Friendly Sons of St. Parade

As spring break comes into view, so do the dancing leprechauns and floats at the St. Patrick’s Parade in Des Moines. When the Vice President of the Friendly Sons of St. Pattrick, Tony Schmid, was questioned about the Parade here were his responses. When asked, how long has this parade been going on, he answered “The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Iowa was formed in 1976 as a not-for-profit benevolent organization that’s primary goal was to promote activities that would raise funds for local charities while also celebrating Irish heritage. We began putting on the parade in the early 1980s.” While we’re talking about the parade’s past, let’s hear about the craziest moment in its history. When questioned, “What is the craziest thing that has happened at the parade, ” he explained, “The craziest thing I have experienced was the year my family’s float handed out 1000 green-and-white striped beach balls in the parade, the crowd went crazy for them!”

Although the parade is a sight to see each year, the parade can only keep going if sponsors are backing it. A frequent question to Mr. Schmid is how are the sponsors chosen;  he replied by explaining, “We work year-round in search of “sponsors” which consist of individuals and groups that can support us in ways such as their time, resources, connections, and financial backing which in turn, both helps us with our original club mission statement of donating to local charities and also putting on our annual parade.” As the sponsors change, so does the parade. The parade grows each year, so when questioned how the parade has changed since it first started up, Mr. Schmid excitedly responded, “The parade was very small and modest in its first years with just a few floats, participants, and spectators but has grown into a huge downtown Des Moines event every year that had over 100 floats and attracted over 20,000 spectators some years”. As much as the parade has changed over the years not everyone has had time to experience this event and may have this year be their first. When asked, what tips he has for first-timers, he recommended, “My tips are to get there early for easy parking and best viewing spots, bring a chair, and plan to dress in layers (including a raincoat) because we never know what the weather is gonna do and the parade goes on rain or shine.” When there are first-timers there are also ones who have turned this into a tradition and do not want this to be another year of breaking their neck to see the attraction. There are a few places where people should stand during the parade, and Mr. Schmid explains that “Good spots to view everything can be had the entire length of the parade but my current favorite is from our all-ages “tailgate parade party” location at 13th and Grand which we started last year as another way to help raise funds to cover parade costs.” As much as good spots are important, that cannot be the only reason. 

Mr. Schmid is an avid advocate for the St. Patricks parade and explains, “I think people should attend our parade for several reasons: It’s a family-friendly event, It’s free for everyone to attend, It’s one of the largest parades held in the city of Des Moines on an annual basis, thanks to our dedicated commitment to safety we are one of the only parades still permitted to give out items to our spectators, It’s a fun springtime outdoor event and It’s a great way for not only our club members but all of the members of our community to come together and celebrate our cherished Irish heritage.” 

Much thought goes into making the float designs. The designs, Mr. Schmid, are chosen in a process that involves the general public. “The general public is always welcome to contact our club and find out what it takes to enter a float in our parade. Then float designs are up to each group to decide on.” Now that the designs are chosen, how does it become what people see on the streets? “The groups, which consist of everyone from families, businesses, political candidates to entire towns and communities, then invest their own time and money to build the floats and purchase candy, beads, etc.” 

The floats take time and effort to make, and drive during the parade; so what will viewers get out of them? “The majority of items that are handed out at the parade are usually beaded necklaces and candy but we have seen everything from potatoes and cabbages to icy pops and the beach balls I talked about earlier”, explains Mr. Schmid. As much as all this free stuff is fun, not everything can be thrown off the floats. When asked, Are there any guidelines or restrictions for what can be handed out at the parade, he replied, “As long as the items are family-friendly and appropriate and are given out safely we have no restrictions at this time.” As much as this year is important, what comes after is just as important.

The future of the parade will be in good hands, explains Mr. Schmid. “The Friendly Sons are constantly working on building the parade into something that will be around for future generations by searching for more sponsors to help with the always increasing costs, finding ways to get better exposure of our name and our mission, growing projects like our tailgate party and of course, always making safety a priority for everyone involved!” As mentioned earlier this event has gone on for years there must be a part that the Vice President loves. When asked, what is your favorite part of the parade is, he answered, “My absolute favorite part of the parade is the way a young person’s face lights up when I hand them candy, beads, etc.” In the end, the St. Patrick’s Parade run by the Friendly Sons of St. Pattrick is a great chance for great memories that will remind you of a grand green day. Thank you to the Vice President of this great group for your involvement in this article.