INDIANAPOLIS — For the second consecutive year, Indianapolis will not have a St. Patrick's Day Parade in March.
In 2020, the parade was canceled when the pandemic became a national crisis just days earlier. And with COVID-19 not under control one year later, the 2021 event will also not take place.
The Athletic Club foundation, which holds the parade, announced the decision Monday. Also canceled is the St. Patty's Tent Party and the Annual Shamrock Run/Walk which was to be on March 13th.
One tradition will live on — the Greening of the Downtown Canal, so media and government officials can remind all of us that there is light at the end of the rainbow.
“We had hoped we could hold the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Shamrock Run/Walk as we have for so many years, but as we approach another year, the pandemic shows no signs of weakening any time soon," said Foundation Chair Robert Welch. "While it will not be open to the public, we hope that seeing the green canal through the media or as people walk along the canal on March 17th, they will be uplifted by the memories of previous celebrations and take solace knowing that we will be able to celebrate it again in the future.”
In normal years, the parade includes floats from area schools, public safety officials, families and Irish heritage organizations as well as local businesses.
The parade and run/walk were canceled to protect the health and safety of participants as well as the many volunteers that are needed to put on the events, according to the foundation.
