Our Story
The 69th Annual Newport, Rhode Island Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will be held, rain, snow, or shine, on Saturday, March 15th, 2025. It will begin promptly at 3:00pm from Newport City Hall and will proceed to Carroll Avenue at Saint Augustin’s Church in the heart of the Fifth Ward. The parade this year is estimated to last 2 hours and will include Pipe Bands, Marching Bands, Fife & Drum Corps, Clown Units, reenactment units, and a host of local, state, and regional organizations including police and fire units, social/fraternal organizations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Schools, and non-profits.
The Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is always held on the Saturday preceding March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day), unless the 17th is a Saturday in which case it is held on that day.
Each year we honor two individuals, a Grand Marshal and a Dedicant. This year, the parade is dedicated to Jack Kane and the Grand Marshal is Michael J. Henlyshyn.
About This Year’s Button:
Our annual button designs celebrate the vocation, interests, and heritage of our Grand Marshal. This year’s design is no exception, incorporating meaningful elements that reflect the Grand Marshal’s life and passions.
The button prominently features two symbolic elements: the Irish Tree of Life and a tribute to the Grand Marshal’s faithful canine companions, Tessa and Willow.
The Irish Tree of Life, or Crann Bethadh, is a timeless Celtic symbol representing balance, harmony, and the cyclical nature of life. It serves as a reminder of the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. This symbol holds special significance for our Grand Marshal, who dedicated many years to serving as the administrator of Island Cemetery—a historic site rooted in the early Garden Cemetery Movement. In this role, he compassionately guided families through life’s final chapter for their loved ones. For those with a sharp eye, a heart formed by the branches adds a unique touch to the design.
As a devoted dog lover, our Grand Marshal treasures his two Golden Retrievers, Tessa and Willow. For this year’s button, however, their presence is symbolized by Irish Wolfhounds—an ancient, noble breed known for their calm demeanor and loyalty. Irish Wolfhounds hold a special place in Irish culture, revered as both hunters and guardians.
The Irish Wolfhound is also the official mascot of the 69th Regiment, an army unit renowned for its rich Irish heritage, with some estimates suggesting that during the American Civil War up to 85% of its members were of Irish descent. As a proud veteran, it is fitting that Michael’s year as Grand Marshal coincides with the 69th anniversary of this celebrated event.
Congratulations, Mike, on being named the Grand Marshal of the 69th Annual Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
Here are some of the other designs.
HISTORY
The history of Saint Patrick's Day and the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Newport, RI will be posted soon.
Parade Route
Participant Line-Up
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Organization/Group Division
Information For Participants
Parade Rules
- Listen to the Marshals ... each division has at least 2.
- 24 Hour Rule ... contracted parade participants agree not to perform or appear at any business establishment on the island which does not financially support the parade for 12 hours prior or 12 hours after the parade.
- Parade Posters ... business that support the parade will have the offical Parade Poster displayed in the establishment. By supporting them, you are supporting yourselves!
- No Throwing ... items must be handed to people along the sidewalks. This is a SAFETY issue. Think about the children!
- Discharging of Weapons or Ordnances are Prohibited ... this is a liabilty issue.
- No Collecting / Solicitations ... vending is not allowed per order of Newport City Council ... NO EXCEPTIONS!
- No Public Drinking ... ‘nuf said? How about $1,000 fine?
- No Loud Sirens/Horns ... sirens/horns must be used sparingly as they interfere with the bands and other participants.
- No Silly String ... or littering the streets with any other paraphernalia.
- No Advertising ... only businesses who have advertised in the parade booklet are allowed to display advertising.
- Do Not Stop the Parade ... only selected bands should stop at the reviewing stand.
- After the Parade ... DON’T STOP... keep moving past review stand and down one of the 4 streets away from the route. Marshals will direct you.
- Above all else ... obey the rules in your contract!
- Enjoy the Parade ... we are honored to have you as our guests!
If you have any feedback, comments, or concerns, please send them to:
Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee
P.O. Box 1404
Newport, RI 02840
Or Dennis@NewportIrish.com
Staging Area Map
