Crosslake’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is canceled for the second year in a row.
The decision was announced Friday, Jan. 22, in an email from Crosslake Chamber Director Cindy Myogeto, St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration Chair Laura Stromberg and Brainerd Lakes Chamber President Matt Kilian.
“Due to Minnesota’s COVID restrictions that are unlikely to be dialed back significantly in March, the Crosslake Chamber of Commerce and Parade Event Committee have made the difficult decision (to) cancel the 2021 St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration,” the email read.
The parade was scheduled to take place March 13.
“Out of respect for visitors and lodging businesses, we have opted to make this decision now, so that travel plans can be rearranged,” the email stated.
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Last year’s parade was among the first lakes area events canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Crosslake’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade was established in 1975 and has grown to welcome more than 25,000 green-clad spectators to Crosslake. The event provides a major economic boost to local businesses in the tourism off-season.
“To ensure our awesome local businesses survive, we strongly encourage everyone to support them in the coming months,” the email stated. “Our Chamber member businesses are open and doing everything possible to ensure public safety and bring a quicker end to the COVID crisis.
Plans are already underway for the 47th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration on Saturday, March 19, 2022!”
Brainerd parade
No decision has been made yet on Brainerd's St. Patrick's Day parade, but Community Action Executive Director Dave Badeaux said Friday, Jan. 22, a decision will be coming in the next couple weeks.
