A celebration of community and Irish heritage

Green was the color of the day as parade goers lined the streets of Maple Lake to celebrate the community’s 49th annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival, hosted by the Maple Lake Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, March 14. 

A festival highlight was the parade of green that traveled through the city, bringing together young and old, local organizations and businesses, and representatives from neighboring towns.

March can be a moody and unpredictable month. Despite forecasts of heavy snow last Saturday evening, the winter weather held off long enough to allow the parade to be completed. 

Temperatures hovered in the mid-thirties when Wright County Sheriff Sean Deringer led the procession, which officially began at 1:30 p.m. and traveled along Division Street before turning left on Maple Avenue and winding back around First Street.

Beneath cloudy skies and engulfed in chilly air, spectators gathered along the parade route dressed in shamrocks and Irish green, greeting the procession with enthusiastic cheers. Children perched along the curb, eagerly waiting for the next handful of candy to be tossed their way.

The parade featured a colorful lineup of participating floats and groups, 73 in total, including Maple Lake Royalty, along with royalty from several area communities. Many floats adorned themes of leprechauns, pots of gold, and colorful rainbows with banners celebrating Irish heritage. Several groups handed out beads and goodie bags to the crowd.

This year’s parade grand marshals were Al and Judy Hudek, an honor bestowed to Maple Lake residents who have demonstrated civic mindedness and outstanding service to the community.

The day’s events also included the Irish Scamper 5K and craft sale at Maple Lake Elementary. 

Irish roots run deep in Maple Lake. For the community, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival offers a chance to showcase and celebrate heritage, togetherness, and civic pride.