For Chad Evans, a resident of Las Vegas, the St. Patrick’s Day parade in his hometown of Henderson this past Saturday was a delightful surprise. Reminiscing about attending the parade in the 1980s as a child, he marveled at the transformation he witnessed this year. The streets near his mother’s house, just a few blocks from downtown Henderson, were overflowing with parked cars, a sight he had never seen before on parade day.
Thousands of people gathered downtown to partake in the 57th annual Southern Nevada Sons and Daughters of Erin St. Patrick’s Day festival. As Chad Evans strolled along Water Street, he couldn’t help but notice the festive atmosphere and the sea of green-clad spectators lining the parade route. The air was filled with excitement, laughter, and the unmistakable spirit of camaraderie that comes with celebrating this iconic Irish holiday.
The Perfect Setting
Josh Cowart, a 35-year resident of Henderson, echoed the sentiments of many attendees, praising the picture-perfect weather that graced the day. With sunny skies, gentle breezes, and temperatures in the 60s, it was an ideal backdrop for the revelry that unfolded. The ambiance was further enhanced by the colorful procession that wound its way through the Water Street District, featuring a variety of floats, vehicles, and marching groups representing diverse organizations.
As families and friends gathered to watch the parade, it was clear that the sense of community and shared joy was palpable. People of all ages donned their best green attire, from head to toe, with even their furry companions joining in on the fun. Rebecca Gillis, a city employee, brought her enormous Great Dane/Mastiff mix, Stella, to enjoy the festivities. The sight of Stella elicited smiles and pats from onlookers, adding to the festive spirit that enveloped the crowd.
A Time of Celebration
For Kat Jaquez, a visitor from Las Vegas celebrating her birthday on St. Patrick’s Day, the parade was a perfect way to mark the occasion. With her three teenage children and boyfriend in tow, she reveled in the lively atmosphere and the opportunity to immerse herself in the holiday spirit. To her, St. Patrick’s Day meant indulging in traditional Irish fare like corned beef, sipping on green beer, and relishing the company of loved ones.
The festivities continued at the Water Street Plaza, where food trucks offered an array of delectable treats, from funnel cakes to foot-long hot dogs. Mayor Michelle Romero, who rode on a fire truck during the parade, expressed her delight at the bustling activity in downtown Henderson. She noted that establishments like Johnny Mac’s were abuzz with patrons, making it one of their busiest weekends of the year.
Reflecting on the Past
Kris Mann, a longtime Henderson resident and vendor at the festival, marveled at the city’s growth and transformation over the years. Recalling the days when Henderson was a small town of 11,000 people, she marveled at how far the community had come. Despite having moved away to care for her parents, Mann’s connection to Henderson remained strong, evident in her enthusiastic participation in the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
As the festival drew to a close, anticipation buzzed for the car show scheduled for Sunday morning. The spirit of celebration, community, and togetherness that defined the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Henderson would linger on, a testament to the enduring charm and vibrancy of this annual tradition.
For more information and inquiries, contact Bryan Horwath at bhorwath@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0399. Follow @BryanHorwath on X.
