Illinois & Iowa's St. Patrick's Parade Is One Of A Kind In The US

Ahead of St. Patrick's Day, it's always fun to share this cool fact about the Quad Cities parade honoring the patron saint of Ireland. On March 16th, 2024, for the 38th year in a row, Iowa and Illinois will be the only two states to hold a St. Patrick's Day parade unlike any other in America.

The St. Patrick Society of the Quad Cities will once again hold America's only bi-state St. Patrick's Day Parade. Get your pot of gold and four-leaf clovers ready, because this unique parade is coming up on Saturday, March 16th.

America's Only Bi-State St. Patrick's Day Parade

What you might not know about The Grand Parade put on by the St. Patrick's Society is that it's a very unique St. Patrick's Day parade. While many cities and towns across America celebrate the patron saint of Ireland with parades and parties, The Grand Parade is the only St. Patrick's Day parade in America that spans two states.

For the past 37, almost 38 years, The Grand Parade begins in Rock Island, IL, and finishes in Davenport, IA making it the only bi-state parade of its kind in America

The founders of the St. Patrick's Society and The Grand Parade wanted to make sure the parade was the best St. Patrick's Day parade the Quad Cities had ever seen. Clearly, it worked because the bi-state St. Patrick's Day in the Quad Cities has happened every year for 38 years. You can read more about The Founders and their interesting beginnings, here.

The XXXVII Grand Parade Route

According to St. Patrick's Society officials, the day begins on Saturday, March 16, 2024, with Mass at St. Mary’s (2204 4th Ave. Rock Island) at 10:00 a.m., then the St. Patrick’s Grand Parade will start at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of 4th Avenue and 23rd Street in Rock Island.

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The parade will travel through downtown Rock Island, across the Mississippi River over the Talbot/Centennial Bridge to W 3rd St., and proceed east through downtown Davenport to the RiverCenter at E 3rd and Perry Streets.

The Post-Parade Bash will take place at the RiverCenter from 1-4 p.m. with other parties being held at various bars and restaurants in downtown Davenport

More Facts About The Quad Cities

The Quad Cities being home to America's only bi-state St. Patrick's Day Parade is fact #20 on the list below. Check out 99 other interesting facts you may or may not know about the Quad Cities below!

100 Interesting Facts About The Quad Cities You May Or May Not Know

The Quad Cities is filled with a very rich history. From inventions to crossing the Mississippi River, to American Presidents and Walt Disney, there are many facts about the Quad Cities that many people do not know. While there are many more stories and facts to share about the Quad Cities, you'll find in these 100 facts that all roads, somehow, lead back to the Quad Cities.

Gallery Credit: Connor Kenney/Townsquare Media Quad Cities

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Gallery Credit: Connor Kenney/Townsquare Media Quad Cities