Forecast, Other Need-to-Know Details of Big Royal Oak St. Patrick's Day Parade

Everybody’s has a bit of Irish heritage on St. Patty’s Day. (Patch file photo)

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A sea of green and a wave of Irish cheer will spread south on Washington Avenue Saturday morning as the annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, a celebration of Irish family traditions, pride and heritage sponsored by Norman O’Brien Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Saturday’s parade begins at 11:30 .m. at Royal Oak Middle School and ends on Seventh Street, but spectators are encouraged to come out as early as 9 a.m. and secure a spot along the route. The National Weather Service forecasts a 30 percent chance of showers before 9 a.m. before skies clear to become partly sunny. Saturday’s high should be around 51.

Parade marshal Royal Oak Police Chief Corrigan O’Donohue will lead the parade of floats, clans, step dancers, bagpipers and community groups that have signed up to be part of the parade, an important family tradition for many residents who trace their heritage to Ireland.

Related:

• Patch’s St. Patrick’s Day Fun Guide: Eat, Drink and Dance in Southeast Michigan

“It’s something special, especially to the Irish,” Carol Hennessey, whose family will have a float in this year’s parade, one of the largest in Oakland County. This year’s theme, appropriately enough, is “A Tribute to Irish Families.”

“We want to honor all of our past Irish families and honor those that are living now,” Hennessey said.

Of course, everyone has a little Irish in them during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, so don’t stay away if your roots are traced to Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia/Oceania, North America, South America or any other European nation.

The family-oriented event is open to all, Hennessey said.

Before the parade, the the Lucky Dash 5K run will take place. Runners will head north on Washington Avenue as thousands cheer from the sidelines.