MUSKEGON, Mich. -- Muskegon's 13th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place on Saturday, March 14, and we now know who the grand marshal will be.
It will begin at 11 a.m. and travel from 6th Street along Western Avenue to 1st Street.
J-C-I Great Muskegon is hosting the parade and says Sue Donovan will be the grand marshal. She is the widow of the late Kevin Donovan, a founder of the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame.
Participants and attendees are being encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to support Mission for Area People. That organization serves poor and underserved residents of Muskegon County through its Healthy Choice Food Pantry.
Here are more details from a JCI Greater Muskegon news release:
Sue is the wife of the late Kevin Donovan, a longtime Muskegon advocate, dedicated Rotarian, former president of the Muskegon Irish American Society, a founder of the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame, and a longtime member of the Michigan Irish Music Festival. Kevin’s passion and leadership helped shape and strengthen Muskegon’s Irish community for decades. Naming Sue as Grand Marshal is a tribute to Kevin’s lasting legacy and the Donovan family’s enduring impact on our community.
In keeping with the parade’s tradition of giving back, attendees and marchers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to support Mission for Area People (MAP). MAP serves poor and underserved residents of Muskegon County through its Healthy Choice Food Pantry, Free Clothing Pantry, rent and utility assistance, and help with essential medical and dental expenses. Volunteers will be stationed along the parade route to collect donations for local families in need.
“The parade is a celebration of our community’s Irish heritage, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support that keeps this beloved tradition alive.” said McKenna Grennan, President of JCI Greater Muskegon. “This year, we are especially honored to commemorate the legacy of Kevin Donovan by welcoming his wife, Sue Donovan, as our Grand Marshal. As a dedicated supporter of the Irish community and this parade, Kevin’s impact will not be forgotten, and we are proud to honor his and his family’s legacy in our community.”
Also happening in downtown Muskegon that day is the Shamrock Shuffle 5K organized by Run Muskegon, and a full day of live music and entertainment at Unruly Brewing Co.
If your family, organization, or group wants to march in Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade, sign up online at https://forms.gle/dNA575hhiqdeaK5c6 or contact JCI Greater Muskegon at info@jcimuskegon.org. Celebrate Irish pride, support local organizations, and join us in making the 2026 Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade the biggest and best yet!