The world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade draws dozens to downtown Bemidji – Bemidji Pioneer
BEMIDJI — Despite snowy skies and a sub-zero wind chill, dozens of participants packed downtown Bemidji to watch the world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade on Friday.
Even the weather didn’t stop the parade participants as a pair of Irish Setters, green-clad families and even a man in a kilt walked down Beltrami Avenue while candy was thrown at children lining the sidewalks.
A young participant hits the griddy during the world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Friday, March 17, 2023 in downtown Bemidji.
Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer
Event presenter Paul Goodwin (right) introduces two Irish Setters during the world’s shortest St Patrick’s Day parade on Friday March 17, 2023 in downtown Bemidji.
Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer
In official fashion, the parade started 78 paces behind a crack in the road near Keg N’ Cork and went all the way up the road to Brigid’s Pub.
After the parade, participants were invited to gather around a manhole cover and take part in a performance of the ‘chicken dance’.
Participants will take part in the “Chicken Dance” following the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Friday, March 17, 2023 in downtown Bemidji.
Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer
A participant makes his way down Beltrami Avenue during the world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Friday, March 17, 2023 in downtown Bemidji.
Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer
Participants gather on the sidewalk outside Keg N’ Cork in downtown Bemidji before the start of the world’s shortest St Patrick’s Day Parade on Friday March 17, 2023.
Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer
Miss Perham’s teenage standout Mackenzie Steinmetz throws candy at participants during the world’s shortest St Patrick’s Day Parade on Friday March 17, 2023 in downtown Bemidji.
Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer
Brigid’s Pub owner Travis Glass, left, and other participants make their way down Beltrami Avenue during the world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Bemidji on Friday, March 17, 2023.
Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer
Participants in the world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade wave to participants as they walk down Beltrami Avenue on Friday, March 17, 2023 in downtown Bemidji.
Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer
Participants make their way down Beltrami Avenue during the world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Friday, March 17, 2023 in downtown Bemidji.
Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer
Madelyn Haasken is the multimedia editor at Bemidji Pioneer. She is a 2020 graduate of Bemidji State University with a degree in Mass Communications with minors in Writing and Design. In her free time, she enjoys watching ice hockey, doing crossword puzzles, and being outdoors.
