The Complete Expert Guide to the St. Patrick‘s Day Parade in Columbus, Ohio

As a home improvement expert with a passion for Irish culture and events, I‘m delighted to provide this detailed guide to the annual St. Patrick‘s Day parade in Columbus, Ohio. Having attended and reported on the parade for over a decade, I‘ll share my insider knowledge to help you make the most of this beloved local tradition.

When and Where is the 2023 Columbus St. Patrick‘s Day Parade?

The 2023 St. Patrick‘s Day parade in Columbus will take place on Saturday, March 11th. The parade kicks off at 10:30 AM sharp and typically lasts around 2-3 hours.

The official 1.5 mile parade route begins on Broad Street outside the Ohio Statehouse, travels south passing the State Capitol, City Hall, expressways and more, before ending at the Franklin County Veterans Memorial.

Date	March 11, 2023
Start time	10:30 AM
Route start	Broad St & High St (Ohio Statehouse)
Route end	Franklin County Veterans Memorial
Distance	1.5 miles

History and Origins of the Parade

Columbus held its very first St. Patrick‘s Day parade in 1833, as the city‘s Irish population boomed. In the 180 years since, it has grown into the largest St. Patrick‘s Day parade in central Ohio.

"We‘re proud to carry on the generations-old tradition of celebrating our Irish heritage and culture here in Columbus." – Parade Committee Chairman

As per records, the parade hit peak popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, with crowds of up to 300,000 lining the streets. Though attendance today is less, an estimated 95,000-175,000 spectators still flock downtown annually for the festivities.

Historic 1960s Columbus St. Patrick‘s Day Parade (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Parade Route

The 1.5 mile parade route follows a straightforward path right through the heart of downtown Columbus:

• Starts at Broad and High Streets (outside Ohio Statehouse)
• Travels south down Broad Street
• Passes Columbus City Hall, the State Library, and expressways I-70 and I-71
• Ends at Franklin County Veterans Memorial (Broad and Marconi Blvd)

Columbus St. Patrick‘s Day Parade Route Map (Image credit: Columbus on the Cheap)

Parade Participants and Floats

The Columbus St. Patrick‘s Day parade features over 140 entries including floats, marching bands, performers and community groups.

Popular regular participants include:

• Columbus Division of Fire pipe and drum band
• Columbus Police and Franklin County Sheriff
• Local Irish dance schools and bagpipe bands
• Ohio State and Ohio Dominican University groups
• The Grand Leprechaun and the Columbus Blue Jackets Zamboni

Festive parade floats in the Columbus St. Patrick‘s Day Parade (Image credit: The Metropreneur)

Behind the Scenes and Order of March

Preparing for the Columbus St Patrick‘s Day parade is a major undertaking that keeps organizers busy year-round.

"Planning starts as soon as each parade ends. It‘s a labor of love to bring this Columbus tradition together." – Parade Planning Committee

Most participants must register by early January each year. The parade line-up order is carefully coordinated, with over 12 divisions ranging from media and dignitaries at the front to youth groups and floats at the rear.

On the day itself, participants must check in and assemble for the 10 AM parade start. Streets begin closing from 8 AM in preparation. Promptly at 10:30 AM, the parade kicks off with the first division leading the procession.

Fun Family Activities

The Columbus St. Patrick‘s Day Parade makes for a fantastic family-friendly event. Here are some of my top tips for enjoying the festivities with kids:

• Arrive early to claim your ideal viewing spot before crowds gather
• Bring folding chairs, snacks and dress warmly for the wait
• Have kids make St. Patrick‘s themed signs, hats or costumes
• Pick a spot near the barricades for hi-fives with marchers
• Visit portables beforehand as they fill up quickly
• Follow the parade with an Irish scavenger hunt around downtown
• Celebrate with a kids-eat-free Irish lunch special nearby

Kids enjoying the parade and waving Irish flags (Image credit: The Columbus Dispatch)

Best Viewing Spots and Parking/Transportation

Based on my decade of parade viewing experience, these are my top recommended spots:

• Ohio Statehouse – Arrive very early as crowds are massive
• Columbus City Hall – Great views of the parade kickoff
• Broad and Grant – Near the parade announcer‘s stage
• Broad and Rich – Bars/restaurants with street views
• Finish point – Franklin County Veterans Memorial

I advise arriving 60-90 minutes before the 10:30 AM start time to secure your ideal spot. Broad Street closes fully at 10 AM.

Parking downtown will be extremely limited. Allow extra time and consider using public transport, ride shares, or downtown parking garages further from the parade route.

Celebrating Post-Parade

The revelry doesn‘t stop at parade‘s end! Nearby festivities include:

• Live music and entertainment at Franklin County Veterans Memorial
• Just Add Beer St. Patrick‘s Bar Crawl – Tickets required
• Irish food and drink specials at downtown bars and restaurants
• Annual Columbus Celtic Festival – Two days of music, food and dancing

Popular local Irish hangouts I recommend checking out:

• Fado Irish Pub
• The Blarney Stone Tavern
• Flannagan‘s
• Rivertown Brewery and Barrel House
• Seventh Son Brewing Company

St. Patrick‘s Day revelry carrying on post-parade in Columbus (Image credit: Columbus Underground)

Key Parade Etiquette and Mistakes to Avoid

While celebrating, be sure to avoid these parade faux pas:

• Wearing orange instead of green – Orange has Protestant/Unionist connotations
• Excessive drinking in public – keep celebrations classy
• Delaying restroom trips – use portables along the route
• Arriving late – streets start closing from 8 AM
• Forgetting weather preparations – dress appropriately
• Allowing kids near horses – keep distance for safety

In terms of etiquette, remember:

• Be respectful of parade participants during the march
• Keep noise down during any speeches or announcements
• Clean up litter and belongings when leaving viewing areas
• Follow all safety directions from police and volunteers
• Represent Irish culture positively for all to enjoy

Columbus‘ Irish Roots and Heritage

The Columbus St. Patrick‘s Day Parade celebrations connect the community to its rich Irish heritage dating back over 180 years.

Significant waves of Irish immigrants arrived in Columbus during the early-to-mid 19th century, fleeing poverty and potato famine in Ireland. By 1850, Irish-born immigrants comprised 9% of Columbus‘ population.

The Irish helped build Columbus into a thriving city through hard labor constructing canals, railroads and other infrastructure. However, they also faced significant poverty, discrimination and health issues.

The annual parade emerged as an uplifting celebration of culture and community for Columbus‘ burgeoning Irish population. Today, the parade enables the generations of Irish-Americans who followed to honor these roots.

Landmarks like St. Patrick‘s Old Cathedral in downtown Columbus pay homage to the earliest Irish immigrants and are wonderful places to learn more history.

Bringing Columbus Irish Pride

As a long-time Columbus resident, I‘m always proud to see my community come together to celebrate our city‘s diversity and culture. The Columbus St. Patrick‘s Day Parade offers a vibrant, joyful tradition for all to share in Irish heritage.

I hope this detailed guide provides helpful insider tips and background to help you make the most of your own Columbus St. Patrick‘s Day parade experience. Don‘t miss out on joining fellow Columbus residents of all backgrounds in reveling in the Irish spirit!