BAY CITY – Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Bay City is comparable to how they celebrate in Ireland. Waves upon waves of people in shamrocks and leprechaun hats celebrated all things Irish together for the entire weekend.
The actual holiday of St. Patrick’s Day fell on March 17, and in true Bay City fashion that was perfect for an all-weekend bash of bar hopping and Irish activities.
The annual Bay City St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Bay Area Runner’s Club St. Patrick’s Day race took place on March 19. Thousands of residents and visitors lined downtown Bay City’s historic Center Avenue for the festivities. Everyone turned out to see the floats advertising local businesses and the schools show off their talents. Most importantly everyone came out to have fun.
This year was the 50th annual St. Patrick’s Day Races. This year sponsored by Jolt Credit union, the Bay Area Runners Club is proud to have donated over $240,000 in donations from these races to nonprofits, high school athletic programs, and other local charities over the years. This year’s race’s primary beneficiary will be the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission of Bay City located on 9th street.
Vendors cart around cotton candy and St. Patrick’s Day themed goodies, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie StoneParade participants pass around candy to children in the crowds, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie StoneFamilies line the street to watch the St. Patrick’s Day parade, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie StoneFamilies line the street to watch the St. Patrick’s Day parade, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie StoneParade participants wave to an enthusiastic crowd, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie StoneFamilies line the street to watch the St. Patrick’s Day parade, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie StoneA woman dances with her dog while walking the parade, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie StoneParade participants pass around candy to children in the crowds, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie StoneFire trucks drive through the St. Patrick’s Day parade, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie StoneKids run into the street to gather the thrown candy, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie Stone
The Ancient Order of Hibernians marches behind the Flint Scottish Pipe band, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie StoneThe Flint Scottish Pipe band marches with the parade, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie StoneThe Flint Scottish Pipe band marches with the parade, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie StoneTractors zig-zag down the street, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie StoneBay City Central’s marching band joins the parade, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie StoneBay City Central’s marching band joins the parade, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie StoneFamilies line the street to watch the St. Patrick’s Day parade, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie StoneThe Rock Show provides live music entertainment as part of the parade, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie StoneThe Ancient Order of Hibernians marches behind the Flint Scottish Pipe band, Bay City, March 19, 2023; photo credit Onnie Stone
