Ronan celebrates St. Patrick with "Go Green or Go Home" parade
Lake County Leader | UPDATED 3 hours, 6 minutes AGO
The famous green horse makes its way down the street during the Ronan St. Patrick's Day Parade. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)
St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect chance to welcome spring and find that elusive pot of gold under the rainbow. Along with good luck, this fun day, honoring Ireland’s patron saint, also conjures visions of shamrocks, leprechauns and corned beef – all of which are sure to be abundant at the annual Ronan St. Patrick’s Day Parade, now celebrating 37 years.
This year’s event, scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. March 17, showcases floats, horses, automobiles, and a few special surprises. Delivering music will be perennial favorites, The Great Scots Pipes and Drums.
Over the years, it has become a tradition to wear attire reflecting the spirit of the day. Green, green, and more green is the color palette. In fact, the 2026 parade theme is “Go Green or Go Home!”
Entries start lining up at 4:45 p.m. behind St. Luke Hospital. Prizes will be given after the parade at the Official Irish Headquarters, the Pheasant Lounge. Prize categories include Most Irish, Best Irish Animal, Pub Wars, Biggest Shamrocks, Green Team, and Best Overall. As usual, the event is hosted by T.R.I.C., The Ronan Irish Committee.
Parade entry is free and open to all; no float registration is required.
The organizing committee will monitor entries for profanity, racism, or other inappropriate messaging. Entries with offensive images, graphics, or signage will not be allowed in the parade.