Healdsburg marks St. Patrick’s Day with return of parade

Cloudy skies and chilly weather didn’t stop revelers dressed in green from flocking to downtown Healdsburg before dawn Thursday for the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, back after a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Families, friends, children, and even some pets gathered along Healdsburg Avenue for the 7 a.m. start.

Led by bagpiper Hal Wilkes of San Francisco, flag-waving participants, some dressed in costume, meandered through the center of town, starting at Sanderson Ford on Healdsburg Avenue, making their way around Healdsburg Plaza, and back again, a trip of about 20 minutes.

Each year, the parade is led by Wilkes, fire trucks, fancy cars and a “Queen” (now called “VIP”). This year’s parade grand marshal and VIP was longtime Healdsburg resident and pie maker Lorraine Ham, also known as “Gram Ham.”

Healdsburg’s Tricia Dippel said it was her 22nd time attending the parade. Adorned in green sparkly clothing and beaming with joy, Dippel said, “This is Healdsburg. … I love this town and its quirkiness.”

After making it back to Healdsburg Avenue, many participants celebrated with Irish coffee (coffee spiked with whiskey) or a beer.

Johanna Rojas and her friends, bundled in green jackets and beanies, were gathered in front of John & Zeke’s Bar, which was a hub of activity. A steady stream of people flowed from inside the bar and out into the surrounding parking lot and street.

Rojas, who said it was her first time at the event, came for the Irish coffee. Corned beef hash was also being served, a staple of any St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Several paradegoers noted that this year’s event was different and people were really excited to be back together to celebrate the day and just let loose.

“Everyone was hugging — it was so good to just see everyone after COVID-19,” said Rachel Coons, as she stood outside John & Zeke’s Bar with her friend, Kristen Flynn.

The parade, which has been dubbed “the biggest shortest parade in the world,” was sponsored by the city in partnership with the Healdsburg Kiwanis Club. The event has been going on for nearly 30 years.

“I love it, and waking up all the people at the hotels every year,” Coons joked.

The festivities concluded with a Celtic music concert and Irish dance performance at Plaza Park in the afternoon.