Our Story
The story of Knox St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one rooted in friendship, a little bit of Irish stubbornness, and a dream that refused to fade.
In June of 1979, John and Pat McLaughlin were sitting at a bar talking about something that had been on John’s mind for a long time: Knoxville deserved a St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
According to Pat, “It always bothered him that St. Patrick’s Day wasn’t recognized more. He always talked about organizing a parade. I just told him he was crazy.”
But John wasn’t deterred.
That night, John, Pat, and the bartender each tossed a quarter into a cup and started what they jokingly called the “Green Puddle Fund.” The next day, they placed a small ad in The Knoxville Journal—and from there, the idea began to grow.
John McLaughlin’s dream came true in March of 1981 as Knoxville held it’s first St. Patrick’s Day Parade. After his untimely death in January, his wife vowed to see his dream continue. Art Clancy, Sr. served as Grand Marshal, donning his favorite green jacket. The parade ran from 1981-86 (skipping 1982 as Knoxville hosted the World’s Fair).
The challenges and memories of the Parade became a little too much for the family after John’s passing. And, with that, the parade was dissolved.
But the spirit of the parade never truly disappeared.
In similar fashion to the McLaughlin’s experience, in 2016, Josh and Chandle Turbyville and Christy Watkins gathered at Clancy’s Tavern in downtown Knoxville. As luck would have it, the topic of a St. Patrick’s Parade arose, as Josh recalled his time as a child in the 80’s marching in the parade. The trio wondered aloud what it would take to bring it back. That night, they decided to try.
Preparations began with forming partnerships – reaching out to friends, family and community leaders. The goal was to not only create a fun event honoring Irish traditions and community, but to give back to those in need. Knox St. Patricks’ Parade™️was formed and CCETN was selected as the parade’s benefactor.
In the spring of 2017, Knoxville welcomed its first St. Patrick’s Day Parade since the 1980s. Since its return, the parade has grown year after year, becoming a beloved Knoxville tradition once again.
2017 parade – Art Clancy, Jr. and his wife, Sue, served as Grand Marshals as Knoxville’s St. Patrick’s parade was revived! Like his father, he wore the green jacket alongside his wife as they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.
2018 parade – Grand Marshal, The Honorable Tim Irwin and his family, paraded down Gay Street with crowds cheering on the former Vol and Minnesota Viking. In fall of 2018, Knox St. Patrick’s Parade received it’s 501 (3)(c) status.
2019 parade – In partnership with Bassmaster Classic, Roland Martin, professional sport fisherman and TV host served as Grand Marshal.
2020 & 2021 – The parade was canceled due to COVID restrictions. 2022 – The parade was canceled due to snow and road conditions.
2023 – UT grad, Comedian and Friend, Leanne Morgan led the parade on a chilly, but wonderful Friday night.
2024 – The most glorious and sunny day made way for Comedian and “College Mascot Guy”, Josh Mancuso as Grand Marshal with our largest parade to date.
2025 – Knoxville native and NFL star, Harrison Smith served as Grand Marshal. Despite calls for storms, the weather let up just in time for a spectacular parade!
2026 – Beautiful weather and a packed crowd welcomed Iconic pro angler and TV personality, Jimmy Houston. The 2026 parade became the largest yet with nearly 80 units and over 1,000 participants. Downtown Knoxville was filled with Irish cheer and fun.
