Knoxville’s St. Patrick’s Parade has been blessed to feature wonderful Grand Marshals each year of our parades.
| 2026: Jimmy Houston |
| 2025: Harrison Smith |
| 2024: Josh Mancuso |
| 2023: Leanne Morgan |
| 2022: Chris Blue (canceled due to snow) |
| 2020: Leanne Morgan (canceled due to COVID) |
| 2019: Roland Martin |
| 2018: The Honorable, Tim Irwin |
| 2017: Art Clancy, Jr. |
2026: Jimmy Houston
Jimmy Houston isn’t just a fishing icon—though if you ask most folks, that’s the first thing that pops into their heads. But there’s a whole lot more to Jimmy than just catching fish. With his trademark laugh and boundless energy, he’s carved out a spot in outdoor history. Whether he’s out on the water, working on his ranch, hanging with his grandkids, or cracking jokes in front of a crowd, Jimmy really knows how to make the most out of life—both on and off the lake.
His days are anything but ordinary. One moment, Jimmy might be launching his iconic bass boat at sunrise, camera crew in tow, sharing secrets of the perfect cast. The next, he could be swapping stories with friends over a crawfish boil, laughter echoing across the ranch as the sun dips low. Wherever he goes, Jimmy brings along a heart for adventure and a passion for connecting with people—whether they’re seasoned anglers or wide-eyed kids casting for the very first me. It’s this genuine enthusiasm, this willingness to say yes to life’s invitations, that has kept him at the center of both the fishing world and the broader outdoor community for decades.
His life’s pretty much a mix of wild fishing trips, big family get-togethers, and meeting folks all over the country. Sure, his schedule’s packed, but Jimmy wouldn’t have it any other way. For him, it’s all about living big, loving hard, and giving back whenever he can.
He’s devoted to his wife and family, and he’s a loyal friend and partner. Everyone in his field knows he’s super persistent and has an incredible work ethic.
2025: Harrison Smith
Smith is a graduate of Knoxville Catholic High School where he excelled as a 3-sport athlete. He went on to play college football at Notre Dame, where has was a standout Safety for the Fighting Irish. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round (29th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft where he’s continued his career for 13 seasons.
His on field success has earned him the nickname “Harry the Hitman” and many awards: Pro Bowl six times, (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021), named to the Associated Press First-Team All-Pro (2017), Second-Team All-Pro (2018) and Pro Football Writers of America First-Team All-Pro (2017). Smith was named the Vikings Defensive Player of the Year (2017 and 2020), Vikings Rookie of the Year (2012), won the PFF Dwight Stephenson Award (2017) and nominated to the PFF 2010s All-Decade Team.
His work off the field includes his work with BIG TACKLES to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, The Leary Firefighters Foundation, host of the Thielen Foundation Charity Softball Game and Grand Marshal of Knoxville’s St. Patrick’s Parade.
2024: Josh Mancuso
Actor, Comedian, and “The College Mascot Guy” Internet Sensation
Known by many as “The College Mascot Guy” on social media, Josh Mancuso both delights and infuriates fans across the country with his unique brand of sports humor and shameless nods to dad life.
Josh’s quick-witted video shorts have turned him into a pseudo-internet celebrity (especially with 50-something college football moms), amassing millions of views, shares, and eye-rolls across social media. His unique cast of original characters includes the over-confident “Coach Lance” and beloved Tennessee Vols fan “Randy the Mullet Guy”.
While he maintains his status as an actor and filmmaker, most days Josh is in his East Tennessee basement studio producing viral videos like “Stuff Golfers Say” or asking questions in his videos like, “Why does health insurance cost so much?”
Josh recently took his talents to the live stage, and is currently booking corporate events and comedy shows across the country.
