Frequently Asked Questions
Parade Questions
Will there be a parade in 2025?
Yes! We are excited to be back at it again for 2025. Join us downtown St. Paul starting at noon on Monday, March 17th, 2025.
What is the parade route?
The 2025 parade route is expected to be the same as last year, starting at Rice Park (5th St & Market St) and ending near Mears Park (5th St & Sibley St), traveling along 5th Street.
Where is the best place to park?
We recommend parking in lots & ramps along Kellogg and north of 6th St E. The staging area usually closes each year at 10 am. Then, 5th St E and intersecting roads between 6th St E & 4th St E close at 11 am.
Below is a preliminary map showing the parade route and road closures. This is subject to change.
All About The Button
Each year, a commemorative button is created to represent the Irish season. The first came about in 1967; over the years, this button has become a welcomed tradition and collector’s item among many. Each year Shamrock Princesses and association members work to sell these buttons to those near and far, with funds going to support local charities and the “Greatest Parade in the Nation” in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Where can I buy a button?
During the six weeks leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, our Association visits local establishments throughout the Twin Cities to fundraise and sell our commemorative buttons. Button sales kick-off at our Big Button Reveal and Auction, held at the beginning of February.
How can I buy a button from Miss Shamrock or the Shamrock Princesses?
Starting in February 2025, our group will be out and about throughout the Twin Cities “Button Blitzing.” Follow us on social media (@stpatmn) for the latest updates and schedule or check out our Events Calendar.
What do I get when I buy a button?
Besides a cool and highly sought-after commemorative button that shows your support for our Association and the parade, each button you buy offers a chance to enter a drawing to win $1,500.
Where is my money going?
It is our pride and joy to give back to the community and maintain the long-standing tradition of celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in Downtown St Paul. Your money goes directly towards funding St. Paul’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebration, with all additional proceeds going to local charities. (See below of a full list of charities we give to each year.)
When will the drawing for $1,500 dollars happen?
April 10, 2024
To be eligible, entries must be handed in to a Shamrock Princess or Association member or postmarked no later than 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Entries can be mailed to:
Saint Patrick’s Association, Inc.
525 Main St. #120208
New Brighton, MN 55112.
The winner will be contacted by the Association, and the announcement will be made afterward through our social media channels.
More About Our Association
Aside from buying a button, are there other ways to support the St. Patrick’s Association?
We always welcome monetary and in-kind donations to support all our activities to spread Irish cheer and give back to our community. Contact us here to learn more.
Volunteer! We are a 100% volunteer-run non-profit and can always use additional help. Click here to learn more.
Own a business? Become a corporate sponsor and sell our button at your establishment.
How can I get involved in the St. Patrick’s Association of St. Paul?
We are always looking for more volunteers. Click here to learn more.
Own a business? Become a corporate sponsor.
What charities do you support? And how much do you donate?
Our goal is to donate at least $10,000 annually to multiple local causes, including:
Brian Boru Pipe Band
Catholic Charities of Minneapolis and St. Paul
Irish Network Minnesota
Gillette Children’s Foundation
Little Sisters of the Poor
Our Lady of Peace
Serving Our Troops
Sisters of St Joseph Ministries Foundation
St Paul Fire and Paramedics
St Paul Police Band
St Paul Police Reserve