St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day - Page Text Content

S: Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade Golden Jubilee Book 2012

BC: Created by the Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade History Committee: Maureen Gargan Caldwell and Richard Caldwell March 2012

FC: Copyright © The Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee

1: How do you begin to tell the story of Denver’s finest community event for the past 50th years? Many argue that the parade has become the single largest gathering of Colorado residents every year in one place, where everyone sets aside their own heritage to become Irish for a day. Many people are under the misconception that the parade is organized and presented by the City of Denver every year. The parade is actually organized and driven by a group of volunteers formed 50 years ago and officially incorporated as the Denver St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, Inc. in 1986. | The committee is a charitable organization with each and every one of its committed volunteers. Each member has a deep love for the Irish culture and enjoys sharing that sense of pride with the entire Denver community with year-round efforts, culminating with the parade day event. Before we begin with the Parade start in the 60s, we should recap the history of St. Patrick’s Day Parades in Denver. | A St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Denver actually dates back to 1889 when Denver held its very first St Patrick’s Day Parade. As was the tradition at that time Division 1 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians kicked off the celebrations with a Grand Ball the night before the parade. It was held at the then Special Hall at the Denver Chamber of Commerce and was lit entirely by gas lamps. The Rocky Mountain News covered the Grand Ball as well as the parade and reported the Grand Ball was “the most prominent and pleasing social event in the city” with “hundreds of couples dancing the night away.” The parade began the next morning at 9:15 and was led by Grand Marshal Frank McGuire. Actual numbers were not recorded, but the parade itself consisted of two divisions of several Irish groups including the Ancient Order of Hibernians with some groups numbering close to one hundred. The parade finished in time for all to attend high Mass at St Elisabeth's Church.

2: Parades in Denver continued from 1889 through 1921 with the same route: starting at Fourteen Street and Lawrence, down Fourteenth Street to Colfax Avenue, to South Fourteenth Street over to Broadway, with a trip in front of the Capitol and eventually working itself back to Fourteenth and Larimer Streets. In 1902, the Ancient Order of Hibernians held their national convention in July and utilized all of their funds for the convention (where over 3,000 were in attendance). The parade was canceled that year for purely economic reasons, but a large, well-attended Ball at the Denver Coliseum had a thirty piece orchestra with a planned set of over 24 dances. From 1907 until 1920 the combination of the parade and the Ball were the largest social events of the City of Denver and surrounding regions. | It was not until the early 1960s that the parade re-emerged. There are many accounts of what actually happened. This history includes the common elements of each pulled from the Denver Post, Rocky Mountain News, handwritten accounts and interviews. One account has the beginnings of the Parade in 1962 at “Sullivan’s Grill” at 14th and Glenarm Pl. where three men, Pocky Marciano, columnist, Rocky Mountain News, Red Fenwick, columnist Denver Post and Jim Eakins, parole officer, Denver met regularly. Their favorite stools were at the end of the bar with a clear view of the front door so they could meet and greet their many friends entering. The three had planned to do something this special night of March 17, 1962. After a few drinks, each one of them pulled out a small American flag and all three rose, headed out the door to the middle of the street where they formed a single line and marched around the block. Everyone in Sullivan’s came out and cheered the three on (as told by Pocky Marciano to Lynn LaGrange). | In 1964 Don Bower designed the crest above that would be worn on green blazers by the charter members. Bob Hart ordered the green blazers from WIlliams men's store in Denver. Charter members considered the parade start as 1962.

