A group of DeLorean cars and their iconic gull-wing doors cruise down Pier Avenue during 20th Hermosa Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Photo by South Bay Events).
The 25th annual Hermosa Beach Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 16, 2019 – Hermosa Beach Saint Patrick’s Day Parade: The Hermosa Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade began with a group of friends meeting at the old Fat Face Fenner’s Faloon on Hermosa Avenue in Hermosa Beach. Organized by Co-Chairs Jean Cullen and J Travers Devine, the first Annual Parade was presented in 1995 and was an instant success. Since then what began as a group of Irish-Americans celebrating their heritage has morphed into a great ‘hometown’ local event drawing thousands to the streets of Hermosa Beach each year in a great celebration of community while retaining important elements of Irish heritage and culture.
Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Brownies and Cubs to Explorers, Civic and Service Organizations, local elected officials, Middle and High School Bands, Local Businesses and celebrities join with neighborhood ‘groups’ to march in the Parade each year and enjoy the cheers from the crowds.
In keeping with the history and original purpose of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, as celebrations of freedom, the Hermosa Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade has always encouraged participants from every ethnic background, culture, religion, sex and sexual preference to participate in the Committee’s events without discrimination.
The Details
The parade starts at 11:00 AM on March 16th, Saturday morning, presented by The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce. The parade begins at the staging area near the tennis courts on Valley Drive (near 11th street), makes a left onto Pier Avenue, turns left on Hermosa Avenue and ends at Hermosa Avenue and 10th street. In what has become a popular tradition in Hermosa Beach, the parade draws an estimated 29,000 people each year who come to enjoy the event as well as the great dining, shopping and beautiful beach weather that Hermosa Beach offers.
This year expect to see slow trotting Budweiser Clydesdale horses during the parade. The Clydesdales will be available at the pier head for photographs after the parade from 1 to 3 p.m.