH - “St. Brigid’s Float”
3rd Prize - Religious Theme
Jericho - “Our Favorite Things”
The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke extends its sincere congratulations to all award recipients and thanks every participating unit for contributing to another unforgettable parade.
