Snake Saturday is unique to the Kansas City area. Its roots, history, and community-focused charm make it a one-of-a-kind tradition. While many cities across the United States host St. Patrick’s Day parades and festivals, Snake Saturday stands out due to its emphasis on family-friendly fun, charitable giving, and the close-knit atmosphere it fosters in the local community.

Its blend of a parade, carnival, cook-offs, and dedicated support for non-profits is something special. The event has become a hallmark of North Kansas City's identity and is deeply tied to its origins. So while other cities have Irish-themed festivities, there’s nothing quite like Snake Saturday anywhere else!

Snake Saturday began in 1983 as a promotional event for the Rodeway Inn in Kansas City, Missouri. The first parade was a modest affair, featuring just four floats in the motel's parking lot. Despite the chilly 10-degree weather, the event was a success and quickly grew into a beloved tradition. It was founded by Mickey Finn and Bill Grigsby, who envisioned a family-friendly celebration tied to St. Patrick's Day. Over the years, Snake Saturday has evolved into one of the largest Irish-themed celebrations in the region. It includes a parade, festival, and charity fundraiser, with cash prizes awarded to local non-profits. Since its inception, the event has raised approximately $2 million for charities.

The name "Snake Saturday" is a nod to the legend of Saint Patrick driving snakes out of Ireland. Each year, the event features a unique theme, adding a fresh twist to the festivities.

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Many of the same floats, bands, and performers often participate in both Snake Saturday and the Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade. This overlap stems from the shared celebration of Irish heritage in the region, as well as the logistics of organizing such events close together on the calendar. However, the context in which they appear can feel quite different. The larger crowds and urban backdrop of the Kansas City St. Pat Parade add an energetic and expansive ambiance. It's like seeing the same song performed in an intimate club versus a stadium—the essence is the same, but the experience differs!

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Kansas City's St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the larger and more prominent celebrations in the Midwest, drawing over 600,000 attendees. While it might not rival the massive events in places like Chicago or New York, it still holds a significant place in the region's St. Patrick's Day festivities. Its charm lies in its mix of grand spectacle and strong local pride

The Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade began in 1974 as a small and quirky event, humorously dubbed "the world's shortest and worst parade." It started as a downtown street party, reflecting the city's Irish heritage and community spirit. Over the years, the parade gained popularity, growing into a major celebration that now attracts over 400,000 attendees annually. In 2009, the parade route moved to Midtown, honoring the area's rich history of Irish immigrants. Today, it’s a cherished tradition, featuring vibrant floats, marching bands, and a sea of green along Broadway Boulevard.

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For over 20 years prior to COVID, we regularly attended both parades... I loved mixing with the vibrant crowds. Now, we avoid large crowds. Sigh. Now, we just watch on TV https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/snake-saturday-parade-to-air-live-on-ksmo-tv-stream-on-kctv5com/ar-AA1AjTwo?ocid=BingNewsVerp

And eat cake. VBG.