3: Another popular account (as documented by Denver Post columnist Tom Noel) has the beginning of the Parade in 1962 this time in Duffy’s Tavern. The place was called Duffy’s Shamrock Bar, Irish Coffee House and Restaurant. At Duffy’s a group of mostly Denver Post journalists met regularly for drinks; they called themselves the “Evil Companions Club”. In 1962 the “Evil Companions” with help of the tavern owners convinced Adolph Coors Company into greening the beer for St. Patrick’s Day. Holding a single small American flag, the three left the bar and marched around the block to cheers of many bystanders. Even Tom Noel admits there are various accounts of the beginnings of the parade and his is just one. | Most accounts agree that the idea of an “official parade” came to fruition in 1962 with the visit of the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Robert Briscoe. This year a small informal parade was held on April 17 because of a visit to Denver from Dublin’s Lord Mayor Robert Briscoe. His honor dined at Duffy’s with the Irish American contingent that knew or heard of the visit. The Lord Mayor Robert Briscoe of Dublin was met at 8:30am at Stapleton Airport, Denver, by a welcoming committee consisting of Lt Gov. Robert Knous and Bernard Duffy, proprietor of Duffy’s Shamrock Tavern and Irish Coffee House. Upon his arrival he was driven in a motorcade to the Brown Palace Hotel where he met with business and industry leaders to promote Irish products and industry. Most accounts agree that the inspiration that got the parade restarted in 1963 as an official event was the visit of the Lord Mayor. After the meeting, a large group piled into Duffy’s Shamrock Restaurant Bar at 1635 Court Street where the group lamented the deceased parade that had once been the hallmark social event for Denver until 1920. The group talked about organizing for an official parade in 1963. | Brian Moran, and his uncle Michael Moran from Ireland | Michael Moran and Stephen McNichols, the Governor of Colorado

4: In 1963, Louis Walsh, a state revenue department auditor and head of the Irish Fellowship Club, was delegated to find a chairman for an official parade. Committee member Charlie Gallagher assumed the task immediately. While riding the elevator at work in the State House, Charlie asked someone what he thought of the parade idea. "Not much" the individual replied, “the last parade participants from the YMCA were stoned by the Masons. However, if you are still interested in that stuff, call my son, Jim Eakins, who is with the Interstate Probation and Parole Dept. and runs the Flag Day Parade for the American Legion.” Walsh’s friend Jim Eakins had been staging parades for the American Legion since 1956 so he was the logical choice. Eakins hit the phone and started calling his Legion friends and about a dozen decided to help out. Many meetings were held in Duffy's bar and some of the regulars included, Bob Hart, Joe McGoey (part owner and VP of Duffy's Delicious Drinks), Elmer Tintera (from N.C.R.). The Parade Committee was officially formed and Denver held its first “official” St. Patrick’s Day Parade since the early 1920s. There were 70 floats and marching units in the parade that year and despite the unusually high winds that day the streets were lined with spectators.

5: Early on, Eakins formed a group called "The Wearers of the Green" and printed and sold membership cards for $2.00 each in order to raise seed money for the venture. The first Parade Grand Marshal was Michael O’Moran from Ireland. Mr. O’Moran was the Minister of Lands and brother to parade founder, John Moran From these early days through the 1990s the Denver Black Thorn Society (including many of the founders of the Parade) led the other entries through the streets of Denver. A delegation of Irish leaders headed by Bernard Duffy and Mayor Dick Ballerton traveled to Cheyenne, Wyoming to invite Mayor Bill Nation to participate. | Jim Eakins meeting with Mayor Tom Currigan

6: The first unofficial parade in 1962 got things rolling. Eakins pulled together 15 men as charter members to pull off a parade in 1963. Some were very prominent business men, as John T. "Jack" Horan recounted during the 28th Annual Queen Colleen Coronation Ball: "Three of the charter members are here tonight: Eddie Day, Retired Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court. Tom Gargan, Retired Blue Cross Executive; Eddy Smith, still active in banking and the first Treasurer of the Parade Committee. Other Charter members included Jim Eakins, Don Bower, Bob Hart,Charlie O'Brien and Nick Frangos. During this time there has been one lady involved in all of our work, our backbone Marie Eakins. " The Irish Fellowship Club, and its growing number of members played a key role in organizing the parade. Members Sally O'Connor, Margaret Donavan, Dolores Leahy, Kitty Heffernan, Joyce Carter, Mary Feeny and Dorothy Conley, and many others were in charge of the decorations, secretarial work, fund raising and whatever it took to have successful parade. With the leadership of Jim Eakins. In the first official parade, Miss Evelyn Maher was our first Queen. From 1963 to 1965 the Parade crowned their own Queen, titled "Queen of the Emerald Isle". The coronation ball was one of Denver's largest social events. In 1965 the Parade Committee changed the name of the Queen to "Queen Colleen". Many bands participated in 1963 including the Gold Sash Band, Highlanders Boys’ Bands, Centennial Grenadiers, the American Legion Post 1 and bands from all divisions of the armed forces.

