In 1976, members of the Olde Towne Retail Merchants Association organized Slidell’s first St. Patrick’s Day Parade to foster civic pride, encourage community participation, and renew interest in Old Town Slidell. The inaugural Grand Marshal was City Attorney Patrick Berrigan, who carried his grandfather’s Irish shillelagh—a treasured family heirloom brought from Ireland in 1846—down the parade route on March 17, 1976. Despite its informal beginnings, residents and paradegoers embraced the new tradition with enthusiasm.

Early parades began on Front Street at the White Kitchen (no longer standing) and wound through the Historic Old Town district, making stops at Currie’s Bar, Twin Oaks on Erlanger, Minacapelli’s on Cousin, and City Hall for an official toast. Revelers returned to the White Kitchen for corned beef and cabbage, accompanied by the sounds of traditional Irish music. After Slidell officially became a city in 1964 and the parade grew, the event was moved in 1980 to the Sunday preceding St. Patrick’s Day to maximize attendance. Over the years, the route and length have varied, and local clubs and civic organizations compete for prizes and bragging rights.

“The philosophy behind the parade hasn’t changed,” says later organizer Ronnie Dunaway. “It’s about having a great time, showcasing Old Town’s charm, and drawing new customers to its businesses.” In 2019 alone, the parade handed out over 5,000 cabbages, 10,000 onions, 25,000 potatoes, 15,000 carrots, more than 200,000 strings of beads, and countless stuffed animals and trinkets. Today, the Slidell St. Patrick’s Day Parade ranks among the top three in Louisiana, continuing to unite the community in celebration and civic pride.

ABOUT THE SLIDELL HISTORY STROLL PROJECT:
The Slidell History Scroll is the Girl Scout Gold Award community service project of Sue Helen Ford. The project was inspired when her family participated in a walking history tour in Savannah, Georgia. Sue Helen is grateful for the support of her Girl Scout community, family, and friends, whose encouragement and hard work have brought this vision to life. Special thanks go to her 7th and 8th grade history teachers at Slidell Jr. High – Mr. Treadwell and Mrs. Caldwell – for igniting her passion for history.The narratives featured throughout the Slidell History Stroll were researched and written by Greg Scott, Curator of the Slidell Museum.