March 11, 2026

This piece is sponsored by Central Bank.

Even beloved community traditions aren’t guaranteed to last forever – it takes committed supporters like the one that stepped up this year for the 46th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Central Bank will serve as the presenting “Emerald City” sponsor of the popular event, which will be Saturday, March 14, in downtown Sioux Falls.

“Sioux Falls is blessed to have many great events, but it takes the help of sponsors to make it all happen, and we are lucky to have Central Bank walk alongside us,” said Ryan Murphy, chair of the St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza Committee.

“They stepped right up into the presenting sponsorship.”

While the Brown family, which owns Central Bank, does have Irish roots, “our support of the Sioux Falls St. Patrick’s Day Parade goes far beyond heritage,” said Joe Gannon, senior loan officer at Central Bank.

“At its core, this sponsorship reflects Central Bank’s commitment to family, community pride and long-standing local relationships. The parade brings people together across generations, something we deeply value as a community bank.”

Sponsorship support is critical to ensure the event is able to be sustainable, Murphy added.

“Just like so many things these days, the cost of producing an event is going up, and for Central Bank to believe not only in us but to believe in the Sioux Falls community as a whole speaks volumes,” he said.

“I think for any community event it’s nice to be recognized and know that your work is adding to our overall quality of life here. We certainly have goals in how to grow the event, and when you suddenly have the backing of Central Bank, those ideas can start to come alive.”

One new element to the event this year is a mascot: “Sean the Leprechaun” will greet visitors throughout the day. Team members from Central Bank will join Sean during the parade and staff a booth behind the fountain near the Phillips Avenue Diner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We’ll be giving out green swag, have face paint and temporary tattoos available and have a photo booth set up for attendees to take festive photos,” Gannon said.

The parade will be led by grand marshal Kelly Grogan, a longtime member of Sioux Falls Fire Rescue who retired in 2014. Anyone can enter a float or walk in the parade as long as they are registered or part of a registered group and are wearing an official St. Patrick’s Day Parade button.

Expect to see plenty of green around town, too, as various landmarks will be lit in the signature St. Patrick’s Day color. Central Bank will sponsor lighting the Falls green March 13-17.

“We’re proud to serve Sioux Falls not just as a financial institution but as an active community partner,” Gannon said.

“Events like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade are reminders that strong communities are built through connection, shared traditions and collective support. As a local bank with local decision-making, we believe in investing where we live and work — and we’re grateful for opportunities like this to celebrate alongside our customers and neighbors.”

For the organizers, Central Bank’s sponsorship support allows them to continue producing the city’s longest-running parade.

“We’re proud to uphold the vision parade founder Sylvia Henkin had 45 years ago of a ‘People’s Parade’ that is all-inclusive, does not discriminate and celebrates our community,” Murphy said.

“And we know it makes an impact. According to Downtown Sioux Falls Inc., the parade attendance averages between 10,000 and 15,000 people and can double during warmer years. With that, there’s an economic impact throughout downtown and within the entire city.”

Whether you’ve already made the parade an annual tradition or are looking for a new way to celebrate, Murphy encourages you to stop by this year’s event.

“There is a lot that can divide us as a community these days, but we feel the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one where we can all come together and celebrate,” he said.

“It’s that spring break time when we can emerge from the cold and have a good time.”

Parade information

The traditional painting of the shamrock takes place at 11 a.m. March 14 in front of The First National Bank at Ninth Street and Phillips Avenue. This event is open to the public. Phillips will be closed between Ninth and 10th streets at 10:45 a.m.

The parade starts at 2 p.m. at Phillips and 13th Street, ending near Second Street. Streets adjacent to the route close at 1:30 p.m., and parking on Phillips is restricted starting late Saturday morning. Parade staging begins at 12:30 p.m. on First Avenue between 11th and 14th streets.

Parade participation buttons cost $3 and are available in advance at Blarney Stone Pub, 605 Running Co. and The Cookie Jar Eatery. Buttons also may be purchased on March 14 before the parade starts.

This year, St. Francis House, a nonprofit serving the homeless, will receive a portion of button sales. Each year, the committee partners with a nonprofit to support its mission. A fun fact: St. Francis House was founded March 17, 1987, and was christened by Father James Doyle, who later became Monsignor James Doyle and served as the parade’s grand marshal in 1999.

“We also appreciate that the event supports local nonprofits. That combination of celebration and community impact aligns naturally with who we are,” Gannon said.

“It allows families to gather, create memories and enjoy a great tradition while also generating meaningful support for organizations that serve Sioux Falls year-round. For us, it’s about showing up for our community in a way that reflects our values and helps strengthen the place we all call home.”