7: While our official origins start in 1962, in 1963 the founders applied for a permit for an official parade on 17 March—with official parade entries and actual advertisement of the parade. There were about 5,000 people on hand to watch the parade, in what was described as one of the worst windstorms in years. There were over 70 marching units this first year and invitations to the parade went out to the mayors of 53 towns and cities in Colorado. The high winds caused the parade to be cut in half, marking only 12 blocks vice the planned 24. The winds were so bad that many store front windows were broken out causing the parade route to move from 16th street to a route that lead from 15th St. to Tremont Pl, across to 17th St. to Lincoln St. and then south on 14th St. where the parade ended. The parade lasted an hour and Jim Eakins the first Parade Chairman said “Everyone was pleased, It was an unqualified success. We'll be back next year.” One of the most impressive entries was the Denver Police Department's K-9 Corps. The Festivities concluded with a gala at St. Patrick's Day Charity Ball held at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.

8: In 1964 the parade was led by Grand Marshal T. Joe Cahill, then 87. Mr. Cahill was a frontier peace officer. He was the deputy sheriff who carried out the hanging of Tom Horn, the famous Indian scout and frontier character. Cahill later served as the chief of police in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Others riding with Cahill included Mayor Currigan, honorary parade chairman, Stan Palka and Jim Eakins. The Queen was Mary Heidt. There were more than 2000 participants who marched, sang, rode, galloped or danced along the parade route. The temperatures were in the low 30s and it was a windy day. Sometime after the 1962 parade, Bob Hart, who was one of the parade's charter members organized the Black Thorn Society. As Tom Gargan, also one of the Parade's charter members relates in a 1992 history letter to the Parade Committee: | “ He (Bob Hart) had ordered three dozen Black Thorn Sticks from Ireland. They arrived at his office at KLZ radio, and he didn’t have an office large enough to store them. Bob called an artist to sketch out the invitation which was sent out to prospective members of the Black Thorn Society, asking for ten dollars for membership in the Black Thorn Society. He later went to Jack Williams, of Williams Men’s Store on south Broadway and ordered the first green blazers. Bob also went to Cottrels and saw Jack McLaughlin who ordered the green top hats to complete the outfit and march in the parade. These outfits were worn for the first time in the first or second parade and thereafter worn in subsequent parades. Don Bowers, also a charter member of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, designed the patch that is worn on the blazers.” Some of the original members of the Black Thorn Society included; Jim Eakins, Red Fenwick, Pete Smythe, Tom Gargan, Jack Denny, John Dunn and others. | We don't have too many accounts of the parade in 1965 and 1966. We do know the Queen in 1965 was Susan O'Tool and the Queen in 1966 was Tonie Hoog. | John Moran

9: In 1967 the theme was “The Irish in the West”. Over 150 units were now marching in the parade. Members of the Colorado Cattleman’s Association marched to celebrate their centennial. The American Legion, located at 1300 Broadway, hosted the parade luncheon of conned beef and cabbage. Joan "Logan" Campbell of Loretto Heights College was the Queen Colleen. In 1968, Jim Eakins was persuaded to ride in style for once, he ripped his trousers, getting into the auto and had to sit out the whole march. He never rode again after that year. The Queen in 1968 was Vicki Hissing. | In 1969 Jim Eakins made the declaration that “There will be more horses featured than in any other parade in the United States”. The Westernaires entered over 150 horses as well as the Al Kaly Mule Team from Pueblo, CO. The Union Pacific Chairman Eddie Baily was one of the Grand Marshals. Union Pacific was celebrating its 100th anniversary as well as the American Legion celebrating its 50th anniversary. Huge bands from all armed forces marched in the parade. New to this year was the participation of the Wyoming “Mountain Men” from Green River and Lander, Wyoming. The Queen that year was Debbie Myers.

10: In 1970 the parade rose to over 200 plus units marching. There were Irish wolfhounds, Dan Daily was Grand Marshal, and “Queen of the Emerald Isle” Miss Adria Easton was Queen Colleen. Snoopy, from the Charles Schultz Charlie Brown comic strip made his first appearance this year. The Shriners participated, performing their first series of intricate motorcycle maneuvers. The Irish Fellowship Club's float caught fire. It was housed on wheels, complete with a smoking chimney, only the chimney started blazing instead of smoking. Luckily next in line was the Arvada Volunteer Fire Department carrying their equipment. The blaze was squelched and the crowd cheered thinking it was an act! In 1971 we saw our first Queen Colleen, Debi Wein was crowned with a homemade crown of green metal shamrocks. The Grand Marshal was Cajun King Eddy Dufresne. at the parade Eddy gave out small brass pendants with "Ed Dufresne World Cajun King" on the front and "Denver, Colorado 1971" on the back. Shrimp Jambalaya was served at the American Legion which was then situated on Broadway between 14th and 15th Avenue.

