Royal Oak Summer Collegiate Team Joins St. Patrick’s Day Parade Plans
Royal Oak, MI, January 2, 2024 – It’s “batter up” for the Royal Oak St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The event has been sidelined since the pandemic of 2020 but with the help of local businesses and non-profits including the Royal Oak Leprechauns, the classic parade is coming back in 2024. The Leprechauns, the summer collegiate baseball team that makes its home in Royal Oak, compete in the Northwoods League, the premier amateur collegiate league with 26 teams.
“We look to bring the luck of the Leprechauns in partnering with this phenomenal event,” Leprechaun Vice President and Parade Chairman Rocky Shattuck said. “We love spreading the St. Patrick’s Day spirit and fun – especially in our hometown – Royal Oak.”
The event takes place on Saturday, March 16 beginning at noon. Green clad crowds are expected to line Washington Avenue this year in green beads, green wigs and even green bowties on their dogs as on-lookers enjoy the parade of bagpipers, dancers vintage cars, custom floats and much more.
A newly formed committee under the leadership of retired Royal Oak Police Lt. Al Carter is preparing for the return of this iconic celebration of everything Irish.
“I am very excited and absolutely thrilled to announce the return of the Royal Oak St. Patrick’s Day parade,” says Carter, “As the youngest of 15 children with strong Irish roots, I am honored and proud to be part of this celebration of our heritage.”
The family event has a large community spirit and collaboration with downtown businesses. This festive event that first made its debut in Royal Oak in 1999 and will feature festive parade floats, marching bands, community organizations and more than a few mischievous, pointy-eared creatures dancing through the city’s popular downtown area.
“You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy all we have planned,’’ Carter said. “Our goal is to showcase our Irish heritage, our local Irish groups, award winning schools and marching bands, churches, along with our local politicians.”
The parade mission is “To celebrate, honor, and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Ireland through a vibrant, inclusive, and community-driven St. Patrick’s Day parade, creating a memorable experience for participants and spectators alike.”
Anyone interested in becoming an event sponsor or to have a group, organization, or business participate in the parade, go to royaloakstpatricksdayparade.org or Contact Al Carter at royaloakirishparade@gmail.com. If any business would like to participate in this community event and support Royal Oak’s rich Irish history by displaying a Shamrock sign at your business, email Al as well.
To learn more about the parade and its sponsors, check out, www.royaloakstpatricksdayparade.org. To learn more about the upcoming 2024 season for the Leprechauns, check out, royaloakleprechauns.com.
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If you would like more information about the Royal Oak Leprechauns, please contact Mark Sackett at 248.930.0388 or email him at leprechaunball@gmail.com. Follow the Leprechauns on social media: Instagram@ roleprechauns, Twitter @roleprechauns and Facebook Royal Oak Leprechauns.
