Avoca St. Patrick’s Day Parade draws hundreds despite windy, rainy conditions

AVOCA, Wis. (WRCO/WRCE) – The 16th Avoca St. Patrick’s Day Parade brought in hundreds of people despite rainy, windy conditions on Saturday.

That didn’t stop a crowd that was estimated at over 700 people from celebrating the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

Louie Harris, who helps organize the event each year, said that when the weather is good, the parade attracts over a thousand people.

Harris added that the cold, windy weather and the threat of rain kept the crowds down a bit this year.

Over four dozen parade entries, as well as dozens of first responder vehicles, took a lap around Avoca’s downtown Saturday afternoon.

Among the parade entries was the University of Wisconsin Badgers Marching Band, which sent over a dozen members to entertain the crowds. Performing as sleet fell at the end of the parade, the UW band performed staples such as Beer Barrel Polka and On Wisconsin.

Harris said that the UW Marching Band has been appearing as part of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration for over a decade.

The event, which began 18 years ago, was drawn up by a group of Avoca residents who decided to hold the parade with no funding. They invited anyone who wanted to drive in it to participate. Now, it’s become a staple on the calendar for residents in the area.

Other than two years off during COVID, it’s been held every year.

Putting on the parade each year takes about $4,000, which is raised through various fundraisers and sponsor support. Avoca businesses contribute directly to the event and also host the fundraisers.

Event organizers are already planning for next year’s parade, which will happen on a Saturday in mid-March.

You can follow the parade and get more details on the event’s Facebook page.