Biography provided by joshmancuso.com
2023: Leanne Morgan
After 22 years in comedy, Leanne Morgan has cemented herself as a must watch comedian. Leanne was feeling the lure of Hollywood after graduating high school, but the idea of moving there was unheard of and too daunting fora country girl who had never been away from home. She enrolled in college at The University of Tennessee, where she graduated (by the skin of her teeth) with a degree in Child and Family Studies.
Leanne finally had access to comedy clubs when her family moved to San Antonio in 2001, and her career in comedy quickly started to skyrocket. Leanne’s comedy has landed her at the prestigious Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal and has brought her development deals for her own sitcom with ABC and Warner Brothers, writer/producer Matt Williams (Rosanne and Home Improvement) and, TV Land. Leanne has garnered over 2 million followers across social media and her popular stand-up special, So Yummy has reached over 50 million views on YouTube.
Her fan base continues to grow with her relatability as she discusses everything from being a housewife, sharing Jell-O recipes to having a new grandbaby. She has appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show, ABC’s The View, Nick at Nite’s Funniest Mom and toured with the Southern Fried Chicks. Now that her children are grown, Leanne is currently on The Big Panty Tour for her 100-show theater run across the U.S. with Outback Presents. In December 2022, Leanne taped her first special for a major streaming platform and will be back on the road with her next 100-show theatre and arena “Just Getting Started” tour with Outback Presents in 2023.
Biography provided by leannemorgan.com
2022: Chris Blue
Chris Blue, a Knoxville native, is the 2017 Season 12 winner of The Voice. He began singing in church at age 3 and never looked back. Chris won the Voice-Off Knoxville competition in 2015, then toured locally as well as in England, The Bahamas, Jamaica and the Virgin Islands. He attended Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, TN, and was actively involved in the campus worship ministry as well as the campus gospel choir.
Chris auditioned in 2017 to compete in season 12 of The Voice. In the blind auditions, broadcast on March 14, 2017 on NBC, he sang “The Tracks of My Tears” from The Miracles. He won the title for the season.
Since then he has released albums: One Light, Fresh Start, Accomplished, The Complete Season 12 Collection (The Voice Performance).
Chris and his wife, Stephanie, have one daughter, Alina-Dior.
Listen to Chris Blue on Apple Music >
2020: Leanne Morgan
Leanne Morgan exudes southern charm. She is a naturally funny story teller who gives an honest look at suburban life and the challenges of keeping her husband happy while juggling kids, dogs and cheerleading camp at the same time she’s racing to get her hair highlighted, have a colonoscopy and join weight watchers for the 7th time! Leanne will take you on a hilarious journey through motherhood and beyond as she finds comedy amidst the chaos. Leanne’s funny but honest point of view has earned her spots on the Dr. Phil show as part of his “advice panel.” She’s also worked with Paula Deen both “Live” in theaters as well as numerous appearances on her cooking shows. Leanne was chosen by The View as one of their most hilarious housewife’s and she was a finalist on Nick at Nite’s Funniest Mom in America. She has also had contracts with Warner Brothers and ABC to develop a sitcom based on her comedy and is currently collaborating with writer/producer Matt Williams (“Roseanne,” “Home Improvement”) and Lionsgate on a ½ hour sitcom. Leanne is heard daily on Sirius / XM Comedy Channels and has appeared in comedy clubs, performing arts centers, and theatres across the country. In addition to her solo stand up career, she toured with the “Southern Fried Chicks” for three years and is currently part of a new comedy tour called “Country Cool.”
Biography provided by leannemorgan.com
2019: Roland Martin
Roland Martin is an American professional sport fisherman. He is the host of Fishing with Roland Martin on the NBCSN television channel. Fishing in 291 tournaments, his BASSMASTER career includes the following achievements – 19 tournaments won, 9 B.A.S.S. Angler-of-the-Year titles, nearly 100 Top Ten finishes, and 25 appearances in bass fishing’s world championship event, the Bassmaster Classic. Also a record, Martin has 19 second place BASS finishes. Martin’s career tournament winnings exceeded one million dollars in 2004. Martin was the first professional bass fisherman to be inducted into all three Halls of Fame (IGFA Hall of Fame, Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, Professional Bass Fishing Hall of Fame). In a July 2005 survey for the “Greatest Angler”, Roland was voted second (to Rick Clunn), hurt by his lack of a Classic championship. He is also good friends with fellow fishermen Bill Dance and Jimmy Houston and they appear many times on his show. With them, Roland formed the company Th3 Legends to sell signature products. Roland popularized the concept of “pattern” fishing – determining a particular way to catch fish for a given time and lake and then applying it to similar locations around that lake. Martin has been an able and enthusiastic spokesman for bass fishing, conservation and the pursuit of the American dream for decades, generating a large following of fans.
Biography provided by David Muinde, August 15, 2019
2018: The Honorable, Tim Irwin
Former Vikings offensive tackle Tim Irwin is 6 feet 7, 300 pounds, so it’s a good fit when he sometimes dresses as Santa Claus during the Christmas season.
Irwin, though, doesn’t need a Santa suit.
Irwin, who played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers, played in the National Football League for 14 years, was named one of the “50 Greatest Vikings” during the team’s 50th season in 2010, has been a Knox County Juvenile Court judge since 2005.
It is a demanding job. Many of his cases involve having to take children away from parents because of problems in the home and place them in foster homes.
Irwin, though, is known for the benevolent manner in which he deals with kids going through the trauma of legal proceedings. In his court, staff give stuffed animals to kids, and therapy dogs help put youngsters more at ease.
The Knoxville native has worked tirelessly to benefit youth in the community. Irwin, is on the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs, and for the past 29 years has held a fishing tournament that has raised more than $1 million for the organization.
Irwin helped found the Catholic Youth Football League in Knoxville in 2002. One of his players was an eighth-grader named Harrison Smith, now a star safety for the Vikings.
Irwin joined the Vikings as a third-round draft pick out of Tennessee and earned his law degree while still a player. After finishing his NFL career with Miami and Tampa Bay in 1994, he embarked on a successful career as a lawyer and NFL agent.
Biography provided by Chris Tomasson, Pioneer Press
2017: Art Clancy, Jr.
Art graduated from Knoxville Catholic High School where he excelled in basketball. He was also a graduate of Saint Bernard Junior College in Cullman, AL, where he played football and basketball. He served in the U.S. Air Force and in Korea as an Intelligence Officer after graduating from Army Language School in Monterey, CA. He returned home and graduated from the University of Tennessee. He began his work career at Owens Corning Fiberglass, and in 1958 joined Clancy Optical Company. Over the next 50 years, and as President of Clancy Optical Company, Art would achieve recognition in the optical field on the local, state, national and international levels as a Certified Optician by the American Board of Opticianry. He served as the National President of the Opticians Association of America, served on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Opticianry, and for 20 years he served as Chairman of the Licensing Board of Dispensing Opticians for the State of Tennessee and was President of the International Guild of Prescription Opticians. He would hold many other responsible positions and garner many awards and recognition related to his optical profession. His community involvement included past president of Knoxville Rotary Club, District Governor of Rotary International, Development Council and Advisory Board for St. Mary’s Medical Center, Board of Directors for Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors for the YMCA, Better Business Bureau, Knoxville Tourist Bureau, Traveler’s Aide Society and Chairman of the Knoxville Historical Zoning Commission. He was past President of The School Board for St. Joseph School, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for Knoxville Catholic High School, President of the Knoxville Catholic High School Booster Club, and a member of the board for St. Bernard College.
Art was a past member and officer of the Orange Tie Club, attending almost all UT football and basketball games for 50 years, and was a very strong supporter of The Lady Vols. He was respected in his family and the Knoxville Community for treating everyone with kindness, dignity and respect.
Excerpts from Mr. Clancy’s Obituary, July 29, 2022