11: This is from the 1974 Parade. in this picture you will find Senator John C Leary, Frank Byrne, Justice Edward Day, Judge John Dunn, John Moran, Charles O'Brien, and other charter members. The Grand Marshal in 1974 was Jim Hannan, National President Navy League. Mayor Bill McNichold was an honorary Chairman of the parade and would occasionally attend board meetings.

12: In 1972 over 30,000 people watched the parade. The temperature was a balmy 71 degrees. The first controversy surrounding the parade included the American Indian Movement objecting to the Westernaires depiction of their culture. “They’re making fools of us and our culture”. This was the first time the parade claimed it was the second largest—second only to that of New York City. In 1972 Debi Mason was our Queen. in 1973 it was Vicky Lambert. | In 1973 the Parade Committee lost Colorado's Democratic congresswoman, Patricia Schroeder. She was to ride in the lead car, but when the parade started at 10:30 am, Mrs. Schroeder was missing and the car moved off empty. Jim Eakins found her 10 units later, marching with the bearded, buckskin-clad members of the Denver Muzzle Loading Gun Club. The Queen Colleen was Vicky Lambert. In 1975 our Queen was Tracy Wolf. | To the Right: 1973 Mayor Bill McNichols, his son Steve McNichols (both served as honorary Parade Chairs) and Representative Patricia Schroeder.

13: In 1977 City Council President Ed Burke told the committee that, under an ordinance enacted the previous year, this years line of march would be on 14th and 15th Streets. “There will be no wearing ‘o’ the green on 16th Street, “ Burke told the committee. “The Downtown Denver Merchants Association considers a parade a disrupting influence and they want you to stay off of 16th Street.” John Cleary, one of the founders of the parade, took the City Council to task with the help of Jim Eakins. The City Council voted the Wednesday before the parade to allow the original route to stay intact. 1977 was the year of a major blizzard and it shortened the parade as some units could not make it from out of town to Denver, nevertheless, 6,000 spectators lined the route. The Queen was Marty Harris. In 1978 Jim Eakins honored the Greeley Stampede Parade Committee by having Marueen Bunting appointed as Queen Colleen with a Junior Queen as well. Over the years our friends in Greeley had come through with help and assistance when needed. However representing the Parade Committee at all the official functions during parade week was Maureen Gargan, daughter of Tom Gargan. | 1970s Parade Meeting, with Jim Eakins and Marie Eakins. | 1978 Queen Marueen Bunting

14: In 1979 the City of Denver renamed Larimer Square Clancy Square with Irish entertainment. Green beer and corned beef and cabbage were on the menu of many local establishments. The number of parade participants had grown considerably, so the parade start time was moved back 30 minutes to 10 a.m. Nearly 10,000 persons marched in 210 units. There were twenty bands, military units, civic clubs and service groups. Larry Hagman star of the television show "Dallas" was the Grand Marshal. The night before the parade, the committee held the Grand Marshal reception at Post 1 American Legion, Leyden-Chiles-Wickersham. Hagman crowned the St. Patrick's Day Queen Colleen Kay Hoghaug and two ladies-in-waiting, Terry Tuffield and Kathellen Rogan.

15: In 1980 the parade itself consisted of over 10,000 people. A mini-tour of Denver celebrated the gigantic and “rambunctious” St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Larimer Square closed down with the City of Denver Pipe Band and Irish Dancers. Senator Dennis Gallagher hosted the first “Irish Rowdy” at the Colorado Heritage Center, now the Colorado History Museum. Crowds were estimated to reach 100,000. Channel 2 News telecast the parade live for the very first time. The Queen was Barbara Leahy. | Left to RIght: Jim King, Eddy Smith, "J.R" Larry Hagman, , VInton Guy, Jim Eakins, Joe Torti

