2020 Milwaukee St. Patrick's Day Canceled; Coronavirus Precaution

MILWAUKEE, WI — Milwaukee's 54th-annual St. Patrick's Day Parade scheduled for Saturday, March 14 has been canceled due to growing concerns over the transmission of coronavirus, known as COVID-19.

On Thursday, City of Milwaukee officials, along with organizers with the Westown Association and Shamrock Club of Wisconsin made the decision together, calling it a difficult one.

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"The safety and health of our patrons and participants is always our priority," Stacie Callies, Executive Director of the Westown Association said Thursday morning. "This was a difficult decision, but all parties want to ensure we are doing our part to help prevent the spread of the disease. This decision was made out of abundant concern for the 30,000 people that come to Downtown Milwaukee each year to celebrate with us. "

Organizers said they are looking at the possibility of hosting the parade at a later date. At this time, there is not a new date set, organizers said.

This year's parade would have featured more than 120 entries including Irish dance groups, pipe and drum corps, local celebrities, public officials and more. Milwaukee has been home to the Shamrock Club's St. Patrick's Day parade since 1967.