News Summary
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, Kansas City is gearing up for the 41st Annual Snake Saturday Parade. Set to take place on March 15, 2025, at 11 a.m., the event celebrates Ireland’s Saint Patrick and showcases colorful floats, lively music, and strong community spirit. This year’s theme is ‘Fiddlin’ Around Town.’ The parade has grown significantly since its humble beginnings in 1983, now drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees and raising millions for local charities. Attendees are encouraged to plan for transportation and enjoy the festive atmosphere across the city.
Kansas City Gears Up for the 41st Annual Snake Saturday Parade
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, Kansas City is buzzing with excitement for the annual Snake Saturday Parade, set to take place this Saturday. This lively event, which pays homage to Ireland’s legendary tale of Saint Patrick driving out snakes, started back in 1983 and has since blossomed into one of the largest Irish celebrations in the area.
A Historial Look at Snake Saturday
Believe it or not, this vibrant parade had rather humble beginnings. The first-ever Snake Saturday parade had just **four floats** and was hosted in a motel parking lot under *frigid 10-degree weather*. Just imagine the community spirit that has transformed this small gathering into a parade that now attracts *hundreds of thousands* of attendees each year!
Over the decades, the event has raised approximately $2 million for local charities, showcasing Kansas City’s commitment to giving back to the community. Each year, the parade adopts a unique theme, with the upcoming 2025 theme titled “Fiddlin’ Around Town.” Past themes have included *“Shamrock Swing”* in 1996 and *“An Irish Odyssey!”* in 2010, demonstrating the creativity and fun that the parade organizers inject into each event.
Festivities and Schedule
This year’s parade is scheduled for **March 15** at **11 a.m.** The route kicks off at 14th and Swift and winds its way to 16th and Howell. People can expect colorful floats, lively music, and festive energy all around. The parade will be led by this year’s Grand Marshal, David Johnson, who is the founder of Chicken N Pickle. This recognition speaks to the strong ties between local businesses and community celebrations.
Preparing for a Busy Day
With the parade expected to pull in a large crowd, local businesses are gearing up for a *busy day*. Chicken N Pickle is preparing for a surge in customers eager to enjoy some food and drinks before or after the parade. But the festive spirit doesn’t stop there: on the same day, the KC Current women’s soccer game will also be kicking off at **11:45 a.m.**, bringing even more people downtown. The atmosphere in the River Market area is going to be electric, with fans and parade-goers mingling together.
Enzo’s is getting into the spirit with a special cocktail for game day — the tantalizing teal limoncello slushies that are sure to be a hit! Just keep in mind that parking around the parade and the game is going to be a bit tricky. With the Grand Street Bridge being closed and high parking costs in the area, it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
Alternative Transportation Tips
If you’re one of the many attending these festivities, consider walking as an alternative to driving. A footpath from Main Street to the game will take around *30 minutes*, giving you a chance to enjoy the bustling parade atmosphere before settling down for some soccer. If you’re a sports fan, don’t forget that later in the evening, the **Big 12 Tournament Championship game** takes place at the T-Mobile Center at **5 p.m.** with varying parking costs.
Kansas City is set for an exciting day filled with *parade, soccer, and community spirit*. As you gear up to celebrate, make sure to stay safe, enjoy all the activities planned, and most importantly, embrace the spirit of the festivities! This Snake Saturday is sure to be one for the books.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Transformative Weekend Ahead in Kansas City
Spring into Cultural Adventures in Kansas City
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Scheduled in Kansas City for 2025
Additional Resources
- KCTV5: Snake Saturday Guide
- MSN: Snake Saturday Parade Live
- KCTV5: Snake Saturday Parade Gallery
- Kansas City Star: Snake Saturday Coverage
- In Kansas City: Weekend Events
- Wikipedia: Saint Patrick’s Day
- Google Search: Snake Saturday Kansas City
- Google Scholar: Snake Saturday Parade
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Saint Patrick
- Google News: Snake Saturday Parade Kansas City
