As March approaches, anticipation builds in Crosslake, Minnesota, for one of the region’s most cherished traditions—the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This year marks the 51st anniversary of this beloved event, and with it comes a host of exciting updates and new features that promise to make the celebration even more memorable.
Photography from: Buffalo Media Group / Crosslake Chamber of Commerce
A Celebration of Community and Change
For over five decades, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade has served as a cornerstone of community engagement, bringing together locals and visitors alike to revel in the joy of the occasion. This year’s theme, "The Magic of Change," perfectly encapsulates the parade’s evolving nature while honoring its deep-rooted traditions. The parade has consistently grown in scope and significance, serving as a platform for local businesses and organizations to connect with the community and showcase their support for this annual festivity.
Exciting Updates and Additions
This year’s parade features a range of enhancements designed to improve both safety and enjoyment for attendees. Organizers have taken feedback from previous years to heart, implementing logistical changes such as a new parade start time at 1PM, updated safety protocols, and additional community volunteer opportunities. We're going back to the traditional 1.5-mile route, starting in Crosslake Town Square and ending at the Cross/Daggett bridge just north of MarineMax, a perfect conclusion to the festivities. The return of the iconic Blinky Button remains a highlight, allowing attendees to enjoy special discounts at participating local businesses while adding to the festive atmosphere. You can pick those up at almost any local business in the Crosslake Area.
The Heart of the Parade: Local Voices and Stories
From longtime committee members to new volunteers, each person plays a vital role in making the celebration a success. Their dedication underscores the importance of volunteerism and how every contribution, big or small, enriches the experience for everyone involved.
Supporting Local Businesses Beyond the Festivities
A major takeaway from this year’s discussion is the crucial role that local businesses play in sustaining the event and the broader community. This year we are emphasizing the importance of shopping local, not just during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations but all year long. These businesses form the backbone of Crosslake’s vibrant culture, and their support ensures that beloved traditions like this parade continue to thrive for years to come.
Join the St. Patricks Day Celebration on March 15, 2025
As we prepare for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, we invite you to be part of the magic. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a first-time visitor, this event is more than just a parade—it’s a celebration of Crosslake’s spirit, where tradition and togetherness come to life. Mark your calendars for March 15, and join us in making this year’s celebration one to remember!
At Larson Group Real Estate, we’re proud to support the events and traditions that make our community so special. If you’re looking to make Crosslake your home or find the perfect lakeside retreat, we’re here to help. Let’s celebrate the magic of community together!
Complete Schedule Below is from Crosslake Chamber of Commerce:
THURSDAY
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9AM // St Paddy's Pot O' Gold - first clue released
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4 - 9PM // Meat Raffle, Horse Races and Bingo (Fifty Lakes Bar & Bottle Shop 40447 Town Hall Road)
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6 - 8PM // Loon & Lakes Trivia - (14 Lakes Craft Brewing Co. 36846 CR 66)
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8PM // Trivia (Moonlite Bay 37627 CR 66)
FRIDAY
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9AM // St Paddy's Pot O' Gold - second clue released
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5 - 7PM // 11th Clover Dash 5K / Ruck / Kids Run packet pickup (Shoppe 218 35746 Allen Ave)
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6PM // Live Music featuring Seth Doud (Manhattan's 39051CR 66)
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6 - 9PM // Meet the Masters - A St. Pat's Picasso Experience (Kicks the Art Place 36066 CR 3)
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6 - 10PM // Meat Raffle and Live music featuring Mark Pederson Band (Crosslake Legion 35112 CR 3)
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7 PM // Sound Journey and Yoga Nidra (Wing Wellness 35494CR 3)
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7PM // DJ Mike (Andy's Bar & Grill 35453 CR 3)
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8 - 11PM // Live music featuring Mike Derus (Ox Lake Tavern 38136 CR 66)
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10PM - 2AM // DJ Music at the Bay (Moonlite Bay 37627 CR 66)
SATURDAY
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8:30 - 10:30AM // 11th Clover Dash 5K / Ruck / Kids Run (Crosslake Town Square 35746 Allen Ave)
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9 AM // St Paddy's Pot O' Gold - third and final clue released
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9AM-3:30PM //Whitefish Lodge Bingo and Parking Lot Party (Whitefish Lodge & Suites 14150 Swann Drive)
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Bingo - 9 a.m. Doors open with food garden and full bar indoors
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10 a.m. - Bingo starts - Must register at www.whitefishlodge.com
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Parking Lot Party - 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tent open with food garden and full bar
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11:30 - 1 p.m. and 2 - 3:30p.m. Live music featuring Shane Martin
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10AM - 1PM // Parade Pre Party(Crosslake Town Square 35770 Allen Ave)
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10AM - 4PM // Burgers and Bar with DJ Mike (Andy's Bar & Grill 35453 CR 3)
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10:30AM - 1PM // Parade Participant Shuttle Service - Complimentary for parade participants only. Park & ride the free shuttle from The Log Church (37218 CR 66) to Crosslake Community School. (One way only before the parade - no shuttle after the parade)
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11AM - 12:30PM // Hot Dogs, Chips & a Drink Fundraiser (Crosslake Community School PTO 35808 CR 66)
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11 - 1PM // DJ Paul - Riverside Tavern
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1PM // 51ST ANNUAL ST PATRICK'S DAY PARADE & CELEBRATION (VIEW MAP)
AFTER THE PARADE - Celebrations throughout Crosslake
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1 - 6 PM // Riverside Tavern - DJ Paul
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2 - 9PM // 14 Lakes Craft Brewing Co. Live music featuring Mike Derus till 5pm; Mike Miller till 9pm
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2PM - 2AM // Moonlite Bay Live Music featuring Brian O'Brien after the parade; DJ's JP and Dana till close
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3PM // Manhattan's - Live Music featuring Kings Ransom
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4 - 7PM // Maucieri's - Live music featuring Lisa Wenger Band with Bruce McCabe
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4 - 7PM // Andy's Bar & Grill - DJ Mike
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6 - 9PM // Fifty Lakes Bar & Bottle Shop Corned Beef & Cabbage and Live Music featuring Prairie Smoke
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7 - 10PM // Patrick's Cedar Chest - Live Music featuring Mark Johnson & Brent Passarella
Friday, March 21, 2025
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6PM // St. Patrick's Raffle Ticket Drawing Party (Maucieri's Italian Bistro 34650 CR 3)
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Enjoy food and beverage specials as we pull all the winning raffle tickets!
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Need not be present to win!
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More than $10,000 in Raffle Prizes donated by local businesses!
At Larson Group Real Estate, we’re proud to support the events and traditions that make our community so special. If you’re looking to make Crosslake your home or find the perfect lakeside retreat, we’re here to help. Let’s celebrate the magic of community together!
