page_title: Milwaukee Saint Patrick's Day Parade
section_title: Return to Downtown Milwaukee
hierarchical_section_title: Milwaukee Saint Patrick's Day Parade / History / Return to Downtown Milwaukee
caption_attribution_description: English: The Shamrock Club of Wisconsin Milwaukee St. Patrick Parade Map.
context_page_description: Milwaukee Saint Patrick's Day Parade takes place each year in downtown Milwaukee the Saturday prior to Saint Patrick's Day. It is sponsored by the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin. In 2018, the Shamrock Club will be producing its 52nd Annual parade.
  The parade is part of a week-long series of events co-sponsored by the Shamrock Club and its partner, Westown Association. These include Irish events at The Avenue in downtown Milwaukee, Westown's SHAM-Rock the Avenue at the Miller Time Pub in the Hilton Milwaukee City Center on Friday evening, the Shamrock Club's annual Mass in Honor of Saint Patrick at Saint Patrick's Church in Milwaukee, and the Shamrock Club's Post Parade Party at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center on Saturday, the largest parade day family event, with four stages, four dance schools, seven bands, and a Children's Area. " MKE Post Parade Party
  The parade runs from 6th and Wisconsin, with official step off at 3rd and Wisconsin, running to Plankinton Avenue, to Old World Third Street, east on Juneau to Water, and ending on Highland. The route is approximately one and one half miles, and takes about 90 minutes.
context_section_description: The Westown Business Development organization in downtown Milwaukee had been holding a parade on March 17 each year. The attendance was sparse, and the organization was looking for ways to increase attendance. They made a proposal initially in 2000, and after negotiations broke down with the Shamrock Club and the Bluemound Business group, another proposal was put in place. The two organizations agreed to move the 2002 parade downtown.
  The parade took place in downtown Milwaukee in 2002. The original parade route was from 6th and Wisconsin, east to Water Street, north on Water Street, and west on Juneau Avenue to Old World Third Street to Wells and Plankinton. In 2004, the route was changed to go north on Plankinton Avenue to Old World Third Street, then to Juneau, east to Water Street, and terminating at Highland Boulevard. The change was done at the request of the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, as the parade was blocking access to the center for Saturday matinees. The parade steps off at the Shops of Grand Avenue on 3rd and Wisconsin.
  Mike Boyle returned in 2009, assisted by daughters Erin Boyle and Meghan Boyle. In 2012 and 2013, the parade was directed by Mike Boyle and Denis Donohoe. Killian's Irish Red, a MillerCoors brand, was the lead sponsor starting in 2013, and continuing in 2016. In 2014, Josh Walton took over the parade. The parade was again led by Michael Boyle in 2015, and continues under his leadership.
caption: Milwaukee St Patrick Parade Route Map
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