For 28 years, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick have paraded their Irish pride through the streets of downtown Des Moines to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. This year is no different, with the annual parade set to take place Monday, March 17. At noon, the hour long parade will follow its traditional route starting at First Street and Court Avenue and heading north to Walnut Street, west to Fifth Avenue, north to Locust Street, and east on Locust to the Embassy Suites on the River hotel. Retired Des Moines Police Chief William Moulder will serve as grand marshal of the parade. Dennis Connolly, prayer chairman of the group, and Dr. Tom Brekke have been working to organize this year’s celebration. Connolly previously served as the group’s president for two years and has been named “Irishman of the Year” by the group – an honor that carries a distinction in the parade. The Des Moines Business Record spoke with Connolly, who gave us the lowdown on the event.

Q: How many people will participate in the parade?

A: From 800 to 1,000, representing approximately 100 groups.

Q: What kind of attendance do you anticipate?

A: If the weather is nice, we hope to get a total of 5,000 people downtown.

Q: Who will be in this year’s parade?

A: The usual people: politicians, bicyclists, clowns – lots of family-type people.

Q: How many members are in your group?

A: About 150.

Q: Is this the biggest event you sponsor each year?

A: Of course. We shut down the streets of Des Moines by noon, and the great thing is, the police help us do it. You don’t get any better than that.

Q: What other events do you sponsor during the year?

A: We have an “Irishman of the Year” celebration and we work with a variety of charities, giving them thousands of dollars each year. During the summer, we organize several family events. The weekend after the parade, we’ll host our 20th annual 10K and two-mile fun run, March 23.

Q: Do you have to be Irish to become a member of the group?

A: That, or a really good liar.

Q: Is the parade open to non-Irish participants?

A: Yes. But we don’t allow any political activists, unless we agree with them.

Q: What does St. Patrick’s Day mean to you?

A: A lot of hard work because I’m running the parade. Afterwards, I try to find a bar that isn’t too packed. But seriously, I get a kick out of seeing the thing happen. It’s fun to see the streets and skywalks lined with people.

Q: What have you learned about the parade over the years?

A: To keep the horses in the back of the line and that Murphy’s Law will always come true. I married a Murphy, so I’m a firm believer in it.

Q: Is everyone Irish on St. Patrick’s Day?

A: Of course. Aren’t you? If you’re not, don’t come.