RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The orange and the green, as well as the yellow, black, red, and white will come together Saturday for the third annual All Nations Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Rapid City. The event is organized by Celtic Connection of the Black Hills, a local business that has been working to bring the spirit of Irish culture to Western South Dakota. It may be Saint Patrick’s Day weekend, but don’t go to Saint Pat Street! The parade is scheduled to kick off at 10 a.m. in downtown Rapid City.
“If people wanted to go to Deadwood afterwards, they still have time to make that parade,” said Callie Meyer, Director of Community Engagement for Visit Rapid City, “Otherwise, people can stick around after the parade is done. There’s a lot of stuff going on downtown tomorrow, so it should really be a green day in downtown Rapid City.”
Several groups will have floats in the parade including the Rapid City Fire Department, the Black Hills Humane Society, the Dead President Rugby Team, Black Hills Bike Hub, Journey On, and many others.
While attending the parade is free, there was a $17 registration fee for those wanting to have a float in the parade. Proceeds from float registration go to a different non-profit organization each year. This year, the parade will support
, which provides animal support on the Pine Ridge Reservation through education initiatives and a pet adoption network. Donation boxes will be available at the parade for pet food, treats, and toys. Representatives from the Oglala Pet Project, and even some of the dogs they assist, are expected to participate in the parade.
If you have any questions regarding the parade, you can get in touch with Celtic Connection at
or visit their storefront at 517 6th Street in Rapid City.
Per grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from South Dakota Mines. He found his passion for weather reporting by the impact it has on the community, both in how people work and how it brings people together through severe weather preparation. He also has a passion for preventing health issues with Air Quality Index awareness. Per can be found enjoying outdoor activities in the Black Hills when the weather allows.
