2017 Irishpalooza Wrap-Up!

The 30th Annual Irishpalooza St. Patrick’s festivities in Martin City kicked off Sunday, March 12th following the 5th annual Whiskey Run 5k race. It was a CHILLY day, to say the least, but thankfully, the weather didn’t stop people from coming out to play! After the early morning race, it went to the dogs… the Best Dressed dogs, that is!

Best Dressed Dog Contest Results

The Martin City Animal Hospital once again graciously coordinated and hosted our annual Best Dressed Dog Contest and their own Dr. Libby was once again the awesome emcee. The contest began at 11:30 a.m. in the event tent where we saw some super creative costumes!

TOP DOGS

1st Place: Dolly Parton, the Standard Poodle
2nd Place: Tapi, the Golden Retriever
3rd Place: Ginger, the terrier mix

Prince & Princess Contest Results

Once again, the Prince and Princess contest brought out the cutest of the cutest, all with the hopes of being crowned the “new” Irishpalooza Prince and Princess. Kiddos were dressed to the nines, and one little gentleman even brought his own pot of gold!

Sponsored by The Gerber Insurance Group, Commerce Bank, US Toy and Eagles Gymnastics, this was once again one of the most popular events of the day!

Congratulations to 2017’s Irishpalooza Prince Jacob and Princess Brieanna!

2017 St. Patrick’s Parade

The 2017 Parade started right on time at 2:00 p.m. with sidewalks (YES, SIDEWALKS!) all the way down 135th Street full of parade watchers. The 2017 Grand Marshal was Ian Byrne from the Elders Band (who played a FANTASTIC show after the parade!). Ian rode with his wife and local Fox 4 News Reporter, Kathy Quinn.

The 2017 parade judges included veteran judge Thomas Bies, Owner of Premier Mazda; Dhomonique Ricks, Fox 4 News Anchor; Gail Worth, Owner of Gail’s Harley Davidson; Slacker, 101 The Fox Radio Host; Ryan Shreve, CFO of Fishtech Group.

Our fantastic emcee for the parade was once again John Holt, Anchor for Fox 4 News. THANK YOU, John, for all you do for us each year! We love that you brought Dhomonique Ricks with you this year and hope to see you BOTH back next year – wink-wink. hint hint 🙂

We had over 50 entries – a great mix of floats, individual family entries, church groups, auto clubs, dignitary cars, kid’s clubs, and animal groups. A BIG Thank you goes out to the KCMO Police Department for doing such a fantastic job keeping our crowd safe during the parade!

Parade Winners

Overall best parade entry = Pier Masters ($600 Prize)

Overall best 2nd place parade entry = Irish Crystal Company ($300 Prize)

Overall best 3rd place parade entry = Cub Scout Troop ($100 Prize)

RC’s Best in Show = Ewoks & Shamrocks

Don Harman Most Humorous Entry = Pier Masters

The Elders Band FREE Concert

Thanks to our first-ever Concert Presenting Sponsor, Fishtech, The Elders Band played a FREE concert in the event tent following the parade and it was a PACKED HOUSE! Martin City Brewing Company was on site selling delicious local brews while the Elders had the crowd on their feet dancing and doing a jig!

Hope to see everyone back next year!

CLICK HERE to view more parade photos.

For more information about parade day events, visit the Irishpalooza parade website.