On Saturday, March 12 at Noon the Bellingham St. Patrick’s Day Parade will make it’s much-anticipated return. In addition, the parade boasts a new route that highlights the revamped waterfront area.
The new route is a short mile that starts on W. Laurel Ave. The parade meanders past Waypoint Park and up Chestnut Street before turning onto Railroad Ave where it finishes in front of Depot Market Square and Boundary Bay Brewery.
“It’s finally here! The community is getting back together to celebrate in a fun, safe way!” says Janet Lightner, President of Bellingham St. Patrick’s Day Parade. “Rain or shine, it’s an excuse for us to all get outside and welcome the changing of seasons from Winter to Spring.”
Each year, the Bellingham St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee carefully selects a Grand Marshal to lead the parade. The representative chosen exemplifies superior qualities of leadership, a strong dedication to our community and an overall positive attitude.
“Our Parade always focuses on uplifting our local public safety personnel and community leaders,” says Lightner.
This year’s Grand Marshal will be Erika Lautenbach, Director of the Whatcom County Health Department.
“When we asked Erika (Lautenbach) to be our Grand Marshal, she jokingly said that the Director of the Health Department never gets picked for anything fun,” says Lightner. “Our community’s health department has gone unsung for too long. Food and water safety doesn’t even begin to shine a light on all the health department does for our community.”
Whatcom County Health Department provides programs and services that help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide education to help people make good health decisions and ensure that our county is prepared in the event of a public health emergency. In addition, their Human Services provide programs, resources and agency connections to engage with the houseless, offer drug treatment assistance and overall extend the betterment of our community’s health.
Community members are invited to either watch or participate in the parade. Each year the procession includes a variety of participants such as marching bands, local businesses, neighborhood associations, schools, musical groups, dancers and more.
“Kick the March doldrums to the curb with Bellingham's St. Paddy's Parade,” says Tammy Bennett, former Grand Marshal and current member of the YMCA’s Department of Fun. “It's the perfect opportunity to join family, friends & neighbors, gussy up yourselves (& bikes if you like rollin') and get your green on!“
Signups for parade participation: stpatsbham.com/participate-in-the-parade
