This coming Monday will begin a bit differently for most Healdsburgers, as the dawning hours are celebrated with a parade and a party. That doesn’t usually happen, but March 17 is the date of one of the town’s favorite holidays—St. Patrick’s Day. And with it, what Healdsburg likes to call “The Biggest, Shortest Parade in the World,” a claim that has never been fully investigated but is widely believed to be true.
It’s still dark when people start converging on Healdsburg Avenue on the block north of North, gathering between Sanderson Ford at 453 Healdsburg Ave. and the former B&B Lounge (now John & Zeke’s) at 420 Healdsburg Ave. The crowd begins to grow after 6am, and by ten to the hour the shape of the party is revealed in the growing light.
Wearing green is de rigueur, of course, the louder and larger the better. Green wigs are common, green hats plentiful, green beer available. And recent tradition suggests Speedos the tricolor of the Irish flag may be spotted.
Bob Coleman, owner of the B&B, is widely credited with originating the tradition, probably in a spontaneous manner, in 1994. It was then, as now, mainly a matter of parading around the Plaza full of song and good cheer, encouraging the groggy tourists in the Plaza-side hotels to join in.
Queen for a Day
The parade seems to grow bigger and bigger every year, and now includes a bagpipe herald, innumerable versions of “Danny Boy,” “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” and the pipes of the jig. As well as a St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen, of course.
Edie Bradley, of the B&B, started this tradition which continues today. Early St. Patrick’s Day morning, the Queen’s helpers dress her in an elaborate green gown, complete with sash, gloves and often a tiara. By 7am she’s ready to lead the parade through downtown Healdsburg, waving to spectators from her car or float.
Though the royal is often unknown until the parade itself begins, Cierra Hayes has already been named as this year’s Queen. “The Queen’s role, while ceremonial, symbolizes Healdsburg’s unique blend of tradition, community pride, and lighthearted fun,” said Mark McMullen, event co-producer with Dan Zastrow. The Launch Pad Foundation with the city’s Community Services department is sponsoring the day’s celebrations.
Celtic Concert
After a morning nap, many revelers and late-risers return to the Plaza for a St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Concert, a celebration of Irish culture and music. Like the parade itself, the noon concert has become a recurring theme of the holiday in Healdsburg.
Held from noon to 1:30pm, the concert begins with the Shiloh Step Irish Dancers, a young people’s dance troupe whose captivating precision is enchanting. The featured band will be Tempest, “masters of high-energy Celtic rock,” for dancing or singalong. They formed in 1988 and fuse Celtic with many other musical forms, including progressive rock.
While admission is free, donations are encouraged to help cover artist fees and production costs. This year’s goal is $2,500, ensuring the concert remains accessible to all. Donations can be made at tinyurl.com/CelticConcert2025.
City Community Services Announcement:
The following road closures will occur on Monday, March 17, 2025 between 6:30-8:00am (or until the roadway is clear) to accommodate the annual Healdsburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade:
- Healdsburg Avenue between Matheson and Piper Streets from 6:30am – 8:00am.
- Rolling road closures from approximately 7:15am – 7:45am:
- Matheson Street between Healdsburg Ave. and Center Street;
- Center Street between Matheson Street and Plaza Street; and
- Plaza Street between Center Street and Healdsburg Ave.
