Sioux Falls' Irish Community Celebrates With St. Patrick's Day Events

A Celebration of Irish Heritage in Sioux Falls

Every March, Sioux Falls trades in its winter gray for a little extra green. From festive decorations to lively gatherings, St. Patrick’s Day is more than just a party here — it’s a celebration of the city’s deep Irish roots.

Irish immigrants began settling in South Dakota in the late 1800s. Many came seeking farmland, railroad jobs, and new opportunities in a growing Midwest. In Sioux Falls, Irish families helped build churches, schools, and businesses that shaped the community. Their strong faith, work ethic, and commitment to family became part of the city's foundation.

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Today, that heritage is still visible. According to census data, a significant number of residents in Minnehaha County claim Irish ancestry, making it one of the most common European backgrounds in the region. Many familiar last names and longtime local families can trace their history back to Ireland.

Introducing the 2026 Grand Marshal: Kelly Grogan

That's where this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal comes in. Kelly Grogan, a retired firefighter and longtime parade participant, is the third member of the Grogan family to serve as Grand Marshal. Family members are hinting at a special float in the parade to honor Kelly's being chosen to lead the parade.

The 46th Annual Sioux Falls St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place on Saturday, March 14, in downtown Sioux Falls. Anyone can enter a float or walk in the parade as long as they are registered or part of a registered group and are wearing an official St. Patrick’s Day Parade button.

Buttons can be purchased for $3 at The Blarney Stone Pub, 605 Running Company, The Cookie Jar, and also before the parade starts. This year, a portion of the parade button sales will go to support the St. Francis House.

Essential Parade Day Events and Route Information:

The traditional painting of the shamrock takes place at 11 AM on March 14 in front of The First National Bank at 9th St. and S. Phillips Avenue. This event is open to the public. Phillips Avenue will be closed between 9th and 10th Streets at 10:45 AM.
The parade starts at 2 PM at South Phillips Ave. and 13th St., ending near West 2nd Street.
Streets adjacent to the route close at 1:30 PM, and parking on Phillips Avenue is restricted starting late Saturday morning. Parade staging begins at 12:30 PM on 1^st Avenue, between W. 11th and 14th Streets.
The “Vanguard Squadron,” an ethanol-powered stunt plane team, will perform a flyby at the start of the parade (weather permitting)

Additional Parade Day Festivities:

The "Paint Sioux Falls Green!" initiative will light up the Big Sioux River, Arc of Dreams, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral, among others, in green on Parade Day & St. Patrick’s Day.
Lucky 7’s Run Series: The 1-mile, 5-mile, and 5K runs kick off on parade day, with the 1-mile race beginning at 1:55 p.m. on S. Phillips Ave. at 12th Street. Race details and registration are available here.

As Sioux Falls celebrates St. Patrick’s Day this year, the green decorations are more than festive flair — they’re a reminder that the city’s Irish spirit is woven into its history and still thriving today.

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As I was slicing a piece of cheese off my block of Dimock Dairy Colby cheese and boiling a ring of Bluebird Locker German sausage on the stove, I started thinking, "What foods is South Dakota known for?'

Then I realized the state is known for some of my favorite foods, are they're actually made right here in South Dakota!

So, I decided to search my cupboards and refrigerator looking for other South Dakota-made foods and came up with my Top 5.

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Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz