St. Patrick’s Day parade, tent party canceled for second year

The Athletic Club Foundation’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and tent party in downtown Indianapolis have been canceled for the second year in a row due to the pandemic.

The parade and tent party had been scheduled for March 12. The foundation also has canceled what would have been the 29^th Annual Shamrock Run/Walk that was scheduled for March 13. The foundation will still host the greening of the canal on March 17, but for media and government officials only.

The parade usually includes floats from area grade schools and high schools, public safety officials, Irish heritage organizations and local businesses.

Last year would have been the 40^th year for the event, but it was canceled as COVID-19 began spreading across the state.

“We had hoped we could hold the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Shamrock Run/Walk as we have for so many years, but as we approach another year, the pandemic shows no signs of weakening any time soon,” Robert Welch, chair of the foundation, said in a media release.

“We feel compelled to still keep the Greening of the Canal so that the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day is not forgotten. … While it will not be open to the public, we hope that seeing the green canal through the media or as people walk along the canal on March 17, they will be uplifted by the memories of previous celebrations and take solace knowing that we will be able to celebrate it again in the future.”