KENOSHA, Wis. — Applications are now open for the second annual Eric Olson Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, in downtown Kenosha, according to information released by the City of Kenosha .
The parade, first held in 2025, drew thousands of spectators and is again being presented by the City of Kenosha in partnership with Visit Kenosha and the Lakeshore Business Improvement District.
The parade route will begin at 50th Street and Seventh Avenue, proceed south on Sixth Avenue, and end at Library Park. Organizers are inviting community groups, nonprofits, clubs, businesses, marching bands, dance groups, and other entertainers to participate.
Completed parade applications must be mailed or dropped off no later than 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at Kenosha City Hall, 625 52nd St., Room 300. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted, and parade placement notifications are expected by March 6 .
Application fees vary depending on the type of entry. Commercial and business entries are assessed a $150 fee, while civic organizations, houses of worship, clubs, and nonprofit organizations are charged $25 with proof of 501(c)(3) status. Municipal departments, elected officials, political candidates, and veterans groups may participate at no cost.
Parade rules require all entries to maintain the parade pace, follow marshal instructions, and comply with safety regulations. Alcohol, prohibited drugs, fireworks, and firearm blanks are strictly forbidden. Candy may be handed out along the route, but throwing items into the crowd is prohibited. All participants must be in position by 10 a.m. on parade day.
Organizers say the event is intended to celebrate Irish heritage while honoring the legacy of Eric Olson, and they expect another strong turnout from both participants and spectators in 2026.
Parade applications and additional information are available through the City of Kenosha.
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18 Responses
Who is Eric Olson?
Old school board prez
was he a great school board pres?
Not particularly
He was a fat, former boxer, long time kenosha clown who was on the school board. He and Mark Hujik, “both stupid asses,” invested KUSD’s funds into a scam investment. Eric died and should be forgotten. I have no idea why Kev has been running these Eric stories.
I’m not running stories about “Eric Olson”, I’m running stories about the St Patrick’s Day parade which was a humongous hit last year among Kenosha residents.
Two stories on a parade in January. I looked, and you did not run two stories for July 4th. Look Kev, it is okay that you love Eric. Perhaps you and Lenny could grab lunch and share Eric stories from the past. Lenny loves Eric more than you.
Wow, you sound nuts. Eric was beloved. You, probably not so much hanging out on a message board hating on a dead man
A local social legend
Would be nice to see a Bears float…
Unfortunately there probably will be. Also probably will be some “Hispanic Pride” floats in the St. Patrick’s Day parade…
Clown times we live in. Chicago isn’t that far from here, just move back there already. That place is nothing to be proud of btw
Float for winning one playoff game in 15 years
Packers need a Pope!
Every time someone moves north of the cheddar curtain the iq in sconsin goes up!
More like the Wisconsin crime rate goes up from you losers that couldn’t even hack it in your own disgusting state
I’ve got no skin in the story but it is a bit different they put a guys name. Should it just be called Kenosha Saint Patrick day parade? Was he Irish or something cause the name isnt.
“Ernie Bernie 4th of July parade”?
“Willie’s Dilly Gay Pride parade”?
“Smetty Swetty Labor Day parade”?.
Who knows… oh well Im not going to be there regardless.
great points. especially naming it after someone who accomplished so very little.
Maybe you should start your own parade 🤠