Everything To Know About Worcester St. Patrick's Day Parade 2022

WORCESTER, MA — Almost two years to the day, the Worcester County St. Patrick's Day Parade is back.

On March 10, 2020, parade organizers canceled the event due to the increasing seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic. On that day, the state had confirmed just 92 cases. Massachusetts has since confirmed nearly 1.7 million cases and almost 24,000 deaths.

But with three vaccines available and the omicron wave fading, the St. Patrick's Day Parade is back on Sunday for its 40th annual event.

The parade will step off around noon Sunday near the corner of Mill Street and Park Avenue, heading north past throngs of green-and-orange revelers. Here's everything you need to know about the parade, whether you're attending or staying home.

Parade Route

The parade begins near Mill Street and Park Avenue, just east of Coes Reservoir. The parade will then head north up Park Avenue and end near Highland Street at Elm Park. The event officially starts at noon, but the actual parade may not begin until well after that.

Parking

You're on your own to find parking for the parade. A good strategy might be to park far from the route and either walk or take a WRTA bus (all buses are free right now) to somewhere along Park Avenue. Keep in mind you might be parade fighting traffic on your way home.

There will be a shuttle for parade participants only between Doherty High School and the beginning of the route. Participants will also be able to park at the Mill Swan School and Our Lady of Mercy Church.

Weather

Sunny all day but chilly: a high of 34 midday, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures will drop into the mid-20s by the evening.

Detours

If you're driving in Worcester on Sunday — whether to the parade or just to get around — police are asking drivers to use Mill Street to go southbound and Main Street to go northbound. Both streets are approximately east (Main) and west (Mill) of Park Avenue. The entire parade route will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, according to police.

Grand Marshals

It's Worcester City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. and Worcester Medical Director Dr. Michael Hirsh. They were selected for their work steering the city through the coronavirus pandemic.

Parade Lineup

The parade will be split into two main divisions. The grand marshals, Holy Cross color guard and WPI marching band will be at the front. See the full lineup of parade participants here.

Food, Drinks

Just about every restuarant, bar and business along the parade route from Webster Square to Highland Street will have special St. Patrick's Day festivities going on. Even Webster Square Tire & Automotive will have live music. It may be a good idea to have cash on you for cover charges and cash-only beer tents.

Guinness Celtic 5K

The usual Irish-themed road race will take place immediately before the parade beginning at 11 a.m. The race starts and ends at Elm Park.

Watch

If you want to avoid the crowds, you can watch the parade live on Spectrum News 1. Coverage begins at 12:30 p.m.