The parade will step off at 11 a.m. from 4th Street and Clay Ave., and marching east along Clay to Jefferson Street.

This family-oriented parade is sponsored by Hennessy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant and the Greater Muskegon Jaycees, and is designed to celebrate Muskegon County’s Irish Heritage. Families, organizations, fraternal groups, businesses, marching bands, churches and schools are invited to join in the fun and march in this exciting event.

“Last year’s inaugural Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade exceeded our expectations,” said Nancy Hennessy, owner of Hennessy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, 885 Jefferson Street in downtown Muskegon. “It drew hundreds of marchers and thousands of spectators, and this year we’re planning for even more marching units and spectators at the parade, and invite everyone in Muskegon and West Michigan to participate!”

“We’re inviting families to march in the parade again too, to represent their Irish roots with banners and posters identifying their ‘home county’ back in Ireland,” added Mike Hennessy, Nancy’s husband and owner/general manager of Hennessy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant.

The only cost to march or sponsor a float is a non-perishable food donation to benefit Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry. The Jaycees will be accepting food donations from parade spectators along the route.

All day on Saturday, March 16, Hennessy’s will offer live entertainment, Irish dancing and a special St. Patrick’s Day menu in the restaurant and pub, with additional space added outside in a heated tent in the restaurant’s parking lot. Hennessy’s will open at 8:00 a.m., and remain open throughout the day until 2:00 a.m. with live Irish entertainment.

“The Greater Muskegon Jaycees are excited to be involved in the 2nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a great family event that also helps people in need throughout the county,” said Chris Annis, president of the Jaycees. “We encourage everyone to come on out and march in the parade or watch along Clay Avenue, and be sure to bring along non-perishable food items for the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry!”

Those interested in participating in the parade should contact the Greater Muskegon Jaycees at parade@muskegonjaycees.org for a complete registration packet, or pick up a packet in person at the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 610 W. Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon, 231-724-3100. Registration forms are also available at the Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade website at http://www.muskegonjaycees.org/parade.html.