16: In 1981 the theme was “Building of the West”. The West was in a severe drought during the warmest winter on record. Bill Gallegos, hero and returned hostage from Iran, was the Grand Marshal. Jeaneene Wallace (picture to right) was Queen Colleen. Representatives from Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Greeley Stampede participated in the festivities. For the first time cable television carried the parade in 11 states. The committee invited Ronald Reagan to ride in the parade on a horse, but he was not able to attend at the last minute. | In the article to the left, charter member Red Fenwick claims he started the parade. As the years rolled on, stories grew and facts often got mixed with stories. | In the late 70s through most of the 80s, if you were watching the parade you saw Rocky the Leprechaun. Rocky "Rainbow" Broughham was an "unofficial" mascot of the Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade. He was a favorite of Jim Eakins, and since Jim was the Chair and for the most part of the early 70s, financed the parade out of his own pocket, he had Rocky in the Parade. Leprechans had become a standard sight in the Parades.

17: 1982 the Parade Committee was celebrating its 20th anniversary. Jim Eakins was still the Parade Chairman. The parade was televised on KWGN Channel 2 and Beverly Martinez provided commentary. Ned Walker of Channel 2 News walked the street providing on the street interviews. A big attraction this year was the appearance of the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales. The Grand Marshal was Dan Reeves, Head Coach of the Denver Broncos. The parade had become a favorite of local politicians and celebrities such as Pat Paulsen in the article to the right. The QUeen was Bernadetta Malozich.

18: In 1983 the parade, billed as the second largest, next to the Big Apple in New York wound its way on 15th and 17th Streets, crossing over Stout Street and south on Broadway. The reviewing stand was in front of the Civic Center. There were 23 Bands including four Bagpipe Bands. All military branches had entries marching in the parade including the 5th Cavalry from Wyoming. The Grand Marshal was the Honorable Mayor of Denver, William H. McNichols, Jr. who had served as honorary chairman for many years. He would be Grand Marshal again in 1989. His Co-Marshals were combat Viet Nam Veterans from all services. The Queen Colleen in 1983 was Alice “Katherine” Conrad. Long time member Don Roberts was the Master of Ceremonies for the Parade. In 1984 the Grand Marshal was Mrs. Ethel Wyland of the Westernaires. | In 1985 the Grand Marshal was Dale Tooley and we had a special and rare appearance of Mickey Mouse as the Honorary Grand Marshal. Other honorary members included: Governor Richard Lamm, Mayor Federico Pena, Police Chief Tom Coogan and District Attorney Norm Early. The Queen was Emory Moyihan.

19: In Jan 1986, Jim Eakins, one of the original four that marched out of Sullivan's bar and grill to start the parade in 1962, passed away. The parade in 1986 was in Jim's honor. Laura Eakins was the Grand Marshal and the parade was run by the newly elected Chairman, Charles O'Brien. The Grand Queen was Cheryl Loraine Moore. In 1987 the Grand Marshal was Hugh O'Brian, star of motion pictures, television and Broadway. He showed up a little late for the parade and spied a parade hat that Jim Quinn was wearing: a green cowboy hat, O'Brian said "I bet that would look great on me, and the marshal let O'Brian try it on--only he never got it back, O'Brian wore it throughout the parade and took it home with him. The Queen was Elizabeth Hawkins. | In 1988, Denver was celebrating Walt Disney World Days in Denver (March 14-20). There were sweepstakes that included family vacation giveaways. Mickey Mouse was the Grand Marshal. This was not without controversy, many members and organizations expressed their dissatisfaction in writing to the board expressing their feelings that the Grand Marshal should be reserved for those with some connection to the Irish Heritage. Elizabeth Kerrigan was the Queen Colleen. 1989 was another rough year for the committee as Charlie O'Brien died in an auto accident. The Queen Colleen was Laura Elaine Loughry.

20: 1990 was the tribute to the past Presidents, James Eakins and Charlie O'Brien, both charter members of the original parade in 1963. The Grand Marshal was coach Bill McCartney. The Cover of the 28th Annual Parade Magazine was taken from the 1989 Denver Post cover photo shown below of Danny Sullivan of Sullivan's Bar, often thought to be the origin of the impromptu parade in 1962. On his lap is granddaughter Catie. The Queen Colleen was Jennifer Higgins. The new President of the Parade Committee was Jack Horan, a long time board member. | In 1991 the Grand Marshal was Rev. C.B. Woodrich, editor of the Denver Catholic Register. The Parade once again was broadcast on KWGN Channel 2 news and the Master of Ceremonies was Jim Conway of Channel 2. The Queen was Jamie Marie Mack. | 1992 was our 30th anniversary. The parade theme was "Irish Eyes are Smiling". The Grand Marshal was Tom Sutherland, and although technically a Scotsman, he served us well. The Queen Colleen was Doriann Selby. In 1993 the theme was "Irish Heritage in America", Jack Horan was still serving as President of the committee and our Grand Marshal was Edward C. Day, Retired Colorado Supreme Court Justice. Justice Day was one of the Charter members of the committee. The Queen Colleen was Christine Kirk. In 1994 the theme was Shamrock and Shillelaghs", programs were sold for 25cents and our Grand Marshal was Dan Issel, head coach of the Denver Nuggets. The Queen was Amy Schaupeter. In 1995 the Parade had its first female president of the committee, Jerry Sheely, and the parade had its first female Grand Marshal; Shelia Gargan, daughter of charter member Tom Gargan. The Queen was Ashley Sisler. Ashly had knee surgery mid summer and relinquished her duties to 1st Runner up Shannon Sweeney who finished the year filling the duties of Queen Colleen.

21: In 1996, Jack Horan once again served as President of the committee, the Grand Marshal was Colorado Senior Judge, John Lawrence Kane, Jr. The Queen Colleen was Laura Anais Smith. In 1997, the theme was "Ireland Forty Shades of Green" and the Committee President was Thomas G. Reilly, our Grand Marshal was Councilman Dennis Gallagher and the Queen Colleen was Regan O'Brien Flannigan. In 1998 our committee President was Tom Morrissey, the Grand Marshal was Pete Smyth, one of the founding members of the Black Thorn Society and our Queen Colleen was Jessica Elizabeth Welch. The theme was "Of Irish Laughter". The decade closed with our 1999 Grand Marshal being Fr. Fredrick McCallin. Since Copper Mountain entered into the parade with singer, song writer MIchael Martin Murphy riding on a horse, he was made our Honorary Grand Marshal. The Queen that year was Lindsey Smith. | The Air Force Academy entered the Commanders in Chief Trophy in the Parade in 1992

22: The parade in 2000 was themed "Ireland: Land of the Legends" the committee was honoring Past President and long time committee member Jack Horan and his wife Valerie. Jack served for seven years as our President. Mayor Wellington Webb of Denver issued a proclamation marking our 38th year as Denver's largest Parade. Serving as President was Thomas Morrissey another long time member of the committee. Our Queen was Keelin Rosaleen Burke. The 2001 parade saw Mike Shanahan, coach of the Denver Broncos as the Grand Marshal. James Michael Sullivan, Founder of SullivanHayes Companies was our Honorary Grand Marshal. Our Queen Collen was Rachelle Tracy. Thomas Morrissey was still serving as our President. The 2002 Parade ushered in our 40th anniversary, the theme was "The Irish, Proud to be Americans". The parade committee honored all Retired New York CIty police and firefighters living in the Denver metro area. Our Queen Colleen was Erin O'Neill. The committee honored the memory of The Reverend Robert Durrie, the official Committee Chaplin for 35 years. There were big changes for us in 2003, the parade route was changed to downtown Denver's LoDo District. This was actually a returning to our roots where the St. Patrick's Day Parades occurred a century earlier. The Grand Marshal was Dr. Kevin T. Fitzgerald a staff Veterinarian at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital, Denver. Our Queen Colleen was Shannon Shaeffer. The 2004 Parade theme was "Blarney on Blake Street" and our Grand Marshal was Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. The committee also honored Denver Bronco wide receiver #87 Ed McCaffrey as the Honorary Grand Marshal. Our Queen Colleen was Caitlin Hamilton. "Red White and Blue and Irish, Too!" was the theme in 2005 and the Parade committee had it's own web site for the first time. The committee honored four returning veterans as the Grand Marshals: Lance Corporal Sean Patrick Carroll, USMC; Lance Corporal Jason Murphy, USMC; Senior Master Sergeant Donald Gerrish, USAF; and Senior Master Sergeant Franklin Wayne Bishop, USAF. Our Queen Collen was Clairisa Smith | Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald GM 2003 | Pat McCullough GM 2008

23: In 2006 we celebrated an "Irish Mardi Gras" our Parade Grand marshals were Detective Donnie Young and Detective Jack Bishop of the Denver Sheriff's department. Our Queen was Erin Hartman and Thomas Morrissey was still our Committee President. In 2008 Larry Lawler was elected in as our new Committee President and our theme was "Irish Roots and Cowboy Boots" to pay tribute to the myriad of pioneers, miners and entrpreneures of Irish decent who contributed to the development of the Western Heritage. Our Grand Marshals were members of Texas Ranch House: Jarred Ficklin; Rob White; Robby Cabezuela; Shaun Terhune; and Anders Heintz. Our Grand Marshal was Sara Myers. In 2008 our theme was "Dublin to Denver, Shamrocks to Columbines" and our Grand Marshal was Pat McCullough, head of the Celtic Connection news paper. Our Queen Colleen was Kelly Kretschmar. "Irish with Altitude" was our theme in 2009 and it was a year of repeats as Our Grand Marshal was Dennis Gallagher for the second time in our history and our Queen Colleen was once again Kelly Kretschmar. We elected a new Parade Committee President, Carol Quinn. Again the committee had to pay tribute to a fallen friend. Jeff Luginbuel, a Committee board member who was always willing to go the extra mile. in 2009, 2010 and 2011 we paid tribute in our magazines to some of our fallen when we had to say good by to long time member and past President Jack Horan, and to committee member TomKottenstette. Our Grand Marshals were the Irish performing group The Bridies. In 2010 the board honored Valerie Horan and Bettye Kottenstette as honorary Grand Marshals. Our Queen Colleen was Kerry Barley. Our theme was Shamrockin' In 2011 our theme was Forever Green and it was again another time to say good by to our loved ones. Long time backbone of the Marshals, Walter Beckert passed away. We also said goodby to Sylvia Irene Bigelow another long time committee member. Finally we bid farewell to Lynn LaGrange, a member since the very beginnings of the parade in Denver. Our Grand Marshal was Roz Brown an accomplished local folk musician and member of Alpine Rescue. Our Queen Colleen was Keriayn O'Donnell and our Committee President was David Powell. | Mayor John Hickenlooper GM 2004 | Roz Brown GM 2011

24: The Parade Marshals have the task to stage thousands of people all in order in just three hours. They have to deal with horses, bands, lost children, entries as large as fifty vehicles, politicians, VIPs and just about every kind of culture, military organization and dancing organization. Their day starts at 6am and does not stop until the staging lot is cleaned . Planning takes nearly a year and yet they love what they do. These pages pay tribute to the backbone of the parade; our marshals.

28: These pages are dedicated to our Queens. The first few years our Queens held the title "Queen of the Emerald Isles" early in the 70s they changed to title that they hold today "Queen Collen". Our Queens lead of the parade and are the face of our parade at social events, public affairs events, the changing of the sign, the Grand Marshal Reception

33: In 2011 the Parade Committee started the Little Shamrocks programs. Each year, soon after our Queen Colleen coronation, we select two children to represent us in our parade, as Little Shamrocks.

34: These pages are dedicated to our members, fans parade entries and the people of Denver that come out in larger numbers each year and become Irish for a day! Thank you!

38: For over 10 years Pat Minehane has led off our parade as St. Patrick always with her two trusty helpers in tow.

39: Every Monday before the Parade the Mayor and City Council of Denver, issue a Proclamation about the Parade. The following Thursday prior to the Parade the Mayor joins the Parade Committee in renaming Wazee St. where it crosses 17th St. Tooley Street, in honor of Dale Tooley, former District Attorney for Denver and a long time supporter of the Parade. | The Michael Collins Pipes and Drums band is the official band of the Parade Committee. They perform at meetings, at our Grand Marshal reception and are along with us on pub crawls. They are an award winning band that started in 1996

41: Keith Tooley (L), son of the late Dale Tooley, with long-time parade committee members, Peggy and Larry Lawler, past president of the Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. We honor Dale Tooley each year in our changing of the sign ceremony. | 2011 Queen Colleen Keriayn O'Donnell was our first queen to compete in the Rose of Tralee, International Festival . This is Keriayn playing the bodrum at the festival.

42: March 17, 2012 was our Golden Jubilee Celebration lead by President Michael Dell O’Neill a transplanted Savannah Lad who united our Committee and placed a definitive imprint on the Greatest Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in America! Lám Dearg Éirinn In Omne